Starting engine when batteries are dead

[mikeyboards]

hey Newhaul... i also have a volvo md2 with a handcrank...i may want to pm you about some engine info if this is ok with you..

[Bullshooter]

This should work for a lot of small engines (see Pic). Only $37 and it started my son's F250 four times on a single charge over a period of a few weeks.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by mikeyboards

hey Newhaul... i also have a volvo md2 with a handcrank...i may want to pm you about some engine info if this is ok with you..

no problem I'm happy to help

[Epikur]

After reading some of the posts I wonder if it would be possible to accidentally start your diesel by turning it?
I can turn my Lister Petter LPW4 (4 piston, 2 liter, 42 hp) by using a 24mm nut on the crankshaft with a ratchet.
A Diesel engine doesn’t need electricity to run. It is turned of by a solenoid (...using power..) which cuts the provision of fuel. If the engine is off the fuel injection system is fully operational.
It might be quite unlikely to start since everything is cold and the compression might be lost if turned not fast enough. But if everything comes together (engine might be hot because it was stopped a minute ago, compression is good, valves are tight etc.)?

What do you think?

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by Epikur

After reading some of the posts I wonder if it would be possible to accidentally start your diesel by turning it?

It can happen and is a periodic source of accidents.


Runaway diesels that won't shut off are an occasional problem, and some maintenance technicians are trained to spray a CO2 fire extinguisher at the engine's air intake if that occurs.

[Cheechako]

I have not found a hand crank useful on my smaller engines. Mostly due to tightness of the engine installation.
Today I would carry one of those jump start units. But be aware, they need to be charged often when just sitting.
The odds of starter failure on most boats is pretty darn low IF you have an engine that is not a corroded mess, not too old, or you have prepared by inspecting and /or rebuilding the starter before it fails!
I took the starter off my old Perkins before heading out for long cruising. Frankly, although it had some hours, it was a waste of time, the brushes were almost as long as the new ones!
Think about how many times a car starter is used per day. A boat may get that use in a year!

The other "backup system" is to store your dingy motor on a raise/lower motor bracket on the mother ship. In a pinch you could use the dingy outboard lowered down.

[Buzzman]

Well, once again reminded of the usefulness of fora for sharing ideas....

I had no idea that spring-loaded starters even existed.

Who knew..????

[Nimrod]

Hi

A few years ago I installed a split charge diode (1 in 3 out).
I use one of the outputs for a dedicated starter battery and another for the ships bank of 3 x 100ahr.

My idea was to have a separate spare battery (just in case) or a (dedicated battery for the fridge as that’s the one that kicks most of the amps).

Anyway never got round to it.

Another thing I did was to make sure Nothing was coming out of the starter battery except the engine (radio always on power / incorrectly wired instrument)

The setup works amazing well for 4 years and keeps the banks competly separate.

If I did need to use a ships battery or bank I would simply re wire at the time but it’s never happened

As yet !

[mfahrenthold]

You can buy a portable, rechargeble jump start battery booster at any auto parts store. They charge up from any 120V extension cord and hold their charge for a long time. They are not expensive and can start your engine. I always keep one on hand.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by mfahrenthold

You can buy a portable, rechargeble jump start battery booster at any auto parts store. They charge up from any 120V extension cord and hold their charge for a long time. They are not expensive and can start your engine. I always keep one on hand.

most even charge from a 12v source .

[Redline452]

Originally Posted by parkstone bay

But the most important thing is never, ever, EVER to use the start batteries for anything other than starting the engine - not bilge pump, not ...

Actually, I submit that the bilge pump is as, or more, important as the starter. I'd rather have a boat afloat without an engine that an engine that could be started if it wasn't submerged.


I once designed a circuit (for a friend who kept his boat on a mooring) such that if the bilge pump ran down the house bank, a second slightly higher float switch would connect the pump to the engine battery, on the above principle.

[Bill Seal]

A coffman starter?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IACjOvyx5hs

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by Steve Bean

Check YouTube for "inertial starter." It uses a hand-cranked flywheel to store energy; they have been used on airplanes and tanks. Good luck obtaining one... There are also spring starters, available commercially, a that use a spring to store hand-crank energy. Search on internet for these. There are also other ways to crank an engine, including using a rope or strap wound around the flywheel. Use ingenuity to apply energy to the rope or strap. Sometimes a tiny bit of ether starting fluid can help in a difficult starting situation especially in an engine that normally uses glow plugs. Emphasis on "tiny."

Have you actually done any of this?

My flywheel has a bell housing in the way to support the gearbox, what do you suggest I do to reach the flywheel?

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by newhaul

most even charge from a 12v source .

You mean like a 12v battery? would an ordinary battery be cheaper?

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by Pete7

You mean like a 12v battery? would an ordinary battery be cheaper?

no Pete I mean like using your solar or what ever charging source you normally use on your vessel to keep the jump pack charged and ready in the event you need it. ( ie: every 6 months or so you plug it into your cig lighter to charge it for an hour or two)
it doesn't have to be a 110v AC power source.