Return to the home page...

Go Back   Moyer Marine Atomic 4 Community - Home of the Afourians > Discussion Topics > Ignition System

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #26   IP: 71.181.37.53
Old 09-08-2010, 08:24 AM
ArtJ ArtJ is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,175
Thanks: 220
Thanked 65 Times in 50 Posts
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
Reply With Quote
  #27   IP: 144.230.63.57
Old 09-20-2010, 11:46 AM
pallen58's Avatar
pallen58 pallen58 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Leawood KS
Posts: 50
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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
Reply With Quote
  #28   IP: 71.252.15.151
Old 09-20-2010, 08:52 PM
sastanley's Avatar
sastanley sastanley is online now
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Solomons, MD
Posts: 7,015
Thanks: 1,132
Thanked 600 Times in 442 Posts
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!!)
http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic3231_6.gif
Reply With Quote
  #29   IP: 142.68.250.242
Old 09-21-2010, 05:18 AM
rigspelt's Avatar
rigspelt rigspelt is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 1,187
Thanks: 0
Thanked 19 Times in 17 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by sastanley View Post
Supposed to warm up to the 80's again here...maybe we'll do some sailing this weekend!!!
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
Reply With Quote
  #30   IP: 206.125.176.3
Old 09-21-2010, 09:54 AM
sastanley's Avatar
sastanley sastanley is online now
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Solomons, MD
Posts: 7,015
Thanks: 1,132
Thanked 600 Times in 442 Posts
Thumbs up

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!!)
http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic3231_6.gif
Reply With Quote
  #31   IP: 24.152.131.220
Old 09-21-2010, 10:04 AM
ndutton's Avatar
ndutton ndutton is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Torrance, CA
Posts: 9,617
Thanks: 197
Thanked 2,204 Times in 1,424 Posts
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
Reply With Quote
  #32   IP: 138.229.244.155
Old 01-01-2016, 09:44 PM
HalcyonS's Avatar
HalcyonS HalcyonS is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: LA
Posts: 493
Thanks: 35
Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts
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.
Reply With Quote
  #33   IP: 107.0.6.150
Old 01-01-2016, 10:06 PM
hanleyclifford's Avatar
hanleyclifford hanleyclifford is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 6,959
Thanks: 170
Thanked 267 Times in 216 Posts
Talking

It's just a marketing company so forget customer service and warranty, but at the price the risk is minimal (formerly Buy.com)
Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to hanleyclifford For This Useful Post:
HalcyonS (01-02-2016)
  #34   IP: 138.229.244.155
Old 01-02-2016, 12:05 AM
HalcyonS's Avatar
HalcyonS HalcyonS is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: LA
Posts: 493
Thanks: 35
Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts
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.
Reply With Quote
  #35   IP: 71.59.125.65
Old 01-02-2016, 11:36 AM
BadaBing's Avatar
BadaBing BadaBing is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Little Egg Harbor NJ
Posts: 503
Thanks: 28
Thanked 16 Times in 15 Posts
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
Reply With Quote
  #36   IP: 158.145.240.111
Old 06-15-2016, 06:41 PM
Lyric's Avatar
Lyric Lyric is offline
Frequent Contributor
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 7
Thanks: 1
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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
Reply With Quote
  #37   IP: 161.213.49.150
Old 06-15-2016, 07:18 PM
JOHN COOKSON JOHN COOKSON is offline
Afourian MVP, Professor Emeritus
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,500
Thanks: 54
Thanked 855 Times in 629 Posts
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
Reply With Quote
  #38   IP: 24.152.132.65
Old 06-16-2016, 12:04 AM
ndutton's Avatar
ndutton ndutton is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Torrance, CA
Posts: 9,617
Thanks: 197
Thanked 2,204 Times in 1,424 Posts
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
Reply With Quote
  #39   IP: 73.255.216.151
Old 06-16-2016, 12:30 AM
romantic comedy's Avatar
romantic comedy romantic comedy is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: florida
Posts: 1,912
Thanks: 13
Thanked 118 Times in 100 Posts
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.
Reply With Quote
  #40   IP: 50.140.27.239
Old 06-25-2016, 09:28 AM
Mermaidquest's Avatar
Mermaidquest Mermaidquest is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: The Narrows,Mkr.24 Fla.
Posts: 18
Thanks: 15
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
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.
Reply With Quote
  #41   IP: 184.0.19.114
Old 06-25-2016, 10:28 AM
roadnsky's Avatar
roadnsky roadnsky is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Lake Mead, NV
Posts: 3,104
Thanks: 24
Thanked 467 Times in 309 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mermaidquest View Post
You can get a NEW starter at an auto parts store for 54.00$
Yes... but does it have the required IGNITION PROTECTION?
__________________
-Jerry

'Lone Ranger'

1978 RANGER 30
Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to roadnsky For This Useful Post:
ndutton (06-25-2016)
  #42   IP: 24.152.132.65
Old 06-25-2016, 11:43 PM
ndutton's Avatar
ndutton ndutton is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Torrance, CA
Posts: 9,617
Thanks: 197
Thanked 2,204 Times in 1,424 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by roadnsky View Post
Yes... but does it have the required IGNITION PROTECTION?
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
Reply With Quote
  #43   IP: 70.179.40.117
Old 10-31-2016, 06:14 PM
Fstued's Avatar
Fstued Fstued is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Ocean Beach
Posts: 65
Thanks: 27
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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
Reply With Quote
  #44   IP: 162.194.121.189
Old 10-31-2016, 07:00 PM
wcurnow wcurnow is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 3
Thanks: 2
Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post
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.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to wcurnow For This Useful Post:
Fstued (11-03-2016), sastanley (11-01-2016)
  #45   IP: 24.152.132.65
Old 10-31-2016, 07:12 PM
ndutton's Avatar
ndutton ndutton is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Torrance, CA
Posts: 9,617
Thanks: 197
Thanked 2,204 Times in 1,424 Posts
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.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to ndutton For This Useful Post:
Administrator (11-01-2016), sastanley (11-01-2016)
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Catalina Atomic 4 No Crank Problem Resolved Don Moyer Catalina 27 01-10-2013 11:20 AM
Reverse Problem Solved? cat30 Reversing Gear 2 07-10-2007 05:16 PM
Electic fuel pump problem Will Fuel System 2 06-28-2007 10:18 AM
Timing Problem? Stormy Ignition System 4 11-14-2004 09:36 AM
Stalling problem Unregistered Troubleshooting 1 10-13-2004 12:20 PM


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:51 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.


Universal® is a registered trademark of Westerbeke Corporation

Copyright © 2004-2024 Moyer Marine Inc.

All Rights Reserved