Starter Problems

[EDDY JOHNSEN]

My 1990 Hunter 30 has been hard to start for quite some time now. When I press the start button, the engine never seems to turn over more than one or two "rotations" before it either stops or starts. I've done some diagnosis and determined that it must be a problem with the starter itself, as the batteries are always fully charged and a volt meter shows that adequate voltage is getting to the starter. Any suggestions?

 

[Dan]

Check all connecttions

Check and clean all connections.Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Battery too

make sure the connections there are free of grease, dirt, corrosion. And that they are tight. Then indeed it may be a lousy starter, which is easy to replace.

 

[Bill]

ditto...connections

Follow the path through all three segments of your starting circuit wiring. First, is the hot side from battery 'plus' terminal to the solenoid solid? Then, are the connections from there thru the key and starter button and back to the solenoid & starter all good? Thirdly, from starter or engine ground point to battery 'minus' terminal. You may have battery switch, connections, joined cables, etc., along the way. Each one of these is a potential loose connection, i.e., high resistance point that bottlenecks system voltage, and makes a full battery act like a wimp.I did this systematic check recently on account of persistent problems similar to yours. Found that the ground cable was the culprit. Fixed that, now she springs to life.Good luck.

 

[Paul Akers]

Starter button.

There have been many comments in the past about tempermental Yanmar starter buttons. Before springing for a new starter, you may want to check the button.

 

[EDDY JOHNSEN]

Thanks 4 Inputs

Thanks for your inputs. I did some double checking of electrical connections, as suggested, before removing the starter. Took it to a repair tech. After inspection, he said the starter was in need of several replacement parts which are now on order. He assured me that it would be cheaper than ordering a totally new starter. Should be back in business by Tuesday. Thanks to all for your support! Eddy