[C320-list] Perkins Engine - Slow Crank

[Welch, Myron D]

Ian,

I agree with Greg that I would first clean the ground connection on the aft end of the engine, which is easy to reach. To answer your other question, yes you can remove and clean the positive cable on the solenoid. It is not easy to reach, but just be patient with many short turns of the wrench. Make sure you disconnect the cable at the battery first or things could get very exciting! Good luck. 

Myron Welch
Wind Instrument #238
Iowa City, Iowa
Grace Memorial Harbor
Elk Rapids, Michigan 


Sent from my iPad

On Jul 3, 2013, at 12:20 PM, "GREG SUTTON" <sutt47 at msn.com> wrote:

> I had the same problem a couple of years ago.  I went through the same diagnostics and ended up finding a corroded ground to the engine.  Cleaned it up and she's started up fine ever since.
> Greg #128
> 
>> From: iand2002 at hotmail.com
>> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
>> Date: Wed, 3 Jul 2013 10:22:30 -0400
>> Subject: [C320-list] Perkins Engine - Slow Crank
>> 
>> Hi all.  Newbie Ian Davis ---  Wind Star - Hull #18
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> When starting the Perkins, even though I wait the full proscribed time for
>> the glow plugs to warm up, it still cranks VERY! slowly.  Generally it then
>> starts, but the other day it didn't, almost stranding me out in the Gulf.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> The batteries are both new and fully change, and a friend and I traced every
>> battery lead we could find and cleaned all the connectors (with a file)
>> thoroughly.  Didn't help.   BUT we can just about see that the red lead
>> connected to the engine (at the starter solenoid) is corroded somewhat and
>> we see the voltage dipping at the stud to 4V DC.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> My question is has anyone needed to get to the positive (red) lead
>> connection to the engine to replace it or clean it up.  Do you need to take
>> off the alternator and if so is that hard or easy; also, when you get to the
>> lead, is it easy to get off or not.  In short, is this a task I can tackle
>> with a knowledgeable  friend or two or does this need a marina engineer?
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Thanks in advance for any answers.   Ian Davis.
>