Starting startomatic without the switchgear box

[mickatdunge]

Hi - I have an SR2 without the correct wall mounted switchgear box.  I want to be able to start it automatically from the house (getting old).  I don't require the original startomatic function (there's never a time when something isn't turned on) but need to be able to start the generator when my batteries get low.   I have worked out that if you feed the positive battery connection to the starter contactor it turns the engine via the generator.  It will start if the fuel control solenoid has been energised .  Do i need anything more than a push button to momentarily operate the starter contactor and a latching switch to operate the fuel control solenoid?

Many thanks

MIck

[dax021]

Following with interest.  I have the exact engine with all the solenoids and bits and bobs, just not the control box. Mine was retrofitted with a pushbutton that worked well, except that one had to manually operate the decompression lever.  It needs 24V to turn over the alternator.  I disconnected my batteries when I found they were charging at over 50V, so have other problems there too.

[AdeV]

Hi - I have an SR2 without the correct wall mounted switchgear box.  I want to be able to start it automatically from the house (getting old).  I don't require the original startomatic function (there's never a time when something isn't turned on) but need to be able to start the generator when my batteries get low.   I have worked out that if you feed the positive battery connection to the starter contactor it turns the engine via the generator.  It will start if the fuel control solenoid has been energised .  Do i need anything more than a push button to momentarily operate the starter contactor and a latching switch to operate the fuel control solenoid?

If your engine will turn over without decompression - then that sounds about right. I'd use automotive (truck, if you're on 24v, car if you're on 12v) relays, have switches as you describe. That way you can presumably shut it off by simply switching off the fuel solenoid.

The CS Start-o-matic had a mechanically linked fuel rack/decompression lever arm, operated by a solenoid. I don't know if the ST does the same? But, if the fuel solenoid definitely pushes the rack shut when de-energised, then you should be good to go fully remote... just don't forget to change the oil & check the fuel levels occasionally!

[mickatdunge]

Thanks both for your suggestions.   I've wired up the switch and push button and it seems to work.  The switch activates the fuel solenoid (on mine it connects 24v to the brown wire in the control box on the alternator) and the pushbutton cranks until the engine fires (which happens quickly) by supplying 24v to the orange wire.  The SR turns off when the switch is turned off and the fuel solenoid releases the fuel rack.  My only problem now is that the spring which is supposed to return the valve lifters to the decompressed position either isn't strong enough or, more likely as the set has been unused for some years, it needs a bit of lubrication around the levers and operating mechanism. 

As far as I know the fuel solenoid is actually two solenoids - a larger to make the initial rack movement and a lesser to hold it in place.  I seems to me that all you have to do is energise them and the larger one switches off automatically once it's given the initial shove to the rack.

Ditto the decompression levers which, presumably under the control of the control box detects the start of AC generation and releases the solenoid to allow the levers to reset to decompression position as the engine comes to a halt (which there's not much pressure on the levers).  This is achieved (or rather not in my case at the moment) but the rather puny spring which pulls the levers back.

[dax021]

@mickatdunge.  Would you be so kind as to post some photos of your setup so I can visualize your explanation. Thanks