13 RUNNING REPAIRS


The engine turns over but won’t start Has the engine stop been reset?


Is the engine turning over fast enough to start? NO 1) Low battery voltage


3) Poor electrical connections 5) Defective starter motor


2) Defective battery


4) Malfunction of battery isolation switch 6) Partially seized engine or gearbox


YES


1, 2 & 3) When it comes to engine starting, cranking speed is of the essence. And, since the rotation is usually gained by electrical power, look towards the most obvious causes before suspecting anything more dramatic. If your batteries have deteriorated to the point when they will no longer hold their charge, there’s no solution other than replacement. However, there are a couple of tricks that might get you out of trouble. If there are decompression levers on your engine, open them until the speed mounts, then drop them down.


4) Isolating switches are fairly robust by nature, but wear and sparking can damage their internal contacts, thereby increasing resistance. Replacement is the only permament cure but a temporary fix can be achieved by taking the switch out of the circuit entirely. The easiest way of doing this is to connect both cable terminals to the same connector post on the back of the switch.


5) The field windings could be breaking down or the bearings could be worn or partially seized. If the motor gets very hot to the touch, this is a sure sign that it’s drawing lots of cur- rent and ailing seriously. It should be reconditioned or replaced.


6) Time for an overhaul.


7) Since tanks usually run dry while the engine is running, it would be very odd indeed if you suddenly found it empty. Check that leak hasn’t dumped the fuel into the bilge. And remember: whatever the cause, once everything is shipshape again the system will require bleeding before you can run the engine. See p 96.


8) An easy oversight. You are not alone! 100


RYA Seamanship for Sea Anglers


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