Yanmar Starting Issue - Old Topic

[Frank P]

I would like to add the suggested solinoid in my starter circuit to eliminate sporatic starting issues due to low voltage. Does anyone have a NAPA or equivelent part number (other than $WM$) for the solinoid?

Thanks
Frank

Malu Lani
Legend 40.5
San Pedro CA

 

[Paul F]

You are making this harder than it is. Just go to Radio Shack or and Auto store and buy a DC relay. Hook the low voltage side to the starter switch wire and the high side to the battery and starter. I have used a Radio Shack relay for over five years it works every time.

 

[Frank P]

Thanks,
Is there a particular size relay, i.e. current rating etc.

Frank

 

[Paul F]

Relay size? - There is not much current flowing through to engage the starter. The problem is the voltage drop when current runs the long wire route from the battery to the starter button and then to the starter solenoid. A relay shortens the route by providing a "jump" from the battery to the starter solenoid. Here is a write up I did years ago on the topic.
Purchase a small 12 volt DC relay from Radio Shack or any electrical shop. A relay is a switch which consists of two low current terminals and two high current terminals. The flow of current through the low current side trips an internal switch to flow current through the high current side. Mine is located right on top of the solenoid. The wires attached to the terminals hold it in place. To install: (Turn off the main battery switch)First disconnect from the solenoid the wire coming from the starter button. Connect this wire to a low side terminal on the relay. With a new wire ground the other low side relay terminal. Next run a short new wire from the solenoid starter terminal (the one with the heavy red wire running to the battery). This is likely right on the solenoid. Connect this new wire to a high current side relay terminal. With a new wire connect the other high side relay terminal to the solenoid where you disconnected the starter button wire. Your job is complete.The solenoid will now get a strong current flow to enable it to turn on the starter and in turn your engine.

 

[Dan Johnson]

The RS relay...

that many of us have used is part # 275-226.

 

[Frank P]

Paul, size in current rating as I noted. I am looking for guidance here. I don't want to put a relay in that is rated for 1/2 amp when I need 30

Dan, Thanks for the part number

Frank

 

[Paul F]

Sorry Frank, cann't help on amp rating. But, imagine 3-5 on the low end would do it. On the high end it is likely not more than 7 amps as all the current is doing is activating the solenoid to close. The real current is on the high end of the solenoid going to the starter.

 

[Dan Johnson]

Frank...

the RS relay is rated at 30 amps across the contacts. Put an in-line 30 amp fuse in the power feed side into the contacts for protection. I use the flat auto type rather than the Buss tubular one for better connectiveity contact.

 

[Paul F]

As far as fusing, use the size Hunter used in the original circuit. The relay is boosting the starter circuit. It is not replacing the circuit so to remain safe no more current than the original design is needed to activate the starter system. The alternative to putting in a relay is to rewire the starter circuit. Run a new, maybe larger gauge, wire from the battery to the key, then to the starter button, then the solenoid/starter and you are done.

 

[Dan Johnson]

The fuse that Hunter used...

winds up in the starter button circuit to the relay's electromagnet if that alternative is followed. A separate fuse is needed to feed the current through the relay contacts to the solenoid. Its far easier to hook up this relay than to rewire from the starter back to the engine panel in the cockpit. MHO.

 

[Shippy]

that many of us have used is part # 275-226.

Dan, is that a NAPA part number?

 

[Dan Johnson]

Shippy...

that's the Radio Shack part number for a 30 amp relay for the starting circuit fix.

 

[Frank P]

Re: Shippy...

All,
Thanks for the info!