Approach this problem systematically:
1. Check the connections to the solenoid/starter to be sure you have full
voltage there. Low voltage can cause your symptoms.
2. Check to be sure the starter case is tight. I have seen loose bolts on the
case (not the big bolts that attach the starter to the engine) cause similar
problems.
3. Test the solenoid. If you hear it "clicking" when you press the start
button, it's probably o.k. The fact that you report hearing clicking and that,
at times, the starter would spin, indicates that the solenoid may be o.k.
4. If all these check o.k., try by-passing the solenoid by using jumper cables
or an expendable screwdriver to directly energize the starter. a) If it spins
and engages the engine, then the problem is very likely the solenoid. b) if
it spins but does not engage the engine, the problem is likely the Bendix or,
in worst case scenario, you have some broken teeth on the flywheel. c) if it
doesn't spin, then the problem is likely the starter (e.g. a flat spot on the
armature, etc). If either b or c is true, the starter will need to be removed
and serviced.
5. The frozen engine is probably least likely if the engine ran well the last
time it was used and you have oil. As already mentioned, you can test this
possibility by trying to turn the engine with a long handled wrench on the
crank nut at the front of the engine.
Some Perkins installations used two solenoids before the starter. If you have
that situation, test both of them.
Good luck.
Alan Lewis
"Victoria"
Gulfstar 41 #160
Lying Kittery, ME
K1ALL
> Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2008 16:55:38 -0700
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: [Liveaboard] Help - motor doesn't start!
>
>
> I'm at anchor, and don't like the feeling of not being able to turn the
> prop.
>
> Any suggestions or diagnostic ideas? Do I need a new starter, or
> something worse?
>
> This is a Perkins 4.236 (diesel) 1980 model and has worked like a champ,
> starting first time for years. The batteries are fully charged, so
> that's not the problem.
>
> During the last month, the motor sometimes would not start first time.
> Either it made a loud whirring noise, or sometimes just a very loud
> click/clunk. After a few attempts, the motor usually starts. The problem
> seems to have worsened this week. And now it just clicks loudly, no
> starting.
>
> Thanks for any feedback and ideas.
>
> -Neal.
>
> _______________________________________________
> Liveaboard mailing list
> [email protected]
> To adjust your membership settings over the web
> http://www.liveaboardnow.org/mailman/listinfo/liveaboard
> To subscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> To unsubscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> The archives are at http://www.liveaboardnow.org/pipermail/liveaboard/
>
> To search the archives
> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
>
> The Mailman Users Guide can be found here
> http://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/mailman-member/index.html
_________________________________________________________________
Get more from your digital life. Find out how.
http://www.windowslive.com/default.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Home2_082008
_______________________________________________
Liveaboard mailing list
[email protected]
To adjust your membership settings over the web
http://www.liveaboardnow.org/mailman/listinfo/liveaboard
To subscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To unsubscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
The archives are at http://www.liveaboardnow.org/pipermail/liveaboard/
To search the archives http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
The Mailman Users Guide can be found here
http://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/mailman-member/index.html
