Perkins 22c Starter motor lose cable Bolt?

[kryg]

Hi. I need some insight advice before I start taking the Perkins 404 22c/(it's the same engine that the old Volvo 55 hp has rebranded) starter motor off. Attached photo, I have marked the bolt that turns and wiggles when I try to do up the nut on the cable. My impression it that the bolt has come loose inside the starter housing? I have no idea if this can be repaired, or do I need to replace the starter motor? Thanks in advance for your help?

[skipperpete]

I don’t know why it’s loose but I can tell you that it’s the starter motor earth cable. The Perkins Prima and the closely related Volvo are both “above ground” or insulated earth engines but I can see 3 other earth cables in your photo so your engine is probably no longer insulated. .......unless those 3 cables are attached to a momentary solenoid. Is this on a metal hulled vessel ? Has the engine been starting ok?
Yes it can be fixed but not in situ, it’s a bench job.

[skipperpete]

Ok, in other threads you mention it is a 15 metre alloy hull so you should repair the loose
-ve and explore the need for the 3 grounds on the starter motor securing bolt.

[kryg]

Hi Skipperpete.


Your replying, is helpful. Thank you.

The engine starts when I jam the bolt somewhat so it makes an earth connection, Otherwise after a time of engine vibration when its running it will not start.

I suspect the bolt end inside the starter casing, rather a nut or tack weld came adrift as the bolt is loose and can be turned. I found there is no way to do up the bolt and/or remove the cable nuts as a result. Making the removal of the starter motor an issue. As you rightly noted, the other earth cables are attached to the solenoid. Yes, my boat is an Aluminium 15 meter (50') masthead cutter. I have a ground rotor off and on switch to isolate the engine when not running. I don't know how to identify a part number for a new starter as backup.

Originally Posted by skipperpete

I don’t know why it’s loose but I can tell you that it’s the starter motor earth cable. The Perkins Prima and the closely related Volvo are both “above ground” or insulated earth engines but I can see 3 other earth cables in your photo so your engine is probably no longer insulated. .......unless those 3 cables are attached to a momentary solenoid. Is this on a metal hulled vessel ? Has the engine been starting ok?
Yes it can be fixed but not in situ, it’s a bench job.

[skipperpete]

Here’s the “Parts4engines” replacement but given that your engine is no longer insulated in the conventional sense it might be cheaper to find a standard starter motor rather than dropping 600 quid on the insulated earth model.

[kryg]

THANKS - For the info. How to know if it is a straight swap?

Originally Posted by skipperpete

Here’s the “Parts4engines” replacement, but given that your engine is no longer insulated in the conventional sense, it might be cheaper to find a standard starter motor rather than dropping 600 quid on the insulated earth model. Attachment 245690Attachment 245691

[skipperpete]

There is another way to deal with that loose bolt! Either put two locknuts on the available thread then tighten the inner nut while holding the locknuts or use a pair of vice grips on the thread. Protect the thread with a short bit of copper tube and spray some penetrating fluid on the inner nut. It’s very important to NOT turn that threaded part.