We are not able to start our Beta 38 hp motor with two alternators.
When the key turns to "Start" the engine does nothing - no clicking, no starter noise.
It was running just fine as we were in the process of changing the oil and filter. We ran the motor to heat up the oil then turned it off to pump out the old oil, change the filter then add the new oil. Went to start the engine again to circulate the oil to see if we had to add more when the engine would not start.
In troubleshooting the problem, we inspected the starter motor for a possible blown fuse. In doing that, we saw a small coiled wire hanging from the relay and the solderless terminal end sitting in the bilge. The end is round and not broken so how it fell into the bilge is a wonder. It is the only "coiled" wire, if that is any help.
We do not see, on the schematic pg 62 of the "Beta Operators Manual", where this wire connects. It is not long enough, it seems, to connect anywhere that it would in the schematic. Also they are not labled so which wire is it?
The four lights on our engine control that should light, light and buzzer sounds. But when turning the key to start, nothing.
Anyway, we are stuck with no motor.
Thanks,
Chip
-- Edited by egantsea on Friday 14th of November 2014 03:53:42 PM
I know we could trace the 3 wires that are connected but it is not so easy.
OK on pg 61 I do see the black wire which is what the disconnected wire seems to be (had to go chase down internet so not on boat). It looks to go to a starter motor bolt.
Would this prevent us from starting th engine if it is not connected as is the case?
Can we ground it some other place a bit easier to get at by possibly extending the wire?
OK sure enough that little 1 mm curly black ground wire was what caused the motor not to turn over! The schematic is a bit off as the end was bolted to the bracket that holds the relay. Once I removed that bolt (which required a 10 mm socket on a 1\4 drive with short extension ratchet) the hoop terminal end must have fallen off the bolt as the wire was disconnected from it. That was what was lying in the shallow bilge. We removed the 1 mm black wire from the relay and replaced both terminal ends and replaced the lock washer cleaning up the connections. Added some electrical grease and replaced the relay. We only needed to remove the one bolt (hardiest of course) to do the work.
Amazing how a small wire can stop us in our tracks.
Currently in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
We are sailing to Hualtulco, Mexico about 700 nm south.
Thanks,
Chip
-- Edited by egantsea on Saturday 15th of November 2014 11:46:04 AM
-- Edited by egantsea on Saturday 15th of November 2014 11:46:38 AM
