Inconsistent starting

Kevin Henderson · May 28, 2012, 09:00:57 AM

The past couple of times taking Pau Hana out, we have experienced some inconsistency in being able to start the engine. I turn the ignition key over and the let the glow plugs warm. I have the audible oil pressure alarm. Then, when I depress the start button... nothing happens. Sometimes I can go through the starting process and when I depress the start button the engine starts right up. Inconsistent. One of the things I'm going to check is for corrosion on the terminals to the button. Aside from that, what are some other things I should be checking for? I'm thinking of replacing the start button with new and running new wires all the way through. Thoughts?

Stu Jackson · May 28, 2012, 09:35:26 AM

Cosmic intersection!!!

Read the Fused Wire to Starter topic I just updated. http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4556.0.html

I doubt it is the button or the wires behind them unless your cockpit panel is leaking big time.

I also STRONGLY SUGGEST that everyone read or reread the CRITICAL UPGRADES topic. It was written and posted to answer a lot of these kinds of recurring issues. It also covers Mike's suggestion.

Mike and Joanne Stimmler · May 28, 2012, 09:40:05 AM

Hi Kevin,
One of the most common issues with problems like yours is a bad ground connection where your main ground wire connects to the engine block. Many times, the wire will pull right out of the crimp connections when you tug on it. Try unbolting the lug and re-crimp the wire and clean up the block surface.

Happy Memorial Day to all and thank you for your service, Kevin and all our military and past military members.

Mike

Mike and Joanne Stimmler · May 28, 2012, 09:49:32 AM

Stu was responding the same time I was and is absolutely right! The fuse on the starter is just inside the door inside the head and many times is the culprit. Those fuse holders get old and unreliable after many years and need to be replaced if original.

Mike

Ron Hill · May 28, 2012, 05:58:46 PM

I agree with Mike, except that the fuse holder gets corroded and the fuse will not make a good contact.
Just take some sand paper to the ends of the holder wire contacts and you'll be good to go.

gwp · May 28, 2012, 07:35:15 PM

I used to worry about this as every inboard ive ever had did this. I have replaced/cleaned terminals etc...with no results. Universal and yanmar both. Diesel mechanic says something related to starter. I dont worry about it now and have never been stranded. Maybe bad advice, but thats my take. Good luck

Kevin Henderson · June 02, 2012, 09:03:46 PM

Thanks for all the help everyone

I went today and sure enough... all I needed to do was take a little sandpaper to the contacts in the fuse Holder... Engine starts without a hitch now.

efhughes3 · June 03, 2012, 08:25:13 PM

Quote from: gwp on May 28, 2012, 07:35:15 PM
I used to worry about this as every inboard ive ever had did this. I have replaced/cleaned terminals etc...with no results. Universal and yanmar both. Diesel mechanic says something related to starter. I dont worry about it now and have never been stranded. Maybe bad advice, but thats my take. Good luck

So, if Kevin stops worrying about this, his problem will go away?

I think that IS very bad advice, particularly if he ever needs to fire the engine in a hurry or an emergency.