I have a Perkins 30 engine. After out sailing for some time and I try to crank the engine, nothing happens. So far, it has always worked on the third or forth attempt. Any idea what is happening? I want to resolve the problem before it fails. There is no safety switch that I'm aware of.
Engine not cranking
- Thread starter EWARREN
- Start date
Something to think about and explore is the condition of your wiring harness, to include all the connections. I had a similar problem with a Yanmar, which I resolved by replacing much of the wiring harness and adding a 12vdc relay to the solenoid.
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1223187&highlight=intermittent
This is just an example of what can happen. Warren's right, trace all the parts, including the engine ground.
This is just an example of what can happen. Warren's right, trace all the parts, including the engine ground.
Like others have pointed to, it is a fault in the key switch, push button, starter solenoid circuit. It is mostly due an aging wire harness which experiences a voltage drop failing to activate the solenoid. It will work or not work randomly for a long time but will eventually fail. Many have resolved the problem by replacing wiring and installing a relay switch. Check the archives for details.
Could be a lot of things
battery terminal connections. does it moan or nothing at all?
high amp connections at or on the way to/from the starter? check them all for a good connection.
solenoid control circuit. Test this by shorting between the high amp terminal at the solenoid (the one with the cable from the battery) and the control terminal (might have to take off the control wire to get access to the terminal. If she cranks at all the control circuit is the problem.
battery terminal connections. does it moan or nothing at all?
high amp connections at or on the way to/from the starter? check them all for a good connection.
solenoid control circuit. Test this by shorting between the high amp terminal at the solenoid (the one with the cable from the battery) and the control terminal (might have to take off the control wire to get access to the terminal. If she cranks at all the control circuit is the problem.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,171
I had a similar experience with my 1974 Perkins 4107. Worked smoothly leaving the Marina. Sailed for 3 hours. Heading into the river against an ebbing tide and dying wind velocity. Went to crank engine. Silence. Very scary silence. Moved the wires on the starting motor a couple of times finally got engine fired up.
After getting to the slip I inspected the wiring. Appears the negative wire on the starting motor is loose in the connector. Project is to remove the wires from starter motor and replace the connectors before the next sail. I suspect age makes everything loose and baggy.
After getting to the slip I inspected the wiring. Appears the negative wire on the starting motor is loose in the connector. Project is to remove the wires from starter motor and replace the connectors before the next sail. I suspect age makes everything loose and baggy.