Off Topic Help

[hondaracer315]

I know this is the powerstroke forum but I have a question about my Caterpillar 3116ta motor on my boat, any help would be awesome maybe point me to a website like this one.

It won't start, the solenoid knocks, and there is power to everything the starter everything full juice but no start. It is like the starter will not kick in but all connections are good. We think it is the pony on top of the starter to engage the starter, not working.

I've been told it could be a hydro lock but the starter isn't even engaging. Also the starter turns freely we found that out by testing too. Any ideas would be great thanks so much. Sorry for posting here, but someone must have had a similar problem with a Cat motor.

Chris

[pablito]

If you remove the starter to check out the bendix, which is the gear on the end of the starter. Then you can use a pry bar or large screwdriver to pry the teeth on the flywheel to see if it is in fact hydro locked. Where is the boat?

Paul

[Highwaywrench]

if everything is getting power as it should, but the starter doesn't turn. First thing to check, is to see that you have power at the "S" terminal on the starter, when the key is in the "start" position.

If you have power there, you should hear the solenoid click. If the solenoid clicks, and the starter still doesn't spin, then you have a bad set of contacts inside the starter solenoid. Usually the one on the positive cable terminal is the culprit.

When the starter is off the unit, if you apply power to the B+ terminal, and ground to the - terminal, then jump a wire to the "S" terminal from B+. It should throw the drive out, and start to spin. However, this is a no-load situation. It takes very little actual amperage to spin the starter this way.

Bad contacts can cause a no-spin when under load, because they simply cannot pass enough current to get the job done. Easy way to apply a slight load, is to clamp the starter in a vise, then while it is spinning, lever a block of wood against the pinion gear. That will tell the whole story.

Testing starter problems is pretty basic, it is not really brand specific, and also not really fun when they don't work.

Good luck

[hondaracer315]

Okay I appreciate all your help everyone. It was indeed the starter it was rusty and frozen the gear would spin but would not come out to meet the flywheel. All set all fixed fires right up thanks everyone for the help. This forum is awesome thanks.

Chris