[C38] Starter Removal!?!

[david at dlrfilms.com]

First, please, no apologies! I'm very grateful for your input and I'm sure
others are too!

RE: Wiring and engine gauges

My boat has a very basic Catalina panel: Fuel, Temp, push-button for
glow-plug warm up, push button for horn, and ignition key. Both the
overheat and oil-presure alarm run on the same wire (and after my oil
filter mishap I know they both work!)

No tach, no oil pressure.

My alternator output goes to my batteries via a aftermarket regulator.
Fancy brand, name doesn't quite come to me right now.

On my panel over the nav table I have both a voltage and amps gauge,
Bluewater needle and scale type. I also have a Trimetric amps/volts wired
in on it's own shunt.

The biggest question/concern is whether or not the eBay alternator will
work At $100 the price is right, and that will save me the trip/time going
up the island to an Alternator/Starter shop for a rebuild of the old unit.
With passengers on deck, this is no small consideration. Gave a link in my
email subject: eBay Starter. Here it is again.

http://bit.ly/nqvde6

Thanks again for your advice and support. It's very very appreciated!

> Hello David,
>
> The starter removal is difficult but just take your time.  Disconnect the
> batteries first of course.
>
> It was a long time ago when I removed my starter and solenoid but I do
> remember using long 3/8" extensions and both swivel joints and swivel
> sockets so I could apply torque from out in the cabin which made it much
> easier (and possible?)
>
> Regardless of whether it's the starter or solenoid causing starting
> problems, I would replace the solenoid in any case.  I don't remember the
> part number but Advance Auto Parts had the EXACT solenoid for a fraction
> of
> the Universal price.  I think it may have fit a Toyota but I'm not sure.
> Maybe someone else has the part number because it has been discussed here
> in the past.
>
> If you remove the alternator for access to the starter, notice the small
> tachometer wire on the back of the alternator and where it connects.  That
> is a wire only diesels have so you may not be looking for it or paying
> attention to it.
>
> Also, if your boat still has the amp meter running your boat current
> through the engine control panel, you need to upgrade your wiring to a
> volt
> meter in the cockpit and let the alternator output go directly to your
> batteries.  This upgrade is highly recommended by Catalina and is very
> easy
> to do.  You run a new wire going to engine control panel from the solenoid
> battery terminal.  It is better to run a new wire than use the old wire
> because the old wire goes through a harness connection which are prone to
> failure after years of  marine use.  You only need one new wire going to
> the control panel for the conversion because you can just ground the new
> volt meter to a common ground of the control panel.  The new volt meter
> pulls very low current so a small marine grade 18ga wire would probably
> work fine.   Tape the ends of the old harness wires and tag them.  The new
> volt meter goes where the old amp meter used to be on the engine control
> panel.  Use a marine unit because automotive units are not corrosion proof
> and will fail.  I used an automotive unit once and it lasted about 5
> months.  I then bought a marine unit and so far it has lasted over 10
> years.  If you feel you still need an amp meter, convert to a modern shunt
> type which draws very little current from a sensing unit mounted near the
> alternator output. Either a volt meter conversion or a shunt fed amp meter
> is a vast improvement over the dangerous factory system.
>
> Sorry for making this reply so long but you are possibly at a crossroads
> to
> do a highly recommended upgrade on your wiring and charging system and if
> you do it all now, it will save you time and even the possibility of a
> fire
> in the future.
>
> Not only will the wiring and volt meter upgrade make your boat safer, you
> will also find that your alternator output will charge your batteries much
> faster because of the more efficient and shorter, lower loss, path of the
> alternator current.  The charging circuit upgrade is a must on a Catalina
> 38 and any other boat using the original Universal panel voltmeter wiring.
> Nobody uses this old system any longer and for good reason.
>
> Good luck and please don't hesitate to ask questions we may be able to
> answer.  If you have already done the volt meter and/or shunt amp meter
> and
> wiring upgrade, please forgive me for this long sermon.
>
> Tom Troncalli
> Recovering ex-38 owner
>
>
>
>
>
>> [Original Message]
>> From: <david at dlrfilms.com>
>> To: <listserve at catalina38.org>
>> Date: 7/6/2011 10:13:32 PM
>> Subject: [C38] Starter Removal!?!
>>
>> So tomorrow morning I'm down to the boat, wrenches and sockets in hand,
>> PB
>> Blaster and a MAP gas torch.
>>
>> Wish me luck!
>>
>>
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>
>
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