Every so often, I go to start my Yanmar, turn the key, hear that high pitched warning signal, press the ignition, and nothing happens. No sounds, other than the warning signal, can be heard. The engine does not even try to turn over with no clicking at all. I turn the key off, wait a few seconds, and try it again. Usually after the second or third try, the starter kicks in and the engine starts with no problem. Other than an anoyance, its not a big problem but when an emergency takes place and I have to get the engine started real fast, I don't think I will be to crazy about playing with the ignition. Does anyone have an idea what might be causing the problem? Allen
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bob
ignition problem
i had precisely the same problem with the yanmar 50 on my 40.5.....it was solved by adding a relay to the starting circuit...you obviously have a different engine, so the relay might not help you...you could also have a sticking starter solenoid....if you want more info on the relay, you can email me at sailor1543@aol.com
i had precisely the same problem with the yanmar 50 on my 40.5.....it was solved by adding a relay to the starting circuit...you obviously have a different engine, so the relay might not help you...you could also have a sticking starter solenoid....if you want more info on the relay, you can email me at sailor1543@aol.com
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John Corcoran
ignition
I have also noticed this on my 28.5 I switch to #1 battery (Cranking only) and the motor will start right up. I then switch back to "both" setting for charging. I also use battery #2 for cruising so that #1 will be ready to start the moter for the return. Good luck
I have also noticed this on my 28.5 I switch to #1 battery (Cranking only) and the motor will start right up. I then switch back to "both" setting for charging. I also use battery #2 for cruising so that #1 will be ready to start the moter for the return. Good luck
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Joe McKenna
ignition problem
I had the same problem as you. I had the starter checked and it was ok. The only thing they found was a loose connection on one of the cables to the starter. If I were you I would check every connection between the starter and the battery. Make sure everything is tight. I hope this helps you..
I had the same problem as you. I had the starter checked and it was ok. The only thing they found was a loose connection on one of the cables to the starter. If I were you I would check every connection between the starter and the battery. Make sure everything is tight. I hope this helps you..
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Gene Barton s/v Paradigm
Loose Connection
John and Bob's ignition problems sound different than yours. I think Joe's experience is a better match to your symptoms. Sounds like a loose wire or the switch itself. Easy to check - 1) Just go to the starter with a pair of jumper cables and bypass the wiring and switch. If it starts easily there, then it's the wiring/switch. 2) Next go back up to the switch and jump its connectors. If it works, then you have a bad switch, if it's still intermittant, then it's the wiring/connection at the starter. 3) if (1) didn't work, then your problem is in the starter itself. 4) before doing any of the above, however, check the battery-to-engine connections and wiring. Your problem could be in the return wiring.
John and Bob's ignition problems sound different than yours. I think Joe's experience is a better match to your symptoms. Sounds like a loose wire or the switch itself. Easy to check - 1) Just go to the starter with a pair of jumper cables and bypass the wiring and switch. If it starts easily there, then it's the wiring/switch. 2) Next go back up to the switch and jump its connectors. If it works, then you have a bad switch, if it's still intermittant, then it's the wiring/connection at the starter. 3) if (1) didn't work, then your problem is in the starter itself. 4) before doing any of the above, however, check the battery-to-engine connections and wiring. Your problem could be in the return wiring.
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Bob Blackmann
Ignition
Allen, Gene's ideas for jumping across the connections are right on. BUT, if you don't find anything wrong there, next time you can't start the engine, feel the starter selonoid. If it is hot, then it needs to be replaced. I had intermittent problems with my 3GM and it turned out the selonoid would stick open. Good luck, Bob
Allen, Gene's ideas for jumping across the connections are right on. BUT, if you don't find anything wrong there, next time you can't start the engine, feel the starter selonoid. If it is hot, then it needs to be replaced. I had intermittent problems with my 3GM and it turned out the selonoid would stick open. Good luck, Bob
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Jim McCue
ignition.... maybe
Had similar problem...rather disconcerting but always seemed to catch on 2nd or third try.... Recently the plastic shaft housing the key tumblers on the ignition just cracked and I spent about $28 for new ignition housing. Guess what - no more "maybe" starts! Starts every time now. How old is your ignition key housing?
Had similar problem...rather disconcerting but always seemed to catch on 2nd or third try.... Recently the plastic shaft housing the key tumblers on the ignition just cracked and I spent about $28 for new ignition housing. Guess what - no more "maybe" starts! Starts every time now. How old is your ignition key housing?
