diesel experts?

[clarinettist]

My boat's Bukh 20 (1981) starts perfectly everytime but on the second turn of the key. The first turn only produces a click and a few more grey hairs on my head! I think the connections are all sound. Any soloutions?
Thanks.

 

[Sneds]

The click is probably the solenoid operating, I would check the electrical connections again, maybe a return earth one, possibly going back to the engineblock somewhere?

 

[Sneds]

ps I'm no expert mind -

 

[damo]

Could it be low batt voltage? The extra recovery time after preheat may be enough to turn it over.

I'm no expert either!

 

[Elza_Skip]

Apart from the obvious connections you may want to check if there is a switch in the throttle lever to stop you starting the boat in gear. If so operating the lever a few times may work

 

[wotayottie]

The starting sequence is: ignition switch turns on the power to the solenoid on the starter motor which then turns on the power to the starter motor itself. If your engine does not turn at all, then there is something wrong in this part of the circuit.

If the battery is weak, then classically what you hear is repeated clicks - the solenoid is activated, the battery tries to turn the starter but cant, in doing so the battery voltage drops, so the solenoid withdraws and then the cycle is repeated every second or so.

If you just hear one click, then the likely candidate is a dirty / sticky solenoid which is activating but not going far enough to put power through to the starter motor.

Suggest you remove the starter and solenoid, and strip and clean the latter. If (as your name suggests) you can understand the arcane world of semi quavers, then a simple solenoid should be childs play.

 

[Csail]

I would go with Wotayachtie. Sounds like the starter motor being the problem.

 

[PCUK]

Sticky starter motor. Either clean it or ignore it and suffer the two clicks!
My main and wing often do the same thing after a period of little use.

 

[clarinettist]

Thanks for all your help, and your confidence that understanding the arcane world of semi-quavers ( think I do) is qualification for stripping a solenoid is touching! I'll have a go anyway. Cheers.

 

[Elza_Skip]

WEll I had the problem myself today and had the ignomy have beeing towed to the marina by a Yacht- Very greatfull we were too.

I am pretty sure my problem is in the throttle lever with the cut-out switch to stop you starting in gear sticking- As soon as I prised off the cover the engine started fine.

 

[wotayottie]

Didnt know that there were electric cut outs as you describe. Learn something every day.

How about a nice KTM 990 Adventure to replace that bland and heavy ST1300 of yours?

 

[Elza_Skip]

Yep, confirmed with the enginer today there is a microswitch in the throttle lever

A KTM? Not the kind of bike to get my wife back into going pillion!

 

[wotayottie]

[ QUOTE ]
A KTM? Not the kind of bike to get my wife back into going pillion!

[/ QUOTE ]

Thats your objective???? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif You'll be buying an intercom next. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Actually, the 990 is the touring bike and has good pillion facilities - the only problem being that unlike my previous 1200 GS its a one piece seat so I cant hide the pillion bit in the garage loft.