Has Your Start Button Ever Stuck?

[Jim Hamilton]

I have an '87 Cat 30 with a Universal M25 diesel. The control panel has two push-buttons...one is for the glow plug, the other to start the engine.Has anyone ever had problems with the start button sticking and not fully disengaging? Mine did yesterday...Just a heads up...if you're even REMOTELY concerned that the button may be sticky, lube it up today. I didn't realize that the starter was still engaged and burned that sucker up on the way back to the dock. I don't know what the rebuild is going to cost, but I CAN say that getting the starter off the engine was a classic case of contortionism!! And talk about stink! Man that sucker stunk up the cabin. Just something to keep in mind next time you hit the start button!!JimS/V Jimmy Dreams

 

[Stu Jackson C34 1986 #224]

Stuck Start Button

JimYes, a bummer. But if you have the wiring harness upgrade installed, the ammeter has been replaced with a voltmeter. If the voltmeter is still down at 11 or less volts when the engine starts, and doesn't go up to 13.8 or higher, you KNOW something's amiss.Stu

 

[Jim hamilton]

don't think so

Stu... I don't think the boat has had the wiring harness upgrade since the control panel still has the ammeter. Why was the upgrade done, and is it something I need to get completed (i.e. safety hazard of some kind)?? Where would I find info on the upgrade?? (gonna search the archives right now) I bought this boat about a year ago, so the good side of this story is that I'll have a new starter. At least that's ONE part of the engine that I'll know the true history on!!! JimS/V Jimmy Dreams

 

[John Olson]

starter switch

Mine sticks when I try to hold the start button and the glow plug button at the same time If I first hold the glow plug botton then flick my finger off the swich and hold the start button then flick my finger off the swich. Its no problem for me , I justpullit out if it gets stuck My wife gets stuckallthe time becouse she dosent flick her finger the right way . ( Some of us have is and some dont)I put some WD40 on it on the out side It helps for a wial I think a good dry lub will work better maybe some sail track lub? or there is a lub for forming bullit caseings in a press that displaces water? I will try something this spring.I think if you call catalina they can tell you who sold them the switch and they can get you one . John Olson

 

[Stu Jackson C34 1986 #224]

Wiring Harness

Jimyes, it IS a safty hazard.Read the link.John,Getting a new switch could also be the answer.Stu

 

[Jim hamilton]

Done and done

The starter is being rebuilt, and I have installed a new switch so that this (hopefully) won't happen again for a number of years.I'll report back once the repair is complete. I'm hoping that no damage was done to any of the wiring during this 'event'.Jim

 

[Stu Jackson C34 1986 #224]

Wiring Wishes

JimYou wrote: "I'm hoping that no damage was done to any of the wiring during this 'event'."The ONLY thing you can do, besides crossing your fingers, is to GO CHECK IT OUT YOURSELF.Sorry for yelling, but it's your boat. Go trace the wires, and check them all out.I guarantee you'll not only feel better, but safer and smarter by the time you're done.Good luck.Stu