Starter Motor Current Draws

[GARY MINKER]

Starter current is a tricky thing. An unloaded DC starter motor will not draw much current. Perhaps 100 amps for .2 seconds and then 10 amps to run. When the motor hits the flywheel teeth, depending on your batteries, cables, connection cleanliness, and starter condition, the inrush current will top 1000 amps for .2 seconds and then drop to between 400 and 900 amps. This is why jumper cables are a joke for starting unless they are 1/0 welding lead with parrot clamps and even then, it may not jump. DC motors are like goldfish. They will eat what they want, given their food supply. The 3208 will draw almost the same current as the 8V because of the 4 stroke condition. Either way, any good battery will load down to 10.2 volts while cranking and the currents are stout. Keep those connections clean and I replaced the stinky little #1 cable running to my starter with a 2/0. Every little .01 Ohms makes a difference. Gary 86 pt40 --- On Thu, 11/12/09, Joyce and Richard Hayden wrote: From: Joyce and Richard Hayden Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Starter Motor Current Draws To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 11:37 AM Bill, It seems like I remember the Cat people telling me that I needed a battery with 1800 (or so) cranking amps. Dick Hayden - '87 PT 38 - Lake Stevens, WA - currently at Imperial LTVA ----- Original Message ----- From: Wilhelmus Schreurs To: Diesel RV Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 5:55 AM Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Starter Motor Current Draws Can anyone tell me, or lead me in the right direction as to where I could find the current draws for starter motors. I have a 3208 Cat and an 8V92 Detriot. Thanks Bill 1984 Fc35Sb "$quanderlodge" (HIS) 1988 40WB XXV "Anniversary Special Edition" (HERS) Terrace, B.C. Canada eh Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr!