Sea Panther solenoid question

[ncritchley]

Hi, I've replaced the 24v 4-terminal solenoid on my Sea Panther, and it all works fine. However I've just read that the case of the solenoid should be earthed. Mine isn't, but mounted on a wooden bulkhead. Before though it was bolted to the crankcase. Anyone know why it neeeds to be earthed, or if it's critical?
many thanks as always,
Neil Critchley

 

[Jcorstorphine]

Might need an earth for the return.

Hi, I've replaced the 24v 4-terminal solenoid on my Sea Panther, and it all works fine. However I've just read that the case of the solenoid should be earthed. Mine isn't, but mounted on a wooden bulkhead. Before though it was bolted to the crankcase. Anyone know why it neeeds to be earthed, or if it's critical?
many thanks as always,
Neil Critchley

Just guessing here but the solenoid may need an earth return for the coil i.e. there is a single light gauge wire going to the solenoid and the return is via the mounting bracket of the solenoid. If you look at this pic below you will see there is only one light connection for the energising current. However if it works then this would not seem to apply.

However, you do mention that you have a 4 terminal solenoid, does it have two heavy connections and two light ones, in which case I assume that one of the light ones goes to earth and the other to the positive starter switch. That being the case, there would seem to be no reason to earth the solenoid.

Other thing I cant get my head round is that diesel engines usually have the solenoid as part of the pre-engaged starter but then the Seapanther was based on a petrol cylinder block so could be an inertia type starter bendix with a remote solenoid.

I have just remembered that the Seapanther may have had a changeover relay so that you start on 24 volts and change over to 12 volts for charging. Is it this solenoid you are referring to?

 

[ncritchley]

sea panther solenoid

Thanks for your comments. I've just checked, and in fact there is a thin wire going from one of the smaller terminals to an earthing point, very thin though. I simply reproduced the old wiring loom, as I'm not smart enough to figure these things out for myself! Anyway, as I said, it all seems to work fine, so I think I'll leave things as they are, and just keep a spare solenoid.
All the best,
Neil

 

[ncritchley]

sea panther solenoid

Nearly forgot, here's a pic of the type of solenoid I'm using ......