Emergency starter switch for Yanmar 4JH2-TE

[skipgundlach]

My cheapie Harbor Freight remote starter has at most 16 gauge wire; I use it when I want to be able to start the engine from below, without the key at the breaker panel, or the pushbutton at the helm.

12 Volt Remote Starter Switch

[TrentePieds]

Quote: "Invaluable, actually, if you sail singlehanded as I often do.

Blue Stocking has it right: Cole-Hersee push button switch and AWG10 wire. I've had one on my boat for almost 20 years and found it to be indispensable."

I agree! The switches in the Vetus-supplied panel in my cockpit were garbage - wouldn't even use switches like that for a model railway. Vetus uses them to operate a RELAY that then carries the "real" current for the solenoid. Then the Solenoid carries the actual current for the starter. Willy Occam is spinning in his grave!

I fitted Cole-Hersey "momentary on" buttons neatly onto the side of my engine casing next to the companionway. Using 10 gauge I hardwired directly to Plugs, Fuel Flow Interrupter and Starter Solenoid. The feed for these switches is taken from the high amp feed stud on the solenoid.

Never a problem now. Reliable is FAR more important than pretty!

Note, tho', that I left a kill switch at the steering position just in case I get too close to picking up a line or have an awkward MOB. Screw stops quicker via the Kill Switch than by jiggling levers around. I know cos I tested it :-)

TrentePieds

[Brewgyver]

A local push button switch is a good idea for any sailboat engine, especially diesels. Sooner or later you're going to have to bleed injector lines.

[UNCIVILIZED]

LOL, I'm glad to see that the screwdriver trick has finally caught on. As people used think me loco 20yrs ago, for using said "trick". But then again, I was (am) loco.

That said, yes, your mechanic's right. As sooner or later, a component in your primary starting circut will go down.
So on a serious boat, it's good to have a KISS backup mechanisim. As crawling into the engine compartment with a screwdriver, to make sparks fly (literally); When you need the engine NOW, isn't the most advisable idea out there.
Particularly if you're getting hammered by big seas at the time. Thus making the screwdriver trick 10x more difficult.

BTW. Could someone with a bit of technical writing expertise, please write up a "How To, Screwdriver Guide", for the newbies

[On The Water]

Originally Posted by UNCIVILIZED

BTW. Could someone with a bit of technical writing expertise, please write up a "How To, Screwdriver Guide", for the newbies

From about 33 years ago
1. Make sure the John Deere is in neutral....

[adlib2]

Originally Posted by pcmm

I just use screwdriver to jump the solenoid terminals when needed!

"DITTO" Had to do that a few times when engine would not crank from the helm for some reason.

[jstevens]

It appears from the many posts here, there are two type of remote starter switches in use. (1) Those that bypass the starter switch, and (2) those that bypass the solenoid. The first is a convenience switch for maintenance functions and the second is for emergency starting when the normal starting circuits have failed. I have neither, but I think I will install the 2nd one before any more long passages.

John

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by jstevens

It appears from the many posts here, there are two type of remote starter switches in use. (1) Those that bypass the starter switch, and (2) those that bypass the solenoid. The first is a convenience switch for maintenance functions and the second is for emergency starting when the normal starting circuits have failed. I have neither, but I think I will install the 2nd one before any more long passages.

John

bypassing the solenoid is dangerous business. the starter uses 100+ amps when it runs. try finding a momentary switch that can handle that! the screwdriver trick is not meant for bypassing the solenoid either.

[artisanmach]

I would add a second solenoid in parallel with the OEM unit. with a separate start button or key switch, which would also by-pass the neutral safety switch circuit.
I have had my shifter cable break, so I wired up an emergency start button using only the original solenoid but by-passing the neutral safety switch.

[artisanmach]

P.s. isn't an emergency start switch supposed to by-pass all the interlocks and safety devices which would normally not let you start your engine.

[skipgundlach]

How do you do a second solenoid on a starter which relies on the installed one to throw the gears into the flywheel?

(yes, carry a spare solenoid if not an entire starter)

Diesels don't know from gearshift/tranny lockout switches (unless perhaps there's an electrical link to the shutoff - mine is manual; I shut it off by moving the lever when I'm using the remote starter switch); all they need is air and fuel, and something to rotate until ignition happens...

... which is why it's also good to have a tennis ball or similar handy in the unlikely event of a runaway, to shut off said air by stuffing said ball into the intake.

[boeing1]

yes I also use the screw driver, but I seen some boats where if would be very difficult to do.

[BruceS]

My 4-108 has 3 switches in the engine bay to allow for many uses.
One is the same as key to ON.
One is pre-heat switch.
Other is turn starter. (to solenoid)

Good for spinning motor over to adjust tappets without firing.
Good for that extreme cold morning. (pre-heat not on helm)
If I start the motor in the engine bay I need to then turn on the key if I wish the motor to keep going before I kill the engine bay switch.
My button is just a tractor horn button. (momentary on)

[Snowpetrel]

Originally Posted by On The Water

From about 33 years ago
1. Make sure the John Deere is in neutral....

Ouch!

[seabreez]

Originally Posted by walterc

A mechanic recommend I wire an emergency engine starter switch directly to the starter solenoid. It would be a push button switch mounted about 4 ft. from the solenoid.

Does anyone know the gauge wire that would be needed

I would definitely have a push button starter switch with two (12 gauge) wires and alligator clips. I would not use a screwdriver to jump start at the starter. One it is difficult to reach in some boats and second, the spark can be big enough to start a fire if accidently hitting positive to ground.