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Help Identifying Electrical Component

Discussion in 'Luhrs Yacht' started by MegaByte, May 11, 2020.

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  1. MegaByte

    MegaByte New Member

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    Location:
    Islamorada FL
    1994 Luhrs 32 Open

    I'm trying to identify the electrical component in the attached image so I can replace it. Also, there seems to be an excessive amount of black tape on the bottom red wire. Is this meant to identify something?

    I'm also attaching an image of a black wire with a red band of tape around it. This wire goes from one of the batteries into the cabin bulkhead , though I'm not sure where it leads to. Does the red ban indicate something?

    Thank You

    ElectricalComponent.png BlackWireWithRedTape.jpg
  2. Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    It's just a solenoid you can get at any auto-electrical store.
  3. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Yes, it looks very much like a standard parallel starting solenoid for smaller engines. But basically its merely a solenoid. The small wires engage the momentary link between the heavy lugs.
  4. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    I'd say that the black tape is distinguishing that cable as either coming from the battery or going to the equipment it operates. The solenoid is what closes the circuit between the bottom and top cables The smaller wires probably go to a key switch or a momentary switch? You said that you are replacing it, why? Do you know what that solenoid energizes when engaged? Anyone have any thoughts on what that green or gray wire running from the top cable stud is doing? Energizes a light or something?
    Last edited: May 11, 2020
  5. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    Maybe I'm not understanding but why do you want to replace something if you don't know what it is?
  6. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    That black tape is just extra protection against fraying on that edge. You'll notice that right away when red shows through where you might not notice the red cable fraying. The red band looks like a splice or a casing repair.
  7. MegaByte

    MegaByte New Member

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    I traced the smaller wires back to the parallel start switch. Now that I know what this component does, is there a specific type of solenoid to replace this with? I see that there are both continuous and intermittent duty solenoids and different amperage.
  8. Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    The info should be stamped/printed on the old one. Starter ones are normally intermittent.
  9. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Yes, it's used intermittently to allow your engine to use multiple battery banks as you start. You need to determine the load rating for this unit, perhaps 200 amps? As Fish stated, it will be stamped on the unit somewhere.

    Next step, as I don't know where you are, choices are NAPA, an electrical supply shop, well stocked marine store, or even online resources that can ship to your door.
  10. MegaByte

    MegaByte New Member

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    The markings tag for the existing one is long gone. I found this one which looks most like it : BEP MARINE–65A Continuous Duty Solenoid The higher AMP rated ones are not epoxy coated, not sure how much that matters if the 65A/100A isn't sufficient .
  11. d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

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    You must first know what the operating voltage is at the small terminals. 12, 24, 32 volts?
  12. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    The solenoid is only part of a system. At the end of the line it helps "something" operate. What does it operate- and if , as they say, it ain't broke why fix it? If you think it look shabby hit it with a nice spray paint. But find out what piece of machinery it helps operate
    Last edited: May 12, 2020
  13. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    Why are you replacing it? Is it not working?
  14. MegaByte

    MegaByte New Member

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    This was a solenoid for the parallel start system that was corroded and failed to function. After removing the component I found the markings on the backside: 21447 12VDC 183. It was easy to obtain a replacement.