Starter motor problems

[dj43]

Seem to have a intermittent problem with one of my starter motors, when I have left the boat for any length of time or even a day ,when going to start get a click from motor, checked batteries they were not 100% so changed them ( 4 no 180v) , problem still there checked voltage on starter 26v ,replaced starter for a new one after a few days started to click again, checked all wiring , swapped starter relays, engine relays and solenoids, swapped key ignition barrels round ,still the same, thinking is the new starter faulty, or am I missing something
If I remove the starter from the engine and try it disingaged seems to work fine, and will then work when reinstalled
Engines Volvo penta Tamd 122pb
Any recommendations to get the old starter checked over

 

[julians]

Seem to have a intermittent problem with one of my starter motors, when I have left the boat for any length of time or even a day ,when going to start get a click from motor, checked batteries they were not 100% so changed them ( 4 no 180v) , problem still there checked voltage on starter 26v ,replaced starter for a new one after a few days started to click again, checked all wiring , swapped starter relays and engine relays , swapped key ignition barrels round ,still the same, thinking is the new starter faulty, or am I missing something
If I remove the starter from the engine and try it disingaged seems to work fine, and will then work when reinstalled
Engines Volvo penta Tamd 122pb
Any recommendations to get the old starter checked over

Dodgy earth wiring on the affected motor?

 

[colhel]

There's a company called AJW electrics in Wimbourne who I'd recommend for motor stuff.

Edit: I'll ask Tim if he knows anyone

 

[Mike k]

given all that you have changed it does sound like a connection issue probably the earth. I would take off all connections, clean them and then tighten down- I had similar with a tractor and which after a few days work would start solenoid clicking- it was the earth which not been really tightened down which initially worked then with heat and use must have loosened slightly. It even felt reasonable tight but clearly not tight enough.

 

[andy59]

Sorry you're having problems Merlyn , sounds like it could be a duff cable / crimp lug that maybe has some hidden corrosion . If you try to start two or three times and hold the key on for a couple of seconds each time , and there is a part of the circuit that has high resistance it will start to warm up so you could find it by carefully feeling cables and connections for heat . Good luck .

 

[VicS]

Dodgy earth wiring on the affected motor?

given all that you have changed it does sound like a connection issue probably the earth. I would take off all connections, clean them and then tighten down- I had similar with a tractor and which after a few days work would start solenoid clicking- it was the earth which not been really tightened down which initially worked then with heat and use must have loosened slightly. It even felt reasonable tight but clearly not tight enough.

I think t the engine in question has an isolated negative. ie not earthed to the engine block. Still worth checking the negative connections if not already done though.

 

[dj43]

Thanks for all the replys, have checked all negative connections ,think VicS is correct negative goes back to a electrical box housing the engine solenoids,having swapped those around , next time down will disconnect all cables and reconnect, think this started about the time had problems with battery charger, had three victron charges two were faulty , perhaps when they were changed they disturbed a cable,
Boats don't yer love them

 

[dj43]

Sorry you're having problems Merlyn , sounds like it could be a duff cable / crimp lug that maybe has some hidden corrosion . If you try to start two or three times and hold the key on for a couple of seconds each time , and there is a part of the circuit that has high resistance it will start to warm up so you could find it by carefully feeling cables and connections for heat . Good luck .

Thanks Andy ,will have a check around, when you over next ,drop in for a beer and bring your multimeter

 

[andy59]

Thanks Andy ,will have a check around, when you over next ,drop in for a beer and bring your multimeter

Will do , let me know when you are down :encouragement: