Starter Motor "Chattering"

[Viscount]

Starter Motor \"Chattering\"

Recently one of my starter motors chatters when operated; it sounds like the solenoid is breaking and making perhaps 2 - 3 times a second; engine still starts but I'm concerned it will eventually fail on me. Batteries are in good condition and well charged. The motor is painted over so I can't identify but the one on the other engine is Valeo D9R144 (Volvo Penta AD31A engines). Not that it seems to matter as things still work with it disconnected, but, does anyone know what the lightweight black wire that comes out the plastic casing on the starter and connects to a spade on the solenoid actually does? Anyone had this experience and got suggestions?

 

[jfm]

Re: Starter Motor \"Chattering\"

As a bit of a guess (cant tell without seeing it) the black wire sounds like the earth side of the solenoid coil. So it is a critical connection, needs to be good.

 

[DavidJ]

Re: Starter Motor \"Chattering\"

Guanteed the problem will not fix itself and you really can't risk a failure that you know will happen for certain in the next year or two. So bite the bullet and get a recon starter. I'm interested why you ask about a particular wire, is it curiosity or is it in a condition that you think has some bearing on the problem.
From my automotive days I remember that starter solenoids have a pull in then an internal switch kicks in a lesser winding to hold on. It sound like the hold-on windings are not working. Solenoids are not normally stripdownable.

 

[tico]

Re: Starter Motor \"Chattering\"

When i've had this, its been down to the starter battery being on the flat side and the starter motor not getting enough amps to fully engage with the starter ring.

 

[Viscount]

Re: Starter Motor \"Chattering\"

Thanks DavidJ. I'm sourcing a replacement now. I suspect it is a pre-engage type thus shorting the solenoid won't necessarily start the engine if it does fail. Perhaps the black wire has something to do with your suggestion of a pull and hold setup; it isn't the solenoid earth (or at least it isn't the only one) as it works with the wire disconnected.

 

[Viscount]

Re: Starter Motor \"Chattering\"

Thanks Tico, when this happened to you, did the engine start? It seems mine is engaging OK even when chattering as the engine starts in the usual way.

 

[DavidJ]

Re: Starter Motor \"Chattering\"

[ QUOTE ]
I suspect it is a pre-engage type thus shorting the solenoid won't necessarily start the engine if it does fail.

[/ QUOTE ]
That's true it's not like the inertia starter days when shorting the terminals would get you away.

 

[Cymraeg]

Re: Starter Motor \"Chattering\"

If it's not too late, and depending on whether you are doing the work yourself or via an engineer, might I suggest taking your existing unit to an auto electrician? These units are very often standard automotive parts, and contacts/brushes can be replaced very cheaply. A reliable and thorough auto-sparks can be worth their weight for problems like these. HTH.

 

[DavidJ]

Re: Starter Motor \"Chattering\"

Good suggestion Cymraeg and it could save 100 squid. It won't be marineised of course but the engine room in most boats is not exactly flooding with water.

 

[Viscount]

Re: Starter Motor \"Chattering\"

Thanks for all the feedback, a new unit is now fitted and operational. I'll get the old one refurbished if possible and hold as a spare.