CRITICAL UPGRADES - DO THESE OR ELSE!!!

[Stu Jackson]

M35 Fuel Bleeding - Fuel Pump Tied into Glow Plug & Oil Pressure

Dave Spencer directly asked a question about bleeding newer engines.  His question is here:  

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6429.0.html

In 2007 we had discussed this in a very looong thread:  Hard Starting/ Possible glow plug problem?? M35 Engines & Fuel Pump Wiring

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3347.45.html

Reply #54 on page 4 of that topic begins to discuss the wiring to the fuel pump, how it works, issues with bleeding, and continues to end up describing exactly the issue that Dave addressed in his question.

Some of you MAY have had this issue, hope this helps.

Update:  In December 2011, Ray Irvine reported: "Also the solenoid that is used for the glow plugs is a low duty cycle version - the duty cycle is limited by the hold coil.  This means that if you hold the glow plugs on for too long - like get distracted with conversation etc - you can burn out the hold coil.   I am about to replace mine with a continuous duty cycle solenoid - for $10.00 more dollars."

[Stu Jackson]

Pro Mariner Flyback Chargers

Get them off your boat.  They are a FIRE HAZARD

Reply #6:

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3716.0.html

How Many Times Do We Have to Warn You?  

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5179.0.html

While Terry seems to think his problem was with lightning, it sure seems that having to go through so many ProMariner chargers is still OK.  Nonsense!  Read all the links in Reply #3 and Reply #5 and your head will be spinning until next month!  

[Stu Jackson]

WIRING HARNESS UPGRADE - Yet ANOTHER Reminder

Maine Sail has contributed another precious post on this issue:  Universal Wiring Harness:  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6682.0.html  Please click on the links to read the details.

Also, the original post on this Critical Upgrades topic and Reply #21 gives you even more information.

Please also understand the "issues" involved in the Critical Upgrade:

The "Euro" strips are a very convenient way to make the connections to replace the trailer pins without having a more difficult time getting in there to strip and crimp connections on the wires for new butt connections. Your boat, your choice. I didn't mention this before, but my PO had the terminal strips installed well before I bought our '86 boat in '98 and the one in the engine compartment is still working just fine.

There are three ways to make the new wiring connections:

1. The "Euro" terminal strip provided by Seaward when you buy the harness. The harness is the wiring itself. The strips are there to replace the stupid trailer connectors. You can replace the connectors WITHOUT replacing the wiring itself (the "harness"). Many have done so.

2. Butt connectors instead of the "Euro" strip.  This is essentially the "hard wired" to the engine method suggested by Ron.

3. Terminal strips with ring terminals on each end of the wires, as suggested by Maine Sail. This method requires crimping, just like the butt connector method.

Also, remember that there are two purposes to this whole replacement: 1) getting rid of the trailer connections; 2) replacing the ammeter with a voltmeter to eliminate the long charging run in way undersized wiring to the cockpit panel.

[Added 12/5/2011]

Here's another discussion about connections for the harness and whether or not new wiring is "required."

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6714.0.html