All mechanical engine compartment?

[MYStargazer]

I bought a Simms CAV spring starter the other day - it was going cheap locally. It looks like this http://www.springstarter.com/ and is a direct replacement for an electric starter motor. Here's one in action http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er1rxYKetiU.

The engines on my boat are very easy to access on all sides. I really like the idea of having an all-mechanical engine compartment, and doing away with starter batteries altogether. I'd keep the alternators just for charging the domestic battery bank.

Using older, all-mechanical engines, is there any reason why this isn't doable or desirable?

Thanks.

 

[sailorman]

Why not do away with the engine & have a sail boat

 

[Tranona]

Using older, all-mechanical engines, is there any reason why this isn't doable or desirable?

Thanks.

Hard work to use. Mainly used in applications where there is a fire risk, no electrical supplies or engines that lie dormant for long periods. Therefore lifeboats, pumping engines in oil and gas installations, water pumping stations in the middle of nowhere etc.

Superseded in most everyday applications by the far more convenient instant starting by pressing a switch provided by electric starters powered by a battery charged by the engine itself.

 

[MYStargazer]

Hard work to use. Mainly used in applications where there is a fire risk, no electrical supplies or engines that lie dormant for long periods. Therefore lifeboats, pumping engines in oil and gas installations, water pumping stations in the middle of nowhere etc.

Superseded in most everyday applications by the far more convenient instant starting by pressing a switch provided by electric starters powered by a battery charged by the engine itself.

Yes, but - assuming stamina isn't an issue and it wouldn't be for me - is it possible in terms of gauges, etc? I can see that pressure gauges use small pipes, but what about temperature gauges?

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Mechanical temperature gauges are available.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=m...U4UVia88i5iB-As&ved=0CD0QsAQ&biw=1440&bih=700

 

[sailorman]

How about reinventing the wheel

 

[Graham_Wright]

Mechanical temperature gauges are available.

But check capillary is long enough.

 

[Heckler]

I bought a Simms CAV spring starter the other day - it was going cheap locally. It looks like this http://www.springstarter.com/ and is a direct replacement for an electric starter motor. Here's one in action http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er1rxYKetiU.

The engines on my boat are very easy to access on all sides. I really like the idea of having an all-mechanical engine compartment, and doing away with starter batteries altogether. I'd keep the alternators just for charging the domestic battery bank.

Using older, all-mechanical engines, is there any reason why this isn't doable or desirable?

Thanks.

Having had the grim experience of "pumping" up the accumulator on a Detroit Diesel engine in the back of beyond, busting my gut to do so! I loath the things with a purple passion! Dont do it!
Stu

 

[Tranona]

Yes, but - assuming stamina isn't an issue and it wouldn't be for me - is it possible in terms of gauges, etc? I can see that pressure gauges use small pipes, but what about temperature gauges?

If you had no need for any electrics on your boat then there might be an argument for using one of those devices to start your engine - and yes you can get non electrical gauges. However with 2 engines, two alternators, two battery banks why on earth would you want to hand start the engines when there are perfectly good electrical devices to do it for you?

 

[lynall]

Bet they soon loose their appeal when you are having fuel issues!

 

[MYStargazer]

Mechanical temperature gauges are available.

Thanks very much. Turns out, there plenty of mechanical gauges still available (news to me!) which are well suited to the period of the boat.


http://www.asap-supplies.com/marine/mechanical-gauges

If you had no need for any electrics on your boat then there might be an argument for using one of those devices to start your engine - and yes you can get non electrical gauges. However with 2 engines, two alternators, two battery banks why on earth would you want to hand start the engines when there are perfectly good electrical devices to do it for you?

Fair point! I just like the idea of doing away with some batteries, wiring and all the shenanigans that come with them.

 

[sailorman]

They will certainly strengthen your wrist action

 

[pampas]

under no circumstances try to overhaul it. this is not a DIY machine.

 

[PetiteFleur]

I can remember fitting these to engine powered equipment being sent to darkest Africa about 45 years ago. We tested one in the works and it certainly worked but was hard work winding it up. Keep it in your spares box for that day when you lose all electrical power completely and need to start your engine........ and it will stay in your spares box forever!

 

[JumbleDuck]

But check capillary is long enough.

Speedy Cables, who currently make classic "Smiths" gauges, will do a capillary as long as you want to order, or would when I asked them a while back.

 

[MYStargazer]

under no circumstances try to overhaul it. this is not a DIY machine.

Yes, that's what the maker's website is saying in no uncertain terms. Was going to take it apart before I read that, but there is a method for testing while not mounted on an engine, so I'll just stick to that...

 

[MYStargazer]

Speedy Cables, who currently make classic "Smiths" gauges, will do a capillary as long as you want to order, or would when I asked them a while back.

Magic - thanks!

 

[NickRobinson]

I can remember fitting these to engine powered equipment being sent to darkest Africa about 45 years ago. We tested one in the works and it certainly worked but was hard work winding it up. Keep it in your spares box for that day when you lose all electrical power completely and need to start your engine........ and it will stay in your spares box forever!

Useless information- the Vauxhall Bedford slant 4 OHC bell housing had TWO holes for starters, one blanked off.

You could have had your cake and eaten it.....

 

[Lakesailor]

Go the whole hog and take your fuel tank out.

 

[MYStargazer]

Useless information- the Vauxhall Bedford slant 4 OHC bell housing had TWO holes for starters, one blanked off.

You could have had your cake and eaten it.....

Am wondering if it's possible to find a bell housing for a Cummins 6bt with two holes for starters....