Shibaura Engine running generator

[aczlan]

I'm still working on some of the suggestions but have not tried everything yet. Just a reminder, I do have a 12vdc system through and through. No 24v or 48v or anything else.
I have a few electrical/mechanical questions for the experts:
1. Can a solenoid be intermittent or is it either good or bad period? Does it output exactly the same current and amps it receives if working properly? If not working properly, can the output volts or amps be less than on the input terminal or will there be no energy flow at all?

Yes, it can get arced up inside and not pass as much current as it would otherwise (more voltage drop from the input to the output (say 12V in and 10.5V out vs 12V in and 11.5V out for a good solenoid).

2. Can a starter motor be damaged or diminished due to low amperage to it? What would be the symptoms and damage internally if so?

Yes, it would pull more power and throw out more heat than normal, it could also turn slower and/or with less force.

3. I have gotten the starter to start the engine at times, so does that mean the starter is good? Can the starter itself (not the power to it) be intermittent in effectively turning the flywheel?

I would suspect the solenoid more than the starter. I would try shorting across the solenoid terminals (in to out) with a old screwdriver and see if it cranks like it should then. That will test all of your heavy wiring from the batteries to the engine.

Aaron Z

 

[LittleBill21]

you need to learn how to do a voltage drop test, it will prove if the cables are good. i still think you have something rubbing on start.

 

[grsthegreat]

No, what I am saying is that the starter needs so much power to operate. Using ohms law, if voltage is decreased amperage needs to increase to maintain power. I see it all the time. Something as simple as using a homeowners 100 foot long 16 g extension cord trying to run a hole hog. The unit heats up and will destroy the motor in the long run.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Why go for the 100 foot 16 AWG, when for a couple of bucks more you can get the 200 footer at 18 AWG and a free power bar?

 

[WranglerX]

Absolutely hate 16 and 18 gauge extension cords, the should be illegal....

Dale

 

[Industrial Toys]

Not bad for LED X-Mas lights.

I will never forget a time when someone had melted plastic all over their hands from some nice cheap booster cables. Probably 18 AWG too, with some nice (Impressive) heavy vinyl insulation!

 

[grsthegreat]

Why go for the 100 foot 16 AWG, when for a couple of bucks more you can get the 200 footer at 18 AWG and a free power bar?

thats a good one

 

[searcyfarms]

regarding the solenoid theory, yes that is why i mentioned connecting straight from the battery to the starter connection then u will know going backwards there lies the issue

 

[WranglerX]

Yes solenoids can be intermittent.... You have to remember its a movable contact that comes together to connect two terminals....

Way back in dim times early Chev 6 cylinder solenoids uses to fail regularly, simple fix was to turn over contact ring to clean side and rotate terminals 180° degrees in insulator to now connect with now all "clean" contact areas.... Yes contacts in solenoid do get arc pitted and intermittent...

IF you jump directly to starter terminal and engine block ground, WITH STRONG BATTERY and it still groans and wont turn over you have a bind on starter/flywheel teeth a bum starter.... It it spins over good directly at starter work your way back toward batteries...

I have 3 cylinder 25 hp ISEKI diesel in my MF tractor and it starts really good with a single 433 CCA battery...

Dale

 

[Industrial Toys]

I would be far less likely to suspect the solenoid on a NEW starter. Not saying it couldn't happen. Actually, if it was me. It would happen.