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Is it possible for a
starter to keep drawing current after engine start without being engaged to the
starter wheel? I was seeing a 38A draw today during ground runs with only
fuel, spark, EM2/3 and engine monitor turned on. Normally I see about 15A in
this condition. During ground runs last week and running on my backup
battery\ wiring I popped an 80A ANL fuse several minutes after engine
start. At the time I suspected a hot polyfuse in a crowbar circuit for
the alternator triggered the event. After studying my wiring diagram I
determined the crowbar opening could not cause the fuse to fail. The only item
capable of blowing this fuse is the starter. The starter coil wire is in
parallel with a firewall contactor coil wire. Both coil wires go to a
starter switch fused at 10A. I suspect a starter problem is keeping voltage on
the coil lead and keeping the firewall contactor closed after engine
start. My firewall contactor is not the usually starter contactor with
the small wiring terminal for the starter. It's a conventional contactor but
rated for high current. This may be part of the problem. If the starter
checks out then I will use a DC amp meter on the starter lead. I may also add a
run-on light to the coil leads.
Any input would be
appreciated.
Bobby
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