Starter motor - whine

[Jabamusic]

Hi All

Time to attend to one job I'm not sure about: Every now and again starting up my Yanmar 3GM30 results in a high pitched whine coming from the starter motor. Clearly something is failing to engage, as after 2/3 goes whatever wasn't - does and the engine fires up nicely.

Was wondering what should be my course of action?
If removal of said item is necessary, is the engine OK to be left starter motor-less for the time it tkes to fix?

Cheers Jaba

 

[Bassplayer]

Sounds like the starter clutch is worn. This is designed to prevent the engine turning the starter motor when the engine fires. Best bet is to remove said unit and take it to an automotive electrician who repairs starters and alternators (rotating electrics) for a living. Be a lot cheaper than a manufacturers exchange unit.

 

[kashurst]

sounds like the contacts inside the gear engage solenoid (the little cyclinder attached to starter motor) are contaminated/dirty or the solenoid is sticking on something (probably rust). The whining noise is the solenoid or motor trying to operate and failing. Take the starter assembly off and dissasemble and clean up whilst looking for any loose connections. The boat motor will be fine without the starter on it indefinitely. Don't forget to disconnect the starter battery first

 

[GeorgeTina]

Yanmar starter is "pre engaged" type. A solenoid mounted on the starter motor slides the starter pinion into engagement with the starter ring on the flywheel before power is switched to the starter motor. If the shaft that the pinion slides along is dry or rusty or has grease which has gone hard the pinion does not fully engage before power is applied hence the starter motor just runs free. Take off starter, clean and lightly oil shaft and you should be good to go. It will not cause any problems leaving the starter off, although you could block the hole with a bit of rag to prevent anything finding its way into the housing.

 

[DownWest]

Some starters have a connection that allows the motor to turn a bit to help engagement of the Bendix, before the main contacts close as the solenoid goes fully home. Might be enough to cause a whine, if the Bendix sticks on the splines. As above, from GT, a good clean and light oil.

 

[Jabamusic]

Thanks everybody..........so, out with the spanners at the weekend -that is if I can work out which boat is mine under all the snow!!