#26
IP: 71.181.37.53
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I went thru a rash of starter exchanges last fall until it was finally discovered
that the rebuilder was using a different spring which did not always permit the starter to fully engage, hence intermittant clicks. Once the proper spring was installed, no more problems. Regards Art |
#27
IP: 144.230.63.57
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Starter problem solved for now
The electrician sailor made it down to the boat and ran his meter all over the wiring between the starter switch and the solenoid. He found a 5 volt drop somewhere in the circuit so that meant I was trying to start with only 7 volts.
So far in this I have had the starter re-built and a new solenoid. Friday I put in a new started switch and ran the wire from that right to the solenoid. That has cured the problem and all weekend we go great starts with the 1st push of the button. While I had the panel off I confirmed that I need to rewire the entire engine to panel circuit. The wiring harness behind the panel is broken and is where I probably was losing my 5 volts. The only guages that work are the water temp and oil pressure. No lights either. Alternator not wired in at all. So I am hoping she who must be obeyed will let me buy the wiring kit for a winter project. Keep sailing it isn't snowing yet. Pat |
#28
IP: 71.252.15.151
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Pat,
Thanks for the update. A re-wire project is definitely on my TO-DO list. One thing I did do this summer was eliminate the long run to/from the ammeter in the cockpit to get better charging performance. However, my Catalina 30 still has most of its remaining OEM wiring which has been known to be suspect when it gets to the age mine is. Supposed to warm up to the 80's again here...maybe we'll do some sailing this weekend!!!
__________________
-Shawn "Holiday" - '89 Alura 35 #109 "Twice Around" - '77 C-30, #511 with original A-4 & MMI manifold - SOLD! (no longer a two boat owner!!) |
#29
IP: 142.68.250.242
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Shawn, if we waited til it was 80 up here there would be no sailing at all, from May to October. Had some, brisk nice wool sweater sails lately, but it was indeed a fabulous summer before the autumn winds began picking up.
__________________
1974 C&C 27 |
#30
IP: 206.125.176.3
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rigs, my blood is very thin. I am not sure I could survive north of the Mason-Dixon line for any extended period of time.
__________________
-Shawn "Holiday" - '89 Alura 35 #109 "Twice Around" - '77 C-30, #511 with original A-4 & MMI manifold - SOLD! (no longer a two boat owner!!) |
#31
IP: 24.152.131.220
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Shawn,
I find the addition of a little "anti-freeze" to the blood works wonders.
__________________
Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
#32
IP: 138.229.244.155
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solenoid woes
So today, out of the blue, my solenoid made the heavy click sound three or four times before energising starter. I'd had this problem long ago. I found this thread, and my post (#2) (This was under my old username - somehow I lost access to that account and had to make a new one). In any case, it seems my washers made of plastic coffee can lid lasted a good few years. I think I might spring for a new solenoid this time. Has anyone done business with this outfit?
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/new-star...FZRffgodexwM8Q
__________________
"Halcyon" 36' custom sloop. 8 tons. Glass over strip plank mahoghany. Spruce mast and booms, launched 1969. Original A4. Last edited by HalcyonS; 01-02-2016 at 12:06 AM. |
#33
IP: 107.0.6.150
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It's just a marketing company so forget customer service and warranty, but at the price the risk is minimal (formerly Buy.com)
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The Following User Says Thank You to hanleyclifford For This Useful Post: | ||
HalcyonS (01-02-2016) |
#34
IP: 138.229.244.155
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I saw the originator was an outfit called 'rare electrical'. Same price, no shipping charge. They've got A4 starter motors too, who knows what else...
__________________
"Halcyon" 36' custom sloop. 8 tons. Glass over strip plank mahoghany. Spruce mast and booms, launched 1969. Original A4. |
#35
IP: 71.59.125.65
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I am all in favor of saving a few bucks. Sometimes a lot of bucks. But whenever possible I try to shop for my A4 needs at MM. If and when a part may cost a little more I chalk it up to supporting this forum and the hundreds if not thousands of $ of free advise I have received from Don, Ken, and the many helpful folks here.
