Re: (ET) Trouble with my C-185

[Larry Chace <RLC1 etnainstruments com>]

My I-5 had a similar failure that was due to a bad Forward contactor, 
one of the 6-terminal types.  Those devices depend on a spring (and 
gravity) to close the normally-closed contacts, whereas the 
normally-open contacts are closed by the rather hefty electromagnet 
coil.  If the F contactor's normally-closed contacts are open, then 
you'll loose forward motion.  The motor will *not* draw any current 
but will act as if one of its armature connections was missing (which 
it effectively is!).

The older, double-stacked, contactors don't have that problem because 
both sets of contacts are actuated by electromagnetic action.

Larry Chace, Ithaca, NY I-5 and E15