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Ed Schenck
Other resistance points..
can be seen in a simple wiring diagram. If you go to "Photo Forum" and use "wiring" as a search argument you will see the one I posted from the Yanmar manual. I have had the same problem and use Gene's method in tight situations. I jump across the solenoid posts with a pair of rubber-handled needlenosed pliers. Starts immediately. Counting the fuse connectors there are actually eight points where the wire connections could be loose and/or corroded. Bob's point about the solenoid being stuck is a good one, I'll remember to check that. Good luck and let us know what you find.
can be seen in a simple wiring diagram. If you go to "Photo Forum" and use "wiring" as a search argument you will see the one I posted from the Yanmar manual. I have had the same problem and use Gene's method in tight situations. I jump across the solenoid posts with a pair of rubber-handled needlenosed pliers. Starts immediately. Counting the fuse connectors there are actually eight points where the wire connections could be loose and/or corroded. Bob's point about the solenoid being stuck is a good one, I'll remember to check that. Good luck and let us know what you find.
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Eric Lorgus
Mine's intermittent, too, but always clicks
And I thought this was an isolated problem! The starter on my 2GM20F rarely engages on the first attempt, but I do hear a click and the lights dim, so I know the starter button is working. It usually engages after 2 or 3 tries, and when it does, the engine always starts immediately. I pulled the starter & took it to an automotive electric shop. They found a few minor problems with the starter, fixed them, but told me the solenoid was an unknown. After reinstalling, the problem persisted. Before I replace the solenoid, I have one last test to try, and that's to test the voltage drop between the battery and starter. It should not be more than .5 volts. If it is, then the problem is the connection, either old wiring with too much resistance, or bad connections. If the connection checks out, then I'll try replacing the solenoid. Only problem there is that Yanmar (I'm told) doesn't sell the solenoid separately. My automotive electrician found one for $35 but his supplier has minimum order of $50. Would anyone like a replacement solenoid if I end up buying two? Email me at ELorgus@AOL.com.
And I thought this was an isolated problem! The starter on my 2GM20F rarely engages on the first attempt, but I do hear a click and the lights dim, so I know the starter button is working. It usually engages after 2 or 3 tries, and when it does, the engine always starts immediately. I pulled the starter & took it to an automotive electric shop. They found a few minor problems with the starter, fixed them, but told me the solenoid was an unknown. After reinstalling, the problem persisted. Before I replace the solenoid, I have one last test to try, and that's to test the voltage drop between the battery and starter. It should not be more than .5 volts. If it is, then the problem is the connection, either old wiring with too much resistance, or bad connections. If the connection checks out, then I'll try replacing the solenoid. Only problem there is that Yanmar (I'm told) doesn't sell the solenoid separately. My automotive electrician found one for $35 but his supplier has minimum order of $50. Would anyone like a replacement solenoid if I end up buying two? Email me at ELorgus@AOL.com.
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Bob Peters
coincidence
I just logged on to ask the same question. I have a 95 336 and yesterday what is described in orioginal note happened to me for the 2nd time this season. Motor started fine twice earlier during the day. Then, 'nothing' for a few tries then bingo, started right up with no hesitation. I have noted the many suggestions for troubleshooting and thank you all for them. Bob
I just logged on to ask the same question. I have a 95 336 and yesterday what is described in orioginal note happened to me for the 2nd time this season. Motor started fine twice earlier during the day. Then, 'nothing' for a few tries then bingo, started right up with no hesitation. I have noted the many suggestions for troubleshooting and thank you all for them. Bob
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Paul Akers
Same thing
The same thing happens on my 3HM35F ('88 Legend 37). Has been happening for a few years. Usualy 2 tries. But last week while on Martha's Vineyard I pushed the button and nothing. Only the warning indicator dimmed a bit. It seemed like a short in the starter button. I kept trying. As always, I waited a few minutes and tried again and it worked. But when I returned home on Saturday, the first thing on Sunday was to go to Newport and buy a new button ($25). We'll see if that works better when I install it this wek.
The same thing happens on my 3HM35F ('88 Legend 37). Has been happening for a few years. Usualy 2 tries. But last week while on Martha's Vineyard I pushed the button and nothing. Only the warning indicator dimmed a bit. It seemed like a short in the starter button. I kept trying. As always, I waited a few minutes and tried again and it worked. But when I returned home on Saturday, the first thing on Sunday was to go to Newport and buy a new button ($25). We'll see if that works better when I install it this wek.
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Allen
Murphy's Law
Thanks all for the great suggestions. Now that I have a barrage of tests to perform, I can't get the situation to repeat itself . Now it works with every try!. The root problem is starting to sound more and more like a sticky solenoid. Should it happen again, I know where to home in on. Thanks again. Allen
Thanks all for the great suggestions. Now that I have a barrage of tests to perform, I can't get the situation to repeat itself . Now it works with every try!. The root problem is starting to sound more and more like a sticky solenoid. Should it happen again, I know where to home in on. Thanks again. Allen
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Ray Pollard
Common problem?
I have been having the same trouble. First thought one battery had gone down, but now I find that if I just "wiggle" my finger while pressing the start switch, it fires right up. I think my problem may well be in the switch.
I have been having the same trouble. First thought one battery had gone down, but now I find that if I just "wiggle" my finger while pressing the start switch, it fires right up. I think my problem may well be in the switch.
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