Starter Motor - Westerbeke 8.0KW BCDT60Hz Owner's Manual

STARTER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The starting system includes the battery, starter motor, solenoid,
and starter button.
When the starter button on the instrument panel is depressed,
current flows and energizes the starter's solenoid coil. The
energized coil becomes an electromilgnet, which pulls the plunger
into the coil, and closes a set of contacts which allow high current
to reach the starter motor. At the same time, the plunger also
serves to push that starter pinion to mesh with the teeth on the
flywheel.
, T()
prevent damage to the starter motor when the engine starts, the
pinion gear incorporates an ,over-running (one-way) clutch which
is splined tothe$J:ter armature shaft. The rotation of the rutming
engine may speed ti1erotation of the pinion but not the starter
motor itself .
Once the started button is released, the cUrrent flow ceases, stop-
ping the activation of the solenoid. The plunger is pulled out of
contact with the battery-to-start cables by a coil spring, and the
flow of electricity is interrupted to the starter. This weakens the
,,' .magnetic fields and the starter ceases its rotation.
As
the solenoid
plunger is released, its movement also pulls the starter drive gear
from its engagement with the engine flywheel.
!TERMINALS
~
TYPICAL
STARTER MOTOR
TROUBLESHOOTING
Prior to testing, make certain the ships batteries are at full charge
and that the starting system wiring connections (terminals) are
clean and tight. Pay particular attention to the ground wire
connections on the engine block
To check the wiring,
try
cranking the starter for a few seconds,
never more than 10 seconds at a time, then run your hand along
the wires and terminals looking for warm spots that indicate
resistance. Repair or replace any trouble spots.
Using a multimeter, test the voltage between the positive tenninal
stud on the start solenoid and the engine block (ground).
H you read 12 volts, the starter is faulty.
IGNITION',
TERMINAL\
'fOcoNfifoi.
PANEL
To test the ignition circuit, locate the ignition(s) terminal (it is one
of the small tenninal studs and is wired to the ignition circuit).
Use a screwdriver, don't touch the blade, to jump from that
ignition terminal to the positive battery connection terminal on
the solenoid.
H the starter cranks, the fault lies with the ignition circuit
H the solenoid clicks but nothing else happens, the starter
motor is probably faulty.
IGNITION
TERMINAL
TOCONTROD
PANEL
~r"'r~------J(+)
POSITIVE
L
TERMINAL'
~
Unothing at all happens the solenoid isn't getting current
Check the battery isolation switch and inspect the wiring
connections. It is also possible that the solenoid is defective.
A
WARNING:
There will be arching and sparks will
fly when jumping terminals. Be certain the engine
space is free of potentially explosive fumes, especially
gasoline.
Engines
&
Generators
25