Starting a diesel without a battery?

[redbopeep]

Originally Posted by steve_h

I assume that the Springstarter is not fitted permanently but that you would remove your starter motor and fit one of these? Can't imagine that is what work and lifeboats do, I would have thought they would have them fitted all the time as a backup?

Not really sure about it. They haven't gotten back in touch with me yet. Seem a bit slow or uninterested in my application. Our starter is really easy to get at and replace quickly. It's about the only thing on the engine that is super, super easy access. For us, a spare starter or this would be equiv. In most applications like lifeboat or pumping stations, I believe they are saying the Springstarter is the only/primary starter. That makes sense as it should be easy to keep the mechanical energy wound up in the Springstarter whereas a battery would slowly bleed off.

[Cowboy Cruiser]

With an cheap ebay China starter at $100 (USD) I would just buy one and trust that a couple of your many batteries would hold a solar/wind charge. You also need 12v to trip the shutdown solenoid and the glow plugs (especially if it's cold).

Mike

[babylonlarry]

[QUOTE= You also need 12v to trip the shutdown solenoid and the glow plugs (especially if it's cold).

Mike[/QUOTE]

My Westerbeke has a mechanical - morse cable type shut down. It could theoretically run without electricity if pre-heat wasn't needed.