Tamrock and 3116 Cat Won't Start

Got a call today about this drill that I got running about a year ago. They ran it last week and shut it down and it would turn over and not restart. I went up there for a look see. There was no smoke while the engine was turning over. Sediment bowl in the water separator was clean and I had stripped the water from the tank last year. Anyway, I'll be changing the filters just in case. I didn't see anything wrong with them when I pulled them just to check for dirt in the top. I put them back on and tried starting the engine. This time I got some smoke for about 15 seconds and then it quit. There is a solenoid on the governor but I don't see a transfer pump anywhere on the machine or the engine. I know this engine uses unit injectors but that is as far as my information goes. Does the solenoid need voltage for the engine to run or is it a shut down solenoid. There was no voltage at the terminals when we tried to starting the engine. Any and all info would be appreciated.

Brain fart, the machine is a Tamrock and not a Tamarak.

The shut-off solenoid is energized to run.

Thanks, that's should help knowing that I can now chase wiring and electrical components instead of fuel problems. I think it would be easier to chase the fuel problem though.

Does it have a primer pump? Probably not?

I couldn’t find one. The wiring is a corroded mess.

Oh’ boy. The wiring is probably a good place to start. Good luck. Take some pictures of this beast.

There is a big buss bar connection on the starboard side that is badly corroded. There is also the rodent evidence everywhere.

The solenoid (probably, I've not seen one that doesn't) has three terminals: Ground, pull-in and hold. The pull-in is usually connected tho the starter energise circuit. The hold is connected to key-on. The transfer pump is built into the governor at the end next to the timing case.

Thank you Cmark. I had thought about it having three wires but only found two on the end. I have a diagram in the book that only shows one wire and calls the thing a shut down solenoid. That's why the thing has me confused. I'll get some photos of this machine later on today.

A 3116 serial number off the valve cover would help.

John C. said: Thank you Cmark. I had thought about it having three wires but only found two on the end. I have a diagram in the book that only shows one wire and calls the thing a shut down solenoid. That's why the thing has me confused. I'll get some photos of this machine later on today. Click to expand... It will work with just the ground and pull-in terminal connected to +ve but the solenoid won't be very happy about it.

I doubt it's like my buddys boat engine but they have a box on top that has some bosch relays in there. The start solenoid relay goes bad quite often.

Engine number is 2MR00411. Here are some photos. Engine Compartment Electrical Junction Block

Some more info; Engine Tag Maybe some mice or a rat or two. Engine Solenoid

A few wires in the electrical panel;

I have a customer who has one just like that for sale if your customer is interested. Minus the mouse droppings.

I'm not going to give him any ideas. I'm already worn out. Thanks for the offer though. Did you decide not to fix yours?

Well there you go. It is a 2 wire solenoid. Never seen one before. It may well be energise to stop. You would have to unscrew it and take a look to be sure. Or get a machine wiring diagram and study that.

I’m not doubting you. The only time I’ve seen energized to stop on a 3116/3126 was in marine applications. But, that’s from my distorted view of the world.