Petter Mini Twin

[Finesse]

I am having some problems starting my Petter mini twin diesel. The batteries seem to be OK but I have not entirely eliminated them yet. The motor will sometimes crank slowly and then speed up sufficiently fast to start. I have yet to test the batteries but suspect that the problem might also lie with the starter motor. The cockpit floor on my boat is not watertight and although I have yet to remove the starter motor it is externally quite rusted. Does any one know if any other starter motor will fit as I suspect the genuine article will be quite expensive.

Thanks in advance for any information

 

[chippie]

You may find that a stripdown and clean will be enough to get your starter going well again, possibly replacing of the brushes if they are worn.
Once you take it off, an auto elecrician should be able to determine whether its electrically ok. If you take the armature in separately it might be easier to check.

Check all your connections before removal you may save yourself some work.

Good luck

 

[Finesse]

Thanks Chippie. Good advice and I will give it a go

 

[vyv_cox]

There's a particular problem that occurs with Bosch pre-engaged starters. These are fitted to Volvos, Bukh and others but I don't know about Petter. The problem is that the connection from the solenoid to the field coils, a braided copper wire, passes through the air between them. There is a strong likelihood of corrosion if the starter has been wet. I have seen some motors that had perfect brushes but would not run. On investigation the copper braid was almost all copper oxide and crumbled on touching. If the engine has a braided, bare, earth wire it may suffer the same problem.

Take the motor to an automotive electrical repairer for a rebuild. Will almost certainly be cheaper than buying a new alternative one and more reliable than a scrapyard.