Starting an engine is not that easy as it seems to be. With all those techs we’ve achieved in machinery. Still, we can only get our machines running indirectly through a starter motor. The complex process of engine starting makes it prone to problems. We’d suffer from a starter motor failing when we’re about to drive to work or generate power with a diesel. A backup diesel generator is equipped in many fields that can cause severe losses due to power outages. Accordingly, a backup starter motor is also indispensable. But which one is exactly the best alternative starting system for diesel? This article will show you some ideas about engine starter failure and how to choose the best backup starter motor for your field.
Symptoms of a failing starter motor and their corresponding damage
By “failing starter motor”, I mean the electrical ones ‘cause those are the most widely applied starter motors currently, whether for civil or industrial use. And, to be honest, They are also the most easily damaged among all.
But when you turn your key and the engine remains quiet, how can we say whether it’s a fault of the starting system or not? Yep, there would be signs. Below I’ve created a table showing the symptoms of a failing starter motor and their corresponding damage parts.
| Symptoms | Corresponding Damage |
| Weird sound like iron grinding | Drive gear |
| Intermittent starting problems | The delay |
| Oily motor | The oil leaks |
| Starter won’t turn off after starting | Solenoids |
| Smoke coming out of the starter | Starter overload or short circuit caused by connection problem |
There might be more symptoms of a damaged starter, and sometimes the signs could be ambiguous. So if you suspect a failing motor from your vehicle or machine, take it to the mechanical maintenance department and have a full check. A damaged starter will be pretty much bad news, because in most cases, you’d need to replace it with a whole new one. You’d pay even more if you try to repair it.
What are the possible causes of a diesel engine starter failure?
The structure of a starter is a little bit complex. So when you find the starter motor won’t launch your diesel, there could be many causes. Above we’ve known the symptoms and corresponding damaged parts, and now we’re going to look at what might have caused those failures. From this, we can also grasp a little bit of knowledge on how to maintain the engine starter.
The structure of a starter is a little bit complex. So when you find the starter motor won’t launch your diesel, there could be many causes. Above we’ve known the symptoms and corresponding damaged parts, and now we’re going to look at what might have caused those failures. From this, we can also grasp a little bit of knowledge on how to maintain the engine starter.
1.Corroded, damaged or dirty solenoid connections
As a sophisticated instrument with a complex structure, a starter might cease to work when it got erosion, dirt or damage on its solenoid.
2. Electrically damaged
3.Electric connection problems
If you start your car in the wrong way like too many times in a row. The starting system might get overheat, and a short circuit could occur.
4.Magnetic switch damaged
Probably the most common damage happens to a starter.
While there are too many possible causes, so I won’t list them all here. It’s lucky if those failures happen when you’re just trying to start your mower in the yard. In many fields like the petroleum industry or marine, failing to start a diesel could lead to great loss. So in those scenarios, a backup starting system is often equipped.
Why is it so important to equip a backup starting system?
Like I said, to prevent great loss or even great danger. Imagine that you’re on an exploration mission and your motorboat stopped right in the middle of a sea. Better have a backup starter in your cabin or you’re in big trouble.
In fact, in many fields, the provision of a backup starter is already a default. Those alternative starting systems are mostly non-electric (or how to start a generator at power cut). Still, you’ve got many options, but the most selected one is spring starter.
Why is everyone missing the unbreakable spring starter?
How could someone not miss an UNBREAKABLE starter? About 50 years ago, the mower in our house of the agricultural machinery in our farm was sometimes equipped with two starters, and one of them is a windup. A lot of people miss that hand crank starter motor not only because of its funny, but for its durability – “The engine always retires even before the hand crank is worn”. Spring starters have always been known for their long-lasting use and ease of operation and have made it widely accepted as a backup starting system.
There are also some other backup starters, such as hydraulic and pneumatic starters. Those types of starters are relatively more effortless to use and have also been used in a lot of fields. In terms of affordability and durability, spring starters are usually better, but pneumatic and hydraulic starters are more advanced technology and easier to use.
If you’re interested in spring starter as an alternative starting system, you can take a look at our products page. You’ll find multiple types of spring starters there. Feel free to contact us if you want a quote!
