Starter Goes Tink Tink(LOL)

[tfish]

Dear Afourians!!
My name is Tommy I have a '76 Pearson 30 with a pretty reliable Atomic 4. That we keep in Hampton, VA I Have had her since 2010. When we first purchased the boat the starter required several attempts(Push the button) several times until the engine would engage (So much so we almost renamed the boat "tink tink" ) I pulled the starter took it to a local shop that refurbished the starter and voila!! Tink Tink no more! Alas, 8 years later and good old Tink tink is back! I have removed the starter and taken it back to shop (Auto Electric Marine in Norfolk VA) I am about to reinstall the starter, but wondered, is this a common maintenance issue, or could some other sort of adjustment to the starter or flywheel be necessary?

[capnward]

To my knowledge there is no adjustment of the starter or the flywheel. You shouldn't need to have the starter refurbished after 8 years. It may be a solenoid problem. I had a similar issue that was caused by a corroded connection of the big wire to the solenoid. What did your shop do to the starter this time to fix it? Was it the same thing they did 8 years ago?

[Mo]

Agree, ensure all battery cables and wires are in good condition and free of corrosion at both ends, ignition wires included. With a rebuilt, serviced, or new starter you should be fine after that.

[tfish]

Thank you for the response! They did a complete rebuild(Same as last time). Changed bushings, bush drive, brush spring and put on a new solenoid. They said contacts were sticking a little bit... Could this possibly have been addressed with just a new solenoid??

P.S. While I do not post all the time, the reason by A4 has held up so well is because of this forum! I refer to past threads for most any problem I have encountered. Mo and capnward your direct response to me is like seeing A4 legends!! Where's DAVE NEPTUNE!!

[capnward]

If the shop saw no other problem besides the contacts, it may be that all you needed was a new solenoid, or perhaps new contacts. Anyway, you should be good to go now. If this happens again in 8 years you may be able to solve the problem by replacing or repairing the solenoid yourself. If not, then take it to the shop. Keep an eye on the wire connections. They need to be clean and tight, especially where there are a lot of amps. A squirt of WD40 or some similar product on those places is good too. The legendary Mr. Neptune it seems has emigrated to the realm of diesel and a bigger boat, but be assured he is still monitoring our efforts.

[JOHN COOKSON]

Agree, ensure all battery cables and wires are in good condition and free of corrosion at both ends, .

Check the ground wiring also.

TRUE GRIT

[roadnsky]

Where's DAVE NEPTUNE!!

The legendary Mr. Neptune it seems has emigrated to the realm of diesel and a bigger boat, but be assured he is still monitoring our efforts.

Paging Dr Neptune...

[Al Schober]

By having the starter fixed in the shop, you learn nothing.
It's a simple circuit - solenoid closes and sends current to the starter.
The solenoid is pretty simple - the moving part presses a brass washer up against two brass studs. Examine & see if the contacting parts are clean. They will burn and pit with extended use. The washer can be turned over.
Starter also isn't complicated. Current comes in and goes through brushes to the commutator. Brushes do wear and need occasional replacement. Commutators get dirty and need cleaning. I've also seen starter motors that had a water line in them - flooded? Anyway, the springs holding the brushes against the commutator had corroded and failed.
Hope this helps.

[Dave Neptune]

tfish, your in good hands. Been at Catalina for a few days and just got in this morning.

Most often if you hear the "click" and the starter does not turn it is usually the solenoid and the voltage at both posts on most external solenoids can be checked. And in a pinch a sharp wrap on the starter can often get you going and MEANS it's time for inspection, cleaning or taking it to a rebuilder. Like Al said they really are not all that complicated if you go patiently.

Dave Neptune

[tfish]

Thanks Gents! Your advice is priceless.She is up and running smooth as silk!! I will inspect the solenoid next time.