The last few times I have attempted to start my Universal 10-12h engine, the engine does not turnover. Sometimes, if I wait about 10 to 20 minutes, it will start. Once I get it started and run it for about half an hour, it will start on the first try later that day, or the following day. If I run the engine for less time, it will again require multiple tries, until it eventually starts as before. Prior to the past two weeks it would start immediately. I acquired this sailboat in May of this year. The previous owner had replaced one of the batteries last year, but the other battery is of unknown age. I am thinking that I have a bad battery that won't hold a charge for more than a day or two. Am I right or am I missing something here? Any help you can provide would be appreciated.
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John Visser
More data!
What does it do (or not do) when you try to start it and fail? When you say "turn over," do you mean it literally does not spin? Please be specific and we can help diagnose this ( I love this stuff!) Tell us about hte glow plugs, the noises it makes, the measurements you've made, the outside temp. when you try, etc. jv
What does it do (or not do) when you try to start it and fail? When you say "turn over," do you mean it literally does not spin? Please be specific and we can help diagnose this ( I love this stuff!) Tell us about hte glow plugs, the noises it makes, the measurements you've made, the outside temp. when you try, etc. jv
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Dana Sattin
more data
John, Thanks for responding. The glow plug button is pressed for at least 30 seconds (sometimes up to one minute). The outside temperature is in the mid-70's to mid-80's. When I press the starter, it will "click" once and the amp meter then swings far into negative territory. When it does start later (after much prayer), the engine catches immediately (i.e. I don't hear even a turnover sound). The amp meter then swings far into positive (charging) territory, at least 30+amps.
John, Thanks for responding. The glow plug button is pressed for at least 30 seconds (sometimes up to one minute). The outside temperature is in the mid-70's to mid-80's. When I press the starter, it will "click" once and the amp meter then swings far into negative territory. When it does start later (after much prayer), the engine catches immediately (i.e. I don't hear even a turnover sound). The amp meter then swings far into positive (charging) territory, at least 30+amps.
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Tom S/V GAIA
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Guest
Solenoid or starter
I think that you have a bad starter or starter solenoid. I suspect that if you repeated tried to start, the solenoid might work eventually, but one day it won't work at all. The only other cause could be a very weak starting battery, drawn down by the glow plugs. This is easy to verify - just meadure battery voltage while you try to crank it. I am also concerned about using the glow plug for 30 to 60 sec. You should only need 10 seconds or so, if the glow plugs have a low resistance connection to battery, as through a solenoid, rather than through wire going all hte way to the control panel.
I think that you have a bad starter or starter solenoid. I suspect that if you repeated tried to start, the solenoid might work eventually, but one day it won't work at all. The only other cause could be a very weak starting battery, drawn down by the glow plugs. This is easy to verify - just meadure battery voltage while you try to crank it. I am also concerned about using the glow plug for 30 to 60 sec. You should only need 10 seconds or so, if the glow plugs have a low resistance connection to battery, as through a solenoid, rather than through wire going all hte way to the control panel.
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Vic
Had the same problem on the 272 last year ...
came down to corroded plug connections on the cabling to the start panel. The voltage was just not up to job even with both batteries connected. I did a rewire of the key to the solenoid [#10 wire]... direct line with a fuse ... and it now starts with one battery without use of glow plug at all [summer weather] ... remember 30 seconds of glow plug also puts a real drain on the batteries. I can guarantee that the wiring harness universal did 10 years ago was not the best quality in the world ... and as far as i can see a couple of the wires were somewhat under capacity. If you have one new battery ... that motor should start on that battery fine. As Tom said Voltage, Voltage, Voltage. Vic
came down to corroded plug connections on the cabling to the start panel. The voltage was just not up to job even with both batteries connected. I did a rewire of the key to the solenoid [#10 wire]... direct line with a fuse ... and it now starts with one battery without use of glow plug at all [summer weather] ... remember 30 seconds of glow plug also puts a real drain on the batteries. I can guarantee that the wiring harness universal did 10 years ago was not the best quality in the world ... and as far as i can see a couple of the wires were somewhat under capacity. If you have one new battery ... that motor should start on that battery fine. As Tom said Voltage, Voltage, Voltage. Vic
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red coles
Isolate
If you have a batt sw., use this to isolate possible batt. trouble. If no sw., may have to disconnect one batt at a time. Good luck red
If you have a batt sw., use this to isolate possible batt. trouble. If no sw., may have to disconnect one batt at a time. Good luck red
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Chris Gonzales
Heat and juice
The 5411 requires lots of heat. Even in 70 degree weather mine needs a minute or so. It also seems to me that you have a problem with the starter getting enough juice. Start by being sure your starter battery is fully charged then check all connections making sure they are clean and make good contact. You may be surprised how simple the solutiom may be.
The 5411 requires lots of heat. Even in 70 degree weather mine needs a minute or so. It also seems to me that you have a problem with the starter getting enough juice. Start by being sure your starter battery is fully charged then check all connections making sure they are clean and make good contact. You may be surprised how simple the solutiom may be.
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Guest
dead
hello dana,you can get a bulb type battery cell tester at most auto stores for less than two dollars. The life time on one is about one year, but cheep to replace. boat engines are the same as car engines, if you don't find the problem now it will leave you stranded sometime. john
hello dana,you can get a bulb type battery cell tester at most auto stores for less than two dollars. The life time on one is about one year, but cheep to replace. boat engines are the same as car engines, if you don't find the problem now it will leave you stranded sometime. john
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Guest
Solution to problem
With some additional help from the Pearson 27 club the solution to this problem was neither the batteries or the starter/solenoid. Instead, the problem was solved by a new starter switch and rewriring the glow plug to allow the engine to be cranked without necessarily using the glow plug. The engine now starts fine on the first try. Thank you to all who provided me with information.
With some additional help from the Pearson 27 club the solution to this problem was neither the batteries or the starter/solenoid. Instead, the problem was solved by a new starter switch and rewriring the glow plug to allow the engine to be cranked without necessarily using the glow plug. The engine now starts fine on the first try. Thank you to all who provided me with information.
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