OK here's an update.. Thanks everyone for your input. The problem is not solved yet, but there is progress..
I did some diagnostics, and was able to make the started spin without engaging the motor, by by-passing the solenoid. This gave me confidence that the solenoid was faulty, causing the clicking. I bought an AC-Delco solenoid that looks identical in size and shape from an auto parts store in the nearby town, and installed it. With the new solenoid, the starter now spins with a loud whirring noise, but does not engage with the motor. Any comments/tips/trick/suggestions before I order an new starter via Fedex on Monday? Thanks, -Neal. Sea Quell crew. wrote: > I'm at anchor, and don't like the feeling of not being able to turn the > prop. > > Any suggestions or diagnostic ideas? Do I need a new starter, or > something worse? > > This is a Perkins 4.236 (diesel) 1980 model and has worked like a champ, > starting first time for years. The batteries are fully charged, so > that's not the problem. > > During the last month, the motor sometimes would not start first time. > Either it made a loud whirring noise, or sometimes just a very loud > click/clunk. After a few attempts, the motor usually starts. The problem > seems to have worsened this week. And now it just clicks loudly, no > starting. > > Thanks for any feedback and ideas. > > -Neal. > > _______________________________________________ > Liveaboard mailing list > [email protected] > To adjust your membership settings over the web > http://www.liveaboardnow.org/mailman/listinfo/liveaboard > To subscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To unsubscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > The archives are at http://www.liveaboardnow.org/pipermail/liveaboard/ > > To search the archives > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > The Mailman Users Guide can be found here > http://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/mailman-member/index.html > > > Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com > Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.0/1601 - Release Date: 8/8/2008 9:02 > AM > > > _______________________________________________ Liveaboard mailing list [email protected] To adjust your membership settings over the web http://www.liveaboardnow.org/mailman/listinfo/liveaboard To subscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] The archives are at http://www.liveaboardnow.org/pipermail/liveaboard/ To search the archives http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] The Mailman Users Guide can be found here http://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/mailman-member/index.html
