Intermittent starert motor problem (Perkins 6354) - help please

[npf1]

Intermittent starter motor problem (Perkins 6354) - help please

Very occasionally, like once of twice per season, I press the start button and nothing happens. It's, so far, been easily resolved by turning the crankshaft a few degrees and trying again.

In the past, I've removed the starter motor to clean and lube the bendix (?) mechanism. I've also cleaned the +ve & -ve contacts & cable terminals.

Anyone any ideas on how I can stop this happening altogether, as I know it's going to catch me out one day?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: BTW: also, battery voltage and available current have not been low when I've had the issue.

 

[VicS]

It depnds on waht you mean by " nothing happens" If you mean absolutely nothing... no click from the solenoid and no dimming of the warning lights ... then look at the electrical system.

However the fact that the problem is resolved by turning the crank shaft does suggest that the starer is jamming but you should hear the solenoid operating and you expect some dimming of the panel warning lights.

You say "Bendix (?)" so is it an inertia type starter with a Bendix gear... a pinion that runs along a spital on the shaft to engage the ring gear or is a pre-engage type where the pinion is moved into engagement by the solenoid

The 1st pic below is a Bendix type which i have found it as a part for a 6354. but I have also found pre-engage types for the same engine 2nd pic

Look for burs that may cause it to jam on the shaft and pinion and also inspect the ring gear on the flywheel. A Bendix should not be heavily lubricated ( not at all in cars where oil will pick up dust from the clutch)

 

[npf1]

Thanks Vic. Yes, there is a click from the solenoid. The starter, IIRC, is the one in the second pic - I can check for sure at the weekend.

 

[ffiill]

On the older type all the solenoid switch often seperate from the motor did was using low amperage via ignition key close contacts on power line directly from battery to motor-they usually had a manual button as well.
On the later model when the solenoid clicks it operates a clutch on the main drive shaft via a lever which goes down through the casting you can see front of pic.
Just because it clicks doesnt mean its working properly-take off solenoid unit and check it out-you can get replacements for not too much-been there done that.

 

[npf1]

I'll check it out at the weekend to be sure of the type. If it's the solenoid, I have a spare. Thanks for your help. It's much appreciated.

 

[earlybird]

I wouldn't really expect rotating the engine to help with the solenoid, but who knows?
The pinion might be jamming, rotation would free it, but I wonder if the ring gear is missing 2 or 3 teeth at one position, preventing engagement. When the fault occurs, does the starter spin?
Perhaps take a torch, and maybe a mirror, to inspect the ring-gear around it's complete circumference when you have the starter off.

 

[npf1]

"does the starter spin? ". Nope. I'll check for burrs on the pinion and probably replace the solenoid and see if that sort's it out. If there is a lever through the case, I'll also check that for free movement.

My list is jobs is getting longer!

Thanks

 

[2Tizwoz]

It could be burnt contacts, a bit like the picture, inside the solenoid. The result is you get the mechanical action but no power then goes to the motor.

It just clicks. They're quite straightforward to repair if you have a heavy soldering iron.

 

[VicMallows]

Could also be the motor brushes are worn and making intermittent contact.

 

[VicS]

I wouldn't really expect rotating the engine to help with the solenoid, but who knows?
The pinion might be jamming, rotation would free it, but I wonder if the ring gear is missing 2 or 3 teeth at one position, preventing engagement. When the fault occurs, does the starter spin?
Perhaps take a torch, and maybe a mirror, to inspect the ring-gear around it's complete circumference when you have the starter off.

good point about the possibility of missing ring gear teeth.

 

[david_bagshaw]

Could also be the motor brushes are worn and making intermittent contact.

+1

or just stuck in their guides.