Yanmar starter

kavakava · #1 09-13-2006

This weekend the starter burned up on my 2004 Yanmar 50hp with only 200 hours on it. The local Yanmar mechanic said the Hitachi starter/solenoid and alternator are the weak points on this engine. Anyone else with experience with these issues, and are there any better replacement parts out there? I'm thinking of going with a higher output Balmar alternator with smart charging, but not sure what to do with the starter. Thanks for the input.

SmartCaptain · #2 09-13-2006

Kavakava,
Is your old starter the large-case model or the small-case model. (The old style Yanmar starter is a direct-drive and the newer one is a high-rpm motor that's geared down.)

My old 1988 starter was working OK, but I replaced it with a new Hitachi high-rpm unit last year before I went to Bermuda. I kept the old one as a spare. The newer, small-case motor was very easy to put in.

I bought the starter from a place in Marathon FL called "The Battery Shack". Despite the name, they specialize in starters and alternators. I didn't have a choice on brands (they only had the Hitachi starter for my Yanmar).

Hope this helps,

Jeff

www.smartcaptain.com

Rockter · #3 09-13-2006

Did the starter windings fail, or just the solenoid?

I bought a 100 amp alternator from Ample Power of Florida. It's still running fine after 14 years. It is not cheap, but is rated at 100 amp continuous, 12 volt. Coupled to their three step regulator (also 1992), it has been a reliable combination for me.

Beware of oversold alternators. Ask for the CONTINUOUS rating, and not the nominal rating. They are often very different.

camaraderie · #4 09-14-2006

Kava...
We upgraded to a Balmar 110 amp /3 stage regulator on our old Yanmar44 and had no problems in several yeas of full time cruising.
As to the starter, suggest you give a call over to Mack Boring to get a second opinion. They are great and will have whatever parts you need.

kavakava · #5 09-14-2006

Thanks for the input. The Yanmar dealer here will install a new starter tomorrow, but add a stronger solenoid, for the factory starter won't work well unless it has enough power. I definately will look into a stronger alternater with 3 stage regulator. Right now I'm looking at Balmar, Ferris, and Ample Power units. Any feedback on these units is appreciated. Thanks.