New Owner Questions

[rmjohns]

On the mkii, you turn the key all the way and hold it for a few seconds to light the glowplugs. You'll notice when you release it, it springs back a quarter turn to the run position. Mine normally only takes a couple seconds for the glowplugs to work. Then push the start button and you should be good.

You did mention that the batteries test well at 13 volts? These are lead acid / AGM type batteries? Is there a battery charging running when you're testing them? 13V is a little higher than I would expect unless there is a charger on them.  If so, you should take the chargers off and wait an hour or so and test again.

Rob

[Dave Spencer]

Krafty,
The location of the glow plug activation varies by the age of the boat and modifications that may have been made by previous owners but, based on your fairly late model hull number, I expect the glow plugs are activated by the key. On my boat I rotate the key to the "on" or "ignition" position, then rotate it farther against a spring to activate my glow plugs.  I hold the key against the spring for about 10 seconds and then push the start button while still holding the key in the glow position.

[krafty81]

Thanks I will try the extra key rotation. They are newer AGM batteries. Will turn off shore power and test. Also cleaning some corrosion on one of the negative terminals and putting silicone on all terminals.

[Noah]

Explain further "putting silicone on all terminals." What silicone? Silicone Dielectric grease such as Superlube, is good. Don't use silicone sealant! T9 Boeshield sprayed on top of clean, tight connections is another good solution. To stave-off corrosion.

[Ron Hill]

Krafty : I believe on your boat the glow plugs are activated by the spring loaded (momentary) turn of the key. One turn of the key is ON and the next spring loaded position is the Glow Plugs.

I suggest the you take the owners manual and study all of the syatems

A few thoughts

[KWKloeber]

@krafty

The techwiki site has complete Teleflex engine gauge troubleshooting instruction.  Start with the steps to troubleshoot the gauge.

It sounds like you might not be preheating enough, but there could be several causes.   
Please describe further exactly your steps and exactlt what is happening. 
Help us to help you!

[krafty81]

To answer questions...
- Both batt test just under 13V w power disconnected.
- Yes it is the right kind of silicone
- Glo plug worked like a champ today!

Thanks again all!

[KWKloeber]

To answer questions...
- Both batt test just under 13V w power disconnected.
- Yes it is the right kind of silicone
- Glo plug worked like a champ today!

Thanks again all!

@lrsfty

The techwiki site contains a plethora of manuals for your boat, INCLUDING the Operators Manual on how to operate your engine.

[Jim Hardesty]

Where is the glow plug button?

On Shamrock it's not a button, it's in the key switch, turn the key past the first stop, like cars used to start, hold for a few seconds (max 10 seconds).  That also bypasses the low oil pressure alarm and the fuel pump will run.
A friendly suggestion, take some time this winter and peruse the operator's manual.
Hope this helps,
Jim

FWIW.  The starting procedure is a little different from other boats.  For that reason I've written down the steps/instructions in the event that someone else may need to run her in my absence.
 

[scgunner]

Krafty,

Older boats (like mine) have an ignition key, a glow plug button, and a starter button. Newer boats incorporated the glow plug warmer into the ignition key and eliminated the glow plug button. Different switches, same procedure. Everyone uses the method that works best for them and their boat in the region they're in. Personally when I'm away from the dock I like to burn the glow plugs a bit longer so they're good and hot and fire the motor quickly the first time. Cranking the motor puts a helleva load on the batteries and can draw them down quickly so the less cranking you do the better especially since it sounds like you've only got two batteries.

[krafty81]

Thanks, yes I have the owners manual on the boat and by my bed. Reading it often!

The next thing I will look up is how to empty the waste tank when offshore. Assume there is a valve under the sink in the head. Need to energize macerator I think. Anything else?

[KWKloeber]

Krafty

No one but you knows how YOUR boat is set up, but TYPICALLY the tank is pumped out without using the macerator. 

TYPICALLY, the macerator discharges to a thru hull, not to the deck pump out hose.  HOWEVER, I had mine discharging to the deck pump out (the pump out was VERY weak and I wanted to assist it.)  It's now changed back to "normal."

The plumbing diagrams in the Owner's Manual show the flow paths.

Typically the tank outzie hose does NOT have a valve, but no one knows about your boat. Trace the hose back from both ends to learn where and how it runs.
Naturally I don't know the circumstances of the boat purchase - was there no introduction to its systems?  Is there a Catalina owner at your marina that could spend a few hours walking you through everything?  It would be invaluable.  I had to learn but "knew boats"  still it would have been a head start had I had someone to show me.

[krafty81]

Thanks. Learning as I go. Broker offered to go over systems with me "for an hourly fee". I said no thanks.

[scgunner]

Krafty,

The broker wants to charge you for what should have been part of his commission. What a dick!

[KWKloeber]

Thanks. Learning as I go. Broker offered to go over systems with me "for an hourly fee". I said no thanks.

Depending on where you are there's a ton of CTY owners in the SD area!