Starter Whines

[canadianseamonkey]

It's been two weeks now that the starter on my 4-107 Westerbeke whines when I turn the key for the first time on that particular day. When I turn the key again, it's starts, no whining. What would be causing this? I haven't removed or replaced anything to have caused this.

Thanks for your help.

[Freesail99]

It could also be the solenoid starting to go.

[cardiacpaul]

one of only two things...
the solenoid doesn't like you anymore, or the starter gear (bendix) can't stand ya either. (ok, loose/corroded/gunked up (technical term) connections might be a problem too)

Fix?
remove starter...
Connect jumper cable from ground side of battery to starter case. Connect one end of jumper cable to positive side of battery, and TOUCH the other end (red, please) to the large post on the starter.
This should fire the starter off, engaging the solenoid, throwing the bendix (starter gear).

IF it does (or doesn't), remove solenoid, emory cloth the cylinder looking piece of the solenoid and the hole it came out of, WD40 the begeebers out of the Bendix, reassemble, retest, If it all seems to work hunky dory, slather some grease on the bendix pay attention to get some on the drive "shaft" of the bendix (the part that slides) replace starter, fire up a cold one and try not to throw your shoulder out of joint patting your own back.
Polish/sandpaper/wirebrush/clean all the terminals while you're at it too.

If not a heck of a lot happens, take the whole sh-bang to a starter shop and have them test it, rebuild it, or buy a rebuilt one.

[jrd22]

Paul is right on the money, do what he says. It could continue to do this and successfully start the engine for a long time, or more likely it will not work at all when you need it most. Just a matter of time.

John

[hellosailor]

Most commonly, it is the "Bendix" which is now the generic term for the throw-out mechanism that actually engages the starter gear. On some startes this is readily accessed and replaced as a unit, on most modern ones it is internal to the starter and usually the entire starter is replaced. SOMEtimes, you get lucky and the problem is just excess grease that has gotten old and congealed, with some metal dust from the gears to thicken it up, so good cleaning may be all it needs. More often, it needs a new mechanism and that means a trip to the starter rebuild shop.

While you are in there, look for any bare metal on the windings, or rubbed spots. The starter may be old enough so that a complete rebuild is good PM by now.

[canadianseamonkey]

Doesn't sound too complicated. I'll try what Paul has suggested and take it from there. Thanks for the help once again.

Ray

[Gary1]

As memory serves me, the Bendix gear on the 4-107's starter is a mechanical, not electrically driven one. When the starter motor starts to spin, the Bendix gear drives itself toward the flywheel using inertia. Motor spins, gear is heavy and resists motion. The shaft of the motor and inside of the gear are 'threaded', and when the motor starts spinning, it 'tightens' the 'nut'. (I.E. the starter gear itself.)

When the engine starts, the starter motor stops moving, and the flywheel 'loosens the nut' back out of the way.

My guess on this is that the shaft on your starter is either bone dry and needs lubrication, or something is burred a little bit.

The whine you're hearing when you try it the first time is the starter motor spinning with no load. What is probably happening is that the starter gear is partially stuck in its parking position, and the first spin of the starter motor isn't quite enough to get it moving.

I'm not sure if the Lucas starter has a 'thrust washer' between the gear and the nut that holds it in place. It will probably be a soft metal like brass. This holds the gear the correct distance from the end of the shaft so it can engage easily.

In any event, the fastest way to find out is to pull the motor and check the gear. A little bit of light oil--preferably synthetic--on the motor shaft and gear will probably cure your problem.

And yes, Lucas is the Prince of Darkness.

BTW, if your starter is the same one as my Westerbeke's (basically a Perkins 4-107), you can consider it to be gold. That's about what it's worth if you have to replace it. The local dealer says they're up to about $1500 now, and that's for a rebuilt. Cheaper to hunt the internet and find a complete engine which are going for 500-800 bucks. Strip the high dollar parts and junk the rest.

Hope this helps.

[cardiacpaul]

one might want to gander right here....

LUCAS STARTER BEDFORD, PERKINS MARINE 4-107, 4-108

[Rockter]

Spray some WD40 into the bendix of the starter... the toothy bit.
It sounds like the bendix is not engaging and you hear a "whhhhhrrrrrrr" at that moment.
Mine has the occasional wobbler like that, and has done for 15 years.
I don't think it's a solenoid problem. They normally show trouble by being silent, or clicking.

[Gary1]

Paul, that's not a bad deal at all. Certainly better than the local Perkins dealer!