Push Button Starter Switch

[jrocheleau]

I have this problem with the push button starter switch on my 1984 Oday 30. I've changed it out several times since I've owned the boat. The switch generally works well when I first replace it, then it quickly goes bad and I have to pump the switch several times before it will make contact. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Maine Sail]

I have this problem with the push button starter switch on my 1984 Oday 30. I've changed it out several times since I've owned the boat. The switch generally works well when I first replace it, then it quickly goes bad and I have to pump the switch several times before it will make contact. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Are you using the heavy duty Cole Herse switch with the rubber boot...?

 

[Richard19068]

Are you sure it's the switch?

Have you replaced the wiring?

Don't know which engine you have but see the attached service bulletin.

http://www.westerbeke.com/ServiceBulletins/sb_213.pdf

 

[wufibugs]

Doubt this will address your problem if it really is the switch, but others have suggested two mods that I found really helpful. First, the starting system can be made more robust by adding a starter solenoid. Second, and I forget who suggested it, but Hunter and probably others tended to make the starter the distribution point for most or all ignition related electrics. Establishing an independent positive distribution bloc for the "other stuff" probably makes the starting circuit a little cleaner and less subject to wiring issues that may actually arise elsewhere.

 

[Stu Jackson]

What engine do you have?

 

[wufibugs]

2gm20f. I was not having starting issues, but was doing a rewire and wire gauge upgrade so decided to add the solenoid while I was routing things.

 

[OdayDave]

I've got the 1gm1 and when I had that problem, it was the solenoid going bad. I had the starter rebuilt with a new solenoid and it fixed the problem.

Dave
s/v Lagniappe
O'Day 25

 

[jrocheleau]

Thanks for all the helpful replys. I'm going to check the solenoid. If that's the problem I could eventually be stranded without an engine.

 

[jrocheleau]

14hp Universal 18 - Diesel

 

[Dufour4800-175]

Hello, i have a 3gm30f and i also have this problem, when i push the switch, sometimes it start sometimes it only make a little click, as if my battery was dead, but then i keep on pressing it and eventually it start. Sometimes if i turn my ignintion key off and back on again, the push button would work... Could that be the solonoidvor is it just the button going bad?

Thanks
Alex

 

[Apex]

we had the same problem on our boat: intermittent operation of the button. Until while needing themotor to clear a pierhead, I turned the key and NOTHING, no indicator lights etc. While fidgeting with the wires, I was able to get a buzzer that never previously operated to buzz.

In the end, ground to the engine was at fault. It felt tight, but putting a wrench on it I was able to tighten properly. In addition, I removed connections to the control panel 1 by 1, cleaning with steel wool, protecting with di-electric grease (small amounts) and re-assembling. Now the button reacts every time, and the alarm buzzer works!

 

[Stu Jackson]

Intrmittent starting or no starting -

Usually "blamed" on the start button or key switch. In most cases I've heard of in the past fifteen years, it rarely is either one of these culprits!

Things to check that really turn out to be the source:

1. Poor engine ground - even if it "looks" good, pull it off, clean it up, make sure the wire is solidly in the lug, etc.

2. Fuse to the solenoid from the start button or key switch, usually cleverly hidden under an alternator or maybe a remote circuit breaker. When NOTHING happens when it should, NO noise, this is usually "IT."

3. Solenoid itself.

Here are some of the Tips & Tricks we've learned over the years, not necessarily only applicable to our Universal engines: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.0.html

 

[Davidasailor26]

Hello, i have a 3gm30f and i also have this problem, when i push the switch, sometimes it start sometimes it only make a little click, as if my battery was dead, but then i keep on pressing it and eventually it start. Sometimes if i turn my ignintion key off and back on again, the push button would work... Could that be the solonoidvor is it just the button going bad?

Thanks
Alex

We have the same problem with our universal M-12. In our case it always starts right up when fully charged, but after sailing for a few hours it sometimes gives us a problem. I have tried cleaning the battery terminals and engine ground. The fact that it works on the 2nd or 3rd try makes me think it's not just a battery thing, as that should get worse on subsequent pushes. I'll have to check out Stu's solenoid link to see if there's anything applicable there.

 

[Richard19068]

I would check this first. Very simple and recommended by Universal Westerbeke

"Wire size in start circuit too small to carry amperage to energize starter
solenoid. #10 AWG multi strand wire should be used between the key switch
and the glow plug push button, between the glow plug push button and the start​

button and from the start push button to the "S" terminal on the starter solenoid."

If you rewire this you will also go around the trailer type connector in the wiring harness that may be adding to the problem.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Also, if you have an ammeter in the cockpit panel, you will have severe charging problems, because the power has to run all the way there and back to the batteries from the alternator. If you do, let us know and we'll point out links for repairs.

 

[Bill1565]

Also, if you have an ammeter in the cockpit panel, you will have severe charging problems, because the power has to run all the way there and back to the batteries from the alternator. If you do, let us know and we'll point out links for repairs.

I hate it when people hijack threads, but I couldn't resist this one. Tell me more about ammeters in the panel.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Bill, it's not really a hijack, since it has to do with boat electrical systems.

Ammeters & Shunts 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6032.0.html

 

[Richard19068]

I agree it's not a hijack. I'm surprised Stu didn't refer to the entire wiring harness upgrade which the OP probably really should do. That would most likely fix the problem (although I agree that it could be a bad starter solenoid).

Check the link to Maine Sail's wiring harness upgrade how to:

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/universal_wiring_harness_upgrade

 

[Stu Jackson]

Richard, it's within the link!

 

[Bill1565]

Richard, it's within the link!

Thanks Stu, thanks Richard for your kind words. Will look into my ammeter right after my trip to Illinois for a grandaughter's wedding. Wow, great. Grand kids in the future?