[C320-list] Perkins Engine - Slow Crank

[Warren Updike]

The answer to your question is one of motivation vs. wallet.  If you like
doing boat projects, by all means, proceed; after you disconnect the
negative cable at the battery (assuming you don't have a separate starting
battery.)  Also, with the switch in the off position, there should be no
current to the dashboard or alternator.  But, do test each cable because you
never know what changes a PO may have made until you do. (Pos from Alt to
Batt could be a direct connect.)

You do have to remove the alt to more easily access the starter. A bit
tedious; but, not a difficult job. With hull #18, while in there, you might
consider removing the starter and having it tested at a proper shop.  Might
be bad brushes, winding, etc. that could come back to haunt in the future.
For that matter, if you have the original Lucas alt, take that in too.

Here is a trick for starting your Perkins after prolonged use or in colder
weather: pull engine shut-off up, crank engine for about 5 seconds, push
engine shut-off down, use glow plugs for about 7 to 10 seconds then engage
starter.  This does two things: warms the cylinders and gets some oil moving
so the initial start isn't running on dry cylinders (or so I think.)  Works
for me.

Warren & Pattie Updike
1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"

-----Original Message-----
From: Ian Davis [mailto:iand2002 at hotmail.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, July 03, 2013 1:34 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Perkins Engine - Slow Crank

Greg,

Thanks for the advice.  

Actually my "knowledgeable friend" had already found that ground connection
on the back of the engine, took that off and cleaned it up too - but sadly
no difference.  (In fact the lead and stud were quite clean when we took it
off).  So we think it just HAS to be the positive (red) lead connection to
the solenoid as a) it looks a little corroded and b) it's the only
connection left (apart from inside the starter)

That all said, once again thanks for the suggestion....

So, still looking for advice as to: is this a job for a friend and I to do
or do I need a Marina with an engineer?

Ian Davis  -- Wind Star --  #18

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of GREG SUTTON
Sent: Wednesday, July 03, 2013 12:21 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Perkins Engine - Slow Crank

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.
> 
>  
> 
>  
>