I have a 1978 Hunter 30 and it always starts. But sometime when I turn the key it just clicks. Sometime it only takes a couple of trys and sometimes it takes quit a few. Do you think it is a wiring issue or is the starter getting worn out?
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Wiring issue
This is probably the most posted item so the archives are loaded with info.
The wiring up to the starter button has to go through many connectors and after time looses continuity.
The fix is either to use a solid wire in parallel with the existing wire in the cable harness or to add a relay which uses the existing wiring as the drive for the relay's coil and the contacts are then used to engage the solenoid.
I added the relay and have been problem free this year.
Here is a link for the relay fix.
This is probably the most posted item so the archives are loaded with info.
The wiring up to the starter button has to go through many connectors and after time looses continuity.
The fix is either to use a solid wire in parallel with the existing wire in the cable harness or to add a relay which uses the existing wiring as the drive for the relay's coil and the contacts are then used to engage the solenoid.
I added the relay and have been problem free this year.
Here is a link for the relay fix.
Carl,
when I had a similar problem, it was one, single, distinct metallic click and fixed it by running a 10ga tinned wire from the starter switch directly to the solenoid. No relay(s). Less than fifteen bucks, including two packages of terminals.
If you're getting multiple clicks as you turn the key, you might have a problem with the starter bendix.
Paul
when I had a similar problem, it was one, single, distinct metallic click and fixed it by running a 10ga tinned wire from the starter switch directly to the solenoid. No relay(s). Less than fifteen bucks, including two packages of terminals.
If you're getting multiple clicks as you turn the key, you might have a problem with the starter bendix.
Paul
On an engine with lots of starts in it's history...
My experience is that the brushes are worn in the starter and the armature may be sitting on a "dead spot". If that is true (as opposed to the other possibilities put forth by the other posters), often a good whack on the starter case will jog the armature enough to get over the dead spot.
Next time, try the whack idea. If it works, you will probably need a starter rebuild sometime in the future.
I have seen this technique work on many cars and also on my own Westerbeke generator. My generator presents this "no-start" scenario about once every two years. Someday when it gets more frequent I will take the trouble to pull the starter and rebuild with new brushes and bearings.
My experience is that the brushes are worn in the starter and the armature may be sitting on a "dead spot". If that is true (as opposed to the other possibilities put forth by the other posters), often a good whack on the starter case will jog the armature enough to get over the dead spot.
Next time, try the whack idea. If it works, you will probably need a starter rebuild sometime in the future.
I have seen this technique work on many cars and also on my own Westerbeke generator. My generator presents this "no-start" scenario about once every two years. Someday when it gets more frequent I will take the trouble to pull the starter and rebuild with new brushes and bearings.
Paul,
Only one click per key turn. Sounds like adding a wire would be the cheapest but the relay may be the best? Not sure what I will do yet?
Thanks,
Carl
Only one click per key turn. Sounds like adding a wire would be the cheapest but the relay may be the best? Not sure what I will do yet?
Thanks,
Carl
Relay fix.
Before adding the relay and posting the schematic I spent way more than the relay price. I rebuilt the starter, replaced the key switch, the pushbutton switch, all terminal ends, and with heavier wiring. The problem persisted. After the relay install there was never a time it(old 2QM20) did not start immediately. I did not install the relay with the new 3YM30, so far so good.
Before adding the relay and posting the schematic I spent way more than the relay price. I rebuilt the starter, replaced the key switch, the pushbutton switch, all terminal ends, and with heavier wiring. The problem persisted. After the relay install there was never a time it(old 2QM20) did not start immediately. I did not install the relay with the new 3YM30, so far so good.
click click
Carl, Your getting lots of good advice but I would start with the battery and make sure the connectors are clean and tight. Usually with electrical problems you start at the source of your power and work your way to the problem. Check all connectors for tightnes and if that doesent work your problem may be some of the suggestions already offered. Ray T
Carl, Your getting lots of good advice but I would start with the battery and make sure the connectors are clean and tight. Usually with electrical problems you start at the source of your power and work your way to the problem. Check all connectors for tightnes and if that doesent work your problem may be some of the suggestions already offered. Ray T
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