Westerbeke Starter Problem

[Solitude37C]

When I attempt to start my Westerbeke 33, the starter makes a grinding noise like it does not fully engage the flywheel properly. If I turn the kry off after this grinding occurs, and again turn the key a second time, the starter will engage the flywheel without the grinding noise and start the engine.
Anyone have an idea what might be the problem and what the fix would be?
I really appreciate any thoughts from this forum.

Lawrence Loyd
Tartan 37C Solitude # 393

[chucklesR]

Starting motor drive pinion needs cleaning or alignment. Check your manual for the maintenance specifications.

[canadianseamonkey]

Solitude, I had a similar problem and fixed it. I started this thread:
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...er-whines.html

Does it sound like the same problem? Mine was a whine not a grind....I removed it as suggested and sprayed a bunch of WD 40 with some white grease on the bendix and now she's like new. There are only 2 bolts...very simple. I have a Lucas starter, odds are you have the same. Let us know.

Ray

[Gary1]

Ray--
Do yourself a big favor and yank the starter back out, clean the white lithium grease off and put on some kind of moly-disulfide grease. Lithium grease turns into white concrete in fairly short order, especially when it gets warm. Just a tip.

[canadianseamonkey]

Gary, you're giving me more work to do? k, I'll get that other grease you're talking about. Thanks for the heads up.

[chucklesR]

Boshield T-9 is the best stuff I've ever found for a boat, sprays on, never congeals and works anywhere. Better than wd-40 with a much longer life span.

[Solitude37C]

Thanks everyone for the help! I'm heading to the boat this morning and will see if your suggestions resolve this problem. I really appreciate your responses.

Lawrence Loyd
Tartan 37C #393 Solitude

[Solitude37C]

Sorry to report back that I did not have time to check the starter or perform the starter removal and lube of the shaft. I was scraping and sanding the teak, getting it ready for its new coat of finish. Now I know why it cost so much to have the yard do this!! Probably the most labor intensive project I have undertaken on this boat.
I will get back to everyone when I do get to the starter.

Lawrence Loyd
Tartan 37c # 393 Solitude

[Solitude37C]

Cleaning the cable connections eliminated my problem! Thanks to everyone who suggested a fix! All the teak ( except those troublesome handrails ) has been refinished and I am pleased with the Cetol Natural Teak......
Lawrence Loyd
Solitude
Tartan 37C # 393