This is not exactly correct. The bendix is indeed the mechanical device that causes the starter's pinion gear to mesh with the engine's flywheel. When the shaft of the starter motor spins, the pinion gear is thrown outward along the shaft to engage the flywheel. When the fly wheel is spinning fast enough (when the engine starts), the pinion gear is thrown back along the shaft, disengaging the the pinion. The solenoid is an electromechanical device that is essentially a switch. By applying a small current to the electro-magnet, the switch (heavy contacts) is closed which allows a large current to flow from the battery to the starter. Peter s/v Now or Never! P323
----- Original Message ---- From: Philip & Marilyn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, August 10, 2008 7:09:11 AM Subject: Re: [Liveaboard] update - motor doesn't start! A small point: A bendix spring and a solenoid are different methods by which the starter motor pinion gear is made to engage the ring gear on the flywheel.. They are not used together, Both are systems whose purpose is to engage the pinion gear with the flywheel on the engine. A solenoid is a electro-magnetic device which drives the pinion into the ring gear on the flywheel. A bendix spring is a purely mechanical device relying on a loaded spring and centrifugal force to do the job. I believe what we are dealing with here is a solenoid. Philip "Be the change you want to see" Philip & Marilyn Lange AE4OV & KD4JRC, ORYOKI Witness 35 Catamaran
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