Ignition switch issue?

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zedwin

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Apr 1, 2009
6
2 30 Mobile, AL
I've got a 1981 Catalina 30 with a Universal 25 diesel. On a recent cruise the engine failed to start after a few days of motoring. The panel gets power, the ignition switch gets power, but when I turn the key nothing happens. The power at the back of the ignition switch actually goes to zero when I turn the key. I'm assuming the ignition switch has gone bad but wanted feedback before spending money on a new switch. Is it possibly the starter solenoid or a wiring fault?
Thanks so much,
Edwin Marty
 
Z

zedwin

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Apr 1, 2009
6
2 30 Mobile, AL
Very useful. While I did check the fuse off the solenoid, I didn't look at corrosion issues on the connectors. Nor did I try the ol' screwdriver over-ride option. Thanks so much!
Edwin
 
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Glenn17467

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Jun 8, 2004
96
Catalina 30 Seabrook Texas
My starter on my 1984 C30 M25 would click one time only. Each time I would try to start, one click. Replaced starter, $120.00, and now starts on first try. If the starter is original it could be worn out as mine was.
 
F

foolproof

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Jul 7, 2009
218
Catalina 30 Mark I Stockton, Mo
If the voltage goes to zero on the control wire to the solenoid, it probably means the solenoid has shorted out. Normally you should see 10 to 11.5 volts or so when you go to the start poaition. I'm not sure how the starter and solenoid are on the M25, but you should be able to replace just the solenoid.
 
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zedwin

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Apr 1, 2009
6
2 30 Mobile, AL
When I turn the key to the 'on' position, none of the gauges are working. How would a 'bad' solinoid cause that? The solenoid should only be engaged when I turn the key to the third position of start? That said, I clearly don't fully comprehend my wiring diagram.
 
onecoolair

onecoolair

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Jun 25, 2012
942
hunter 356 Kemah,the Republic of Texas
defective wiring harness

zedwin said:
When I turn the key to the 'on' position, none of the gauges are working. How would a 'bad' solinoid cause that? The solenoid should only be engaged when I turn the key to the third position of start? That said, I clearly don't fully comprehend my wiring diagram.
Click to expand
Is your engine a yanmar. There is known issue with the yanmar defective wiring harness and all its multiple connectors. Hunt down all the connections and clean and tighten them. Next follow the harness and run a new 12 gauge white momentary wire. You can leave old wire in place and connected if you wish. You may also want to do same with the small under sized red wire in the harness. This should solve your starter problem, that's unless your starter or seloniod has not already been damaged by not being able to draw enough amps when called upon to do it's job. BTW...Found yanmar standard ignition switch to be cheaply made and defective as well . Replaced with 20 dollar solid brass marine/auto key switch from o'really's auto supply store. Safety issue problem as gone away!
 
C

captcoho

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Oct 29, 2012
353
Catalina 30 TRBS MkII Milwaukee
zedwin said:
When I turn the key to the 'on' position, none of the gauges are working. How would a 'bad' solinoid cause that? The solenoid should only be engaged when I turn the key to the third position of start? That said, I clearly don't fully comprehend my wiring diagram.
Click to expand

After a few days of motor sailing did your ammeter show the alternator charing the battery?
Sounds like the battery does not have enough charge to no longer start your engine.
What do you have for batteries??? How big is your alternator ???
When the engine was not running what was your amp/hour draw ???
A large draw on your battery and a small output from your alternator may have not have been adequate to fully recharge it.
 
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