Matt; I'm glad you never have seen the failures I have had with starters and
solenoids. Several years back I got a call from my neighboring live aboard
yacht at O dark hundred in the morning. I had a 53'Bluewater with twin 350
Crusaders and the right engine had started itself at 2, 3:45 and 7;00 am.
Didn't run long but fired up. And that saga began. That starter is starboard
side of the starboard engine and weighs in at what? 40 #'s? Worst place to
get to. And has a solenoid on the engine and on the starter. By the way,
engine also would fail to shut off unless you pulled coil wire, only
occasionally. So over the next several months, replaced all solenoids, and
overhauled starter, once, twice then back for a 3rd check at my reputable
overhaul place. As we discussed it, He said there was nothing else to do as
he had replaced everything but the shaft. Bingo!!!! A slightly defective
shaft would hold the bendix in and the solenoid close enuf to allow it to
engage the points with a slight wave or suggestion. By the way, also
replaced both upper and lower station ignition switches.
BOATS, just like a GMC. Love it or leave it. I bet it is your starter and
also by the way, the ignition switch IS hard for someone to replace parts
inside if you have not done it before. IMHO. Get experienced help with that.
Dean Hanson
Fremont, Ca.
solenoids. Several years back I got a call from my neighboring live aboard
yacht at O dark hundred in the morning. I had a 53'Bluewater with twin 350
Crusaders and the right engine had started itself at 2, 3:45 and 7;00 am.
Didn't run long but fired up. And that saga began. That starter is starboard
side of the starboard engine and weighs in at what? 40 #'s? Worst place to
get to. And has a solenoid on the engine and on the starter. By the way,
engine also would fail to shut off unless you pulled coil wire, only
occasionally. So over the next several months, replaced all solenoids, and
overhauled starter, once, twice then back for a 3rd check at my reputable
overhaul place. As we discussed it, He said there was nothing else to do as
he had replaced everything but the shaft. Bingo!!!! A slightly defective
shaft would hold the bendix in and the solenoid close enuf to allow it to
engage the points with a slight wave or suggestion. By the way, also
replaced both upper and lower station ignition switches.
BOATS, just like a GMC. Love it or leave it. I bet it is your starter and
also by the way, the ignition switch IS hard for someone to replace parts
inside if you have not done it before. IMHO. Get experienced help with that.
Dean Hanson
Fremont, Ca.