__________________
Bill 1974, Tartan 30, Unchained Melody www.CanvasWorks.US |
#36
IP: 158.145.240.111
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Guys and gals,
I think I'm having the same 'all click and no crank' issue. Started two weekends ago. I turn on the blower, turn the key to the on position, pull the choke out, then turn the key to 'start' and sometimes get nothing but 'click'. Also, for a few seconds afterwards, my instrument panel goes dead and the blower fan stops working! Then, the blower starts again and the instruments return to their normal pre-start position. Does that sound like the starter solenoid to you? After the engine starts, it runs all day long w/out a problem I've checked the engine ground wire on the engine (it's only been on for 3 years and looks good) but haven't checked the connections on the solenoid/starter since I did some work on it 4 years ago. This weekend I'll double check the ground wires on the batteries and to the block, and probably pull the starter and take a look inside the solenoid but thought I'd seek your counsel and advise in advance. Thanks for the misty fjordlands of southeast Alaska. Wade S/V Lyric |
#37
IP: 161.213.49.150
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The obvious question: is the battery good. What is the battery voltage before you turn the key and what is the voltage reading while you attempt to crank.
TRUE GRIT |
#38
IP: 24.152.132.65
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As an early guess it sounds like a loose or poor connection affected by starting loads. The first place I'd check is the battery cables from the battery posts all the way through to the starter - especially the ground.
__________________
Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
#39
IP: 73.255.216.151
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Time to get the starter hammer.
I was at an inboard boat race a few weeks ago. One boat would not start and the driver got out a hammer and whacked the starter...zoom, off he went. They are always in gear. |
#40
IP: 50.140.27.239
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Keeping it running on the cheap, cheap !
You can get a NEW starter at an auto parts store for 54.00$ I know this goes against the tide but, doing what you can with what you have is how I roll! Mine works fine. I would repaint it though.
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#41
IP: 184.0.19.114
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Yes... but does it have the required IGNITION PROTECTION?
__________________
-Jerry 'Lone Ranger' 1978 RANGER 30 |
The Following User Says Thank You to roadnsky For This Useful Post: | ||
ndutton (06-25-2016) |
#42
IP: 24.152.132.65
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For example, an automotive starter doesn't have one of these.
__________________
Neil 1977 Catalina 30 San Pedro, California prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22 Had my hands in a few others |
#43
IP: 70.179.40.117
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more starter problems
It seems like I have the same problem as most with the starter. Turned the key, and all I got was click click click. Tried the hammer on the solenoid, used it on old cars before, but still just got click click. I am still guessing it is a stuck solenoid not engaging the starter. I guess that means pulling the alternator, the solenoid and starter. Plus make sure I label all wires and then shrink myself to get at everything, Ugh!
Oh well its only a 40 yrs A4. should last another 40 I think. Thanks for all the advice, I guess I was hoping for an another easy fix since the hammer didn't work |
#44
IP: 162.194.121.189
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Starter clicking but not rolling over the engine.
I had a similar problem. The solution that worked for me was first be certain that all electrical connections that are used in the starting circuit are clean and tight. If that does not fix the problem, remove the starter from the block and clean the mating surfaces bright, apply dialectic silicon grease and reassemble. This is a very important connection for the starters DC negative circuit
Also on a post note, if your wiring is undersized the voltage drop will cause problems with the solenoid. SO STOP BEATING THE POOR OLD STARTER Last edited by wcurnow; 10-31-2016 at 07:06 PM. |
#45
IP: 24.152.132.65
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First thing I'd do is a volt meter test between the starter post where the battery cable is connected and the engine block while a helper is turning the key.
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The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to ndutton For This Useful Post: | ||
Administrator (11-01-2016), sastanley (11-01-2016) |
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