Hot lead to starter problem, stud's loose, need advice

captsara

Seaman
Joined
Jan 28, 2002
Messages
65
The nut that holds my hot lead to the starter has backed off enough to cause the starter to spin, but not engage. Today I noticed the stud bolt was loose, when I took of the lead. I was able to tighten it, and hook my lead back up. Question: What's in there? What does that stud screw into? Is this caused by over tightening? Help me out before break something.
 

Trent

Captain
Joined
Nov 17, 2001
Messages
3,333
Re: Hot lead to starter problem, stud's loose, need advice

The stud attaches the windings in the starter (electrical connection)to the outside of the starter.<br /><br />Try putting a little locktite on the studs and reinstall the nut to keep them from getting loose.
 

captsara

Seaman
Joined
Jan 28, 2002
Messages
65
Re: Hot lead to starter problem, stud's loose, need advice

Thanks for the come back. I looked at some pictures and I get the basic idea. It made me nervous when that stud (connection) was rattling around, thought I'd scweehauled myself for sure. I well follow your advice to the letter. Thanks again.
 

petryshyn

Commander
Joined
Oct 3, 2001
Messages
2,851
Re: Hot lead to starter problem, stud's loose, need advice

CAREFULL....<br /><br />Pending on what type of starter....if the outer nut was loose, and the starter RPM was affected, chances are good that the stud got hot and possibly melted the inner or outer insulator. Thus causing the stud to loosen in housing. Some use plastic insulators (very suseptable),others use bakelite (very robust)If the insulator was melted severely, and you tighten the inner nut, you could be setting yourself up for a future fire if the insulator fails and allows stud to touch housing. I'd inspect the inner and outer insulators to be sure....<br />But thats just me.....(I'm paranoid, rewired too many burnt units)<br /><br />Good luck! :)
 

captsara

Seaman
Joined
Jan 28, 2002
Messages
65
Re: Hot lead to starter problem, stud's loose, need advice

Jees Schematic, now you got me worried.<br />I love my boat, I hate my boat, I love my boat, I hate my boat. Today the water was scary flat and the Humpback Whales where unbelievable.<br />When I backed off the inner nut, the stud had a lot of play. I'll look for melt down. <br />Starters have never been my favorite anyway. I have a spare, but the flywheel has to be removed for r&r. <br />If it was easy, everbody'd be doing it, still yet, boating is a sickness.<br />Thank You Very Much for the heads up.
 

chesire

Seaman
Joined
Jan 20, 2002
Messages
61
Re: Hot lead to starter problem, stud's loose, need advice

Maui, Really see Humpback Whales out there? Down here or over here In S East FL I see Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Manatee, Gators, and sea otters. never a whale. Got any Pictures if you do I'd love to see them. I know this is a little, well, a lot off subject but I had to ask.
 

petryshyn

Commander
Joined
Oct 3, 2001
Messages
2,851
Re: Hot lead to starter problem, stud's loose, need advice

we'd all like to see um!!
 

catwoman

Cadet
Joined
Feb 6, 2002
Messages
21
Re: Hot lead to starter problem, stud's loose, need advice

MAUI GIRL<br /><br /><br /> IS IT YOUR 4 STROKE MOTOR THAT THE WIRE CAME LOSE ON YA <br />IF THE STUD NUT STRIPS WHEN TIGHTENING THE BRUSHES CAN BE REPLACED SIMPLE JOB ***** TO TAKE APART NO BIG DEAL WILL NOT DESTROY STARTER PUT SOME LOCK TIGHT ON THE THREADS OF THE NUT JUST ANOTHER INCONVIENCE TO OWNING A BOAT HAPPY WHALE WATCHIN !!!!!!! :D
 

ODDD1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jan 23, 2001
Messages
1,054
Re: Hot lead to starter problem, stud's loose, need advice

Maui girl, I think schematic might have left something out of his explanation...if there is an internal prob that will cause a fire, the starter will tell you something is wrong, It will stop working!
 

petryshyn

Commander
Joined
Oct 3, 2001
Messages
2,851
Re: Hot lead to starter problem, stud's loose, need advice

Oddd1 is right.<br /> I forgot to mention an "Internal problem" I was more concerned about an "external short" which could cause spark upon starter engagement, or just a basic wire fire. Either could cause fire or even worse......ignite accumulated fumes.<br /><br />But yes, if the insulator on the inside failed, an internal short may result in no cranking, followed by a wire fire....<br /><br />In either case, caution is advised.....
 

captsara

Seaman
Joined
Jan 28, 2002
Messages
65
Re: Hot lead to starter problem, stud's loose, need advice

How do I know if I'm screwed? <br />Fire scares the crud out of this gas boat owner. I think I mentioned you have to take the flywheel off to get to the starter off. <br />If I quit posting, you'll know you were right. <br />How loose should that stud be without the inner nut?<br />I know the answer, cancel all charters, pull the starter, and don’t wait ‘till it bites hard. If it can it well, and for goodness sake, do not ask “what could go wrong next.”<br />Any hot wrenches coming to Maui. I'll post "Humper Jumper" picture links for motivation! Give me a minute, I'm just a harbor rat.
 
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