Starter question

HUMPH

HUMPH

Well-Known Member
Nov 4, 2009
7,618
SF BAY AREA
Boat Info
2003 410DA
2009 Walker Bay 13’
Engines
CAT 3126TA's 350HP/
50HP Honda
My starboard engine does not start. I can hear the solenoid spin but it does not engage the starter. Any suggestions?
 
Could be low battery. Could be bendex gear is brocken, that happened to me. If battery is good take the starter off and get it tested. If good and your battery is good it has to be wiring.
 
Well, If I were really good at this type of diagnostics, i would be a millionare!

That being said, The solenoid cannot spin in place. The solenoid is a switch that supplies power to the starter motor. Assuming it swithches properly, the bendix will be engaged and extends while being turned by the starter motor and will turn the flywheel. the noise you describe appears to be the bendix spinning.

Depending on the type of starter and starting system, the actual prblem will vary.
If your desription is understood properly, the starter may be the problem.
However if there is a poor connection, the starter engagement can be effected casuing the no start you are experiencing.
Can you give a little more detail as to what exactly you are experiencing and possibly you can get your answer?
Kevin
 
the bendix [ the gear that engages the started to the flywheel } is probably rusted on the shaft. If so , just take off the starter lube the gear. try tapping it lightly until it frees up. Put it back on and go for a ride
 
lucknow said:
Well, If I were really good at this type of diagnostics, i would be a millionare!

That being said, The solenoid cannot spin in place. The solenoid is a switch that supplies power to the starter motor. Assuming it swithches properly, the bendix will be engaged and extends while being turned by the starter motor and will turn the flywheel. the noise you describe appears to be the bendix spinning.

Depending on the type of starter and starting system, the actual prblem will vary.
If your desription is understood properly, the starter may be the problem.
However if there is a poor connection, the starter engagement can be effected casuing the no start you are experiencing.
Can you give a little more detail as to what exactly you are experiencing and possibly you can get your answer?
Kevin
Click to expand...

Well, I have had the boat for only two weeks now and have not had a problem starting the engines. I had started it just the day before without issue so I doubt that it is the battery.

When I press the start switch I get the loud alarm then I hear what I imagine is the Bendex spinning but nothing engages. I gave a visual to the wiring but it looked intact. I had been crawling around the bilge for a couple of hours cleaning so my first thought was I disturbed a wire or something. :huh:
 
I got my starters rebuilt including new solenoid for 175 each. Took half an hours to take one off and about the same to put it on. If the boat sat for a long time between use as noted the bendex could be rusted to the shaft or the solenoid could be rusted inside. With rebuilding they normally change the solenoid.
 
I am hoping that is worst case scenario. This is a fresh water boat and has zero rust/corrosion in the engine compartment so I don't know about that being the issue. i will probably need to remove it and inspect it sounds like... :smt013
 
The suggestion to tap the starter is a good one, before removing the starter, try tapping the sarter lightly while cranking if possible. This may get the starter to engage properly and confirm the problem. Although if this does not work, it does not eliminate the starter from being the problem.
Keep us posted
 
FWIW...
Personally, in the school of always try the easiest things first, I would try this before taking anything apart...

With battery switches or jumper cables (depending on your setup), and with all appropriate cautionary practices, try cranking the engine with the other battery.

Good luck!
 
off to the boat now, I'll give a report. We will be doing our first overnight stay....time to break her in!
 
So, I am on the hook using my Blackberry so my starter is working. All I did was remove it and manually turn it several times then put it back in and Wallah! We are staying the night on the river. Should get to the low 40's for the coldest so genny plus heater equals a good night!
 
I hope your first overnight was awesome, I hope your starter motor issues are behind you.
I am jealous of you, we had a snow storm in New England, 9 inches of snow, high temp in the twentys, low with wind chill is below zero. Not a lot of baoting taking place in my area.
 
lucknow said:
I hope your first overnight was awesome, I hope your starter motor issues are behind you.
I am jealous of you, we had a snow storm in New England, 9 inches of snow, high temp in the twentys, low with wind chill is below zero. Not a lot of baoting taking place in my area.
Click to expand...


It was nice but next time I want it warm enough to keep the genny off at night! Didn't sleep much and fog moved in early in the morning and I could see maybe 50 feet! Here are a few pics...

http://s953.photobucket.com/albums/ae19/humphs60/Boat Pics/New Years Day/
 
Nice photos. Thanks for sharing!

Seems like FOREVER since I've seen anything like that first hand. :-(
 
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