M25 Glow Plug Power

[Rob]

I recently took ownership of a 1995 Catalina 30. The engine is hard starting and I have found that there is no power going to the glow plugs (key is turned on, light shows, glow plug button depressed, no voltage drop showing on voltmeter). Anyone have any ideas what to check? I don't see a solenoid in the wiring diagram or a fuse.

Rob
"Water Music" 1995 Catalina 30

 

[jviss]

How to check

First, make sure you are energizing them, by measuring the voltage at the plug when the button is pressed. If no voltage, you know how to proceed, bit by bit, to track down the open circuit.

If you are energizing them and there's no current, the plugs could be burnt out, which can happen by keeping then energized a long time - as with a shorted switch. These glow plugs are very expensive from Westerbeke/Universal, but cheap from online spark plug vendors (like $65 each to $6.50 each a couple of years ago; I had to replace mine).

 

[FrankR]

Turn key further to clockwise for glowplug

Are you sure you are turning the key far enough to engage the glow plugs? On mine you turn the key on, then turn it more and hold it for about 20 seconds (it's kind of spring loaded - like starting a car to engage the starter) then release the key and hit the starter buttton.

 

[Bob]

Agree with Frank

I have the same year 1995 30 MK III and as Frank said I turn the key further clockwise and hold it for 5 - 10 seconds before starting. She fires right up.

 

[Mick]

Glow

I have a 1993 C36, and it is the same, except mine is wired that you have to have glow plugs on before the starter button will work. Turn key beyond the ON position (spring loaded will return to on position) count 8-12 seconds, press starter button.

 

[Rob]

I'll give it a try

Thanks for the suggestions. I may have gotten the procedure mixed up based on my Catalina 27. For her you hold the glow plug switch and then turn the key on. I'll try turning the key on full, wait and then hit the Start button. Thanks!