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Slow Engine Cranking

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 5:41 am
by Vulture
Guys, I feel the engine is cranking over too slowly on start-up (from cold). That said I've only heard a couple of others start up, so I'm looking to those more knowledgeable to share their thoughts please.

Points to note:
- It's a 6 volt system.
- The battery was new last Jun.
- The battery was fully charged.
- I've cleaned the battery terminals recently (it made no difference)
- I've cleaned the connection on the earth strap on the chassis recently (it made no difference).
- I've cleaned the connection on the starter switch yesterday (it made no difference). (Condition of bolt 'poor').
- I pulled back the metal band and inspected the contacts. Armature is clean and the contacts look almost new.
- I didn't expect the engine to start on this crank, as the choke wasn't out and I hadn't pumped the accelerator.
- Lubricated the end bearing recently.
- No idea when the starter was last removed and the front bearing lubricated.

I'm planning to buy a multimeter to do a resistance check on the wiring.

Here's a link to a video on U-Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAThZyil ... e=youtu.be


Ideas, comments, observations ?

As an aside,
1. What do you use to lubriate the starter linkage ? The TM doesn't say (unless I'm missing it).
2. Anyone have a diagram or photos showing the inside of the switch ?

Kind regards to all

Vulture

Re: Slow Engine Cranking

Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 7:02 pm
by dr deuce
Swutch is pretty simple: At the end of the button is an insulated copper plate. It shorts out a contact on the top of the starter and the other end of the terminal on the switch.

Did you replace the battery cables? If so, you cannot just buy a local VIP battery cable, they have too much voltage drop because they are too small. Remember: the conductor size/number of strands determine the current carrying ability. Many people (me inculded) change to 12 volts to completely avoid this problem.

Re: Slow Engine Cranking

Posted: Sun May 06, 2012 2:37 am
by Vulture
dr deuce wrote:Swutch is pretty simple: At the end of the button is an insulated copper plate. It shorts out a contact on the top of the starter and the other end of the terminal on the switch.

Did you replace the battery cables? If so, you cannot just buy a local VIP battery cable, they have too much voltage drop because they are too small. Remember: the conductor size/number of strands determine the current carrying ability. Many people (me inculded) change to 12 volts to completely avoid this problem.

Nope, haven't changed the cables. I've been lent a Multimeter, so time and weather permitting I'm going try and do some tests today.