Engine start button problem!

  • Thread starter Robin McClellan
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Robin McClellan

I have installed new batteries, have checked all wiring connections. I never have problem on initial starting of my 28.5 Yanmar 2GM diesel engine. I push the black rubber covered start button and she fires up first time every time. However, after shuting down the motor and sailing for a time at least 30 minutes or more, several times when I went to start the motor back up while out sailing, either to pass through a bridge or motor back to my harbour the start button doesn't work the first time I push it. I have had to push the button several times, 3 or 4 minumum to get the motor to restart. This is scary since there may be times in an emergency I need that motor to start on the first push of the button. The first few times it did it I was afraid it wouldn't start. That could be a serious problem since I sail in a ICW with strong currents and I'm sure I would be in trouble trying to sail back to my slip in the harbour. I checked the batterys they were full. The perko was always set on all. Anyone else out there with the same problem. How did you fix it. Also, I have had the Alternator checked by local yanmar specialist who says it its charging perfect. However occasionly on restart my charge light lights up for no apparent reason. It will stay on sometimes for 15 minutes on so. Any knowledge about that nature of this Hunter would be appreciated. Have a great Sailing Day! Robin McClellan...RMcClel123@aol.com
 
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Jay Hill

Start Button Tip

Same thing with my H31 except it usually worked no later than the 3rd push. Found that the pushbutton contacts were dirty and wire connections were lose. When at the dock, all the dirt was at the bottom of the switch housing and wires were touching. Under sail, things moved around a bit. Cleaned out push-button, recrimped and cleaned wires/terminals; never another problem.
 
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Robin McClellan

Thanks Jay

Thanks Jay, that makes good sense I'll try that and let you know the results.
 
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Don Riha

Same problem

I have the same problem with my 30. I just figured the switch was bad and replaced the push button, yet the same problem. Not always but every once in awhile. Never on a cold start, only on a warm, up to 2 or 3 hours. Figure it is one of those things that is designed to just bug me. I just compensate by not waiting till the last minute to start the engine. I'll be interested if anyone else has figured out what the problem is.
 
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Ed Schenck

Not a simple...

solution. Have the same problem but is less intermittent since I found that the white wire on the solenoid was loose. Because this has been an ongoing thread here I placed the Yanmar wiring diagram on "photo forum". You can see there are 10 possible bad connection points: both sides of the battery switch, both sides of the fuse, both sides of the on/off switch, both sides of the push-button, and the two solenoid connections. Next time mine acts up I will jumper directly between the two solenoid points. If it immediately turns over then I will have to find the resistance in that wiring. If not then out comes the starter for a trip to the electric motor repair shop. This all assumes a good battery and switch with cables not too long and well connected. Good luck :)
 
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Jim Rice

Beware of waterlock!

Mine (1980 H27)was the same way. Switch had to be replaced, but found out (not the hard way!) that water was backing up from muffler to block and into cylinder. Make sure you have a syphon break in the water injection hose between the engine and the muffler.
 
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Ed Schenck

It's NOT the Starter...

Saturday, after a really nice three hours of sailing, the starter was up to it's old tricks. Turn the key on and all the gauges bounce up to normal. Push the button, hear a faint click, AMP gauge goes back to the peg. Opened the engine access and jumped across the starter studs with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Engine started immediately(with a fair amount of arcing and black-tipped pliers!). Next I will replace the push-button and tighten all the connections mentioned in my previous post. But at least I know I can always get her going.
 
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