How to know T-Start is working.

[Henhouse1-HT]

Just cranked my "YanMartha" for the first time in cold temp, 35 degrees F. When I put the key to TS position, dash lights and meters come on until just before full left position of the switch. At full left everything goes back to "off". How am I supposed to know the TS is working? The engine did not start quickly at all until after experimenting with the key position. The last time with switch in far left position and indicator lights and meters off, it started firing and started. If there is no indication that it is working, then my next step will be the old manual.

Stan Henley

 

[winston-HT]

After holding a few seconds in the ts position, unmount and feel in the area of the thermostart element, should be getting warm, if not, it's not working. Don't know what model yanmartha you have, my 2002 has a little light right below the gages that glows red while switch is in ts position and goes off after about 10 seconds, I assume showing it is ready. You don't really need the light, if you determine what position your switch is in while it is working, that is all you need to know. Just hold it in that position for about 10 seconds before beginning the start procedure.

 

[Henhouse1-HT]

Thanks, Winston. I'll try the "warm to the touch" indication this afternoon. My 1610D doesn't have an indicator light for the TS. I'm just wondering if the gauges and dash lights should remain on in the far left "TS" key position instead of going out just as the key hits the left stop. That could be an indication that the TS is not getting power when the key is at the stop. Might just need some contact cleaner in the switch.

 

[alan-HT]

If not electrical could be a failed plug.

 

[Henhouse1-HT]

I checked the plug with the touch method and it was getting warm. Hit the starter and it started immediately. I think maybe it just hadn't been used in a long time and needed to be messed with.

 

[kunas-HT]

I removed the air intake hose from the motor today and cycled my t start, it first started smoking then after about 8 seconds i had fire is this normal Ron

 

[winston-HT]

<QUOTE author="kunas"><s>

</s>I removed the air intake hose from the motor today and cycled my t start, it first started smoking then after about 8 seconds i had fire is this normal Ron<e>

/e></QUOTE>
Your starting to get technical now! I don't know. It is about 31 degrees here right now and I just went out and turned mine to thermostart. The light stayed on for about 15 seconds. I'll try again later today after warm up because I'm pretty sure it doesn't stay on that long in warmer temperatures. I'm guessing the light is turned off because the heating element shuts off after reaching a set temperature. Some of the guru's may be able to confirm or deny this. I would think if ignition of the thermostart doesn't take place until 8 seconds it would probably need to be held longer than 10 seconds before starting the cranking procedure. 2 seconds fire is not very long in my humble opinion.

 

[Norm-HT]

<QUOTE author="kunas"><s>

</s>I removed the air intake hose from the motor today and cycled my t start, it first started smoking then after about 8 seconds i had fire is this normal Ron<e>

/e></QUOTE>

Yep.

 

[winston-HT]

I came in this evening after temperatures warmed up in the mid 50s. Turned my key to TS and it took between 15 and 20 seconds for the light to go off. I waited about 5 minutes, did a repeat, it took between 15 and 20 seconds for the light to go out.

 

[Henhouse1-HT]

I'm guessing my 1610D doesn't have a TS light. At least if it does, it's burned out. I don't really see a place for it.

 

[winston-HT]

I have been looking at my operation manual wiring diagram. It shows a glow control. I suppose that must be what determines how long my light stays on. One day when I'm bored I am going to look into the wiring on it and see just what makes it tick. No reason to other than I just like to know how things work.

 

[winston-HT]

Senility has struck again! I had forgotten not to long ago I had an episode with a little black box mounted right next to my voltage regulator. Short story it turned out to be the glow control. If you don't have this black box you probably don't have the glow control. Probably only comes on the Cadillac version of the Yanmars. <E>8)</E>