I have a 1984 O'Day 28 with a Universal M-12 two cylinder 11 HP inboard diesel. I have new batteries and the fuel tank has been scrubbed recently (~18 months ago). I'm having starting issues. Here is what happens...
I hold the glow plug button for 30 seconds then bump the starter button while she is in neutral and throttle set to low-medium level. I can hear the electric fuel pump ticketing and the ignition system goes click once when I hit the start button. The starter never even begins to turn over. I try this with a few seconds between bumps to the starter button and each time I simply get one click. I wait a few minutes and try it again. I repeat this process for about 10- 15 minutes and suddenly the starter roars to life and the motor starts right up. I had the starter and solenoid checked (maybe replaced) a few years ago when this happened and was told they were not the issue. I once had loose connection on the back of the ignition switch and tighten that down to get a better result.
For the last year I've suffered with this issue and each time the motor eventually starts. I motor out, pull up the sails and go sailing. Later in the day on the way back to home port she starts either on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd attempt.
What do you think is my problem? Do I replace the starter and/or solenoid? What would the boat start later in the day but have a much harder time starting the first time of the day? If starter is at fault wouldn't it always we hard to start?
I hold the glow plug button for 30 seconds then bump the starter button while she is in neutral and throttle set to low-medium level. I can hear the electric fuel pump ticketing and the ignition system goes click once when I hit the start button. The starter never even begins to turn over. I try this with a few seconds between bumps to the starter button and each time I simply get one click. I wait a few minutes and try it again. I repeat this process for about 10- 15 minutes and suddenly the starter roars to life and the motor starts right up. I had the starter and solenoid checked (maybe replaced) a few years ago when this happened and was told they were not the issue. I once had loose connection on the back of the ignition switch and tighten that down to get a better result.
For the last year I've suffered with this issue and each time the motor eventually starts. I motor out, pull up the sails and go sailing. Later in the day on the way back to home port she starts either on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd attempt.
What do you think is my problem? Do I replace the starter and/or solenoid? What would the boat start later in the day but have a much harder time starting the first time of the day? If starter is at fault wouldn't it always we hard to start?