I have a very strange problem on my 1990 Catalina 30. My M3-20 Universal starts up fine at the dock. I go out and sail around a while (usually in some chop) and then when I try to start up the motor-- nothing. It's not the motor, because I can go below and short the starter around the starter solenoid with a screwdriver and the starter cranks and the motor starts right up. This does NOT seem to happen if I do not go sailing. Hours later at the dock I can start the motor right up without having to short the starter solenoid. This makes me think the starter solenoid is the problem... but why only under those conditions? Could it be that a hot engine creates a circuit that cannot be closed in the starter solenoid--- or creates a short preventing the starter solenoid from getting current? Anyone have any ideas? This has been a problem since I bought the boat last fall. I have had the starter checkout out twice. Cheers, Joe
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Try a solenoid
I know when I had twin outboards I had soleniods go bad quite often, and if memory serves they weren't that expensive. You have to start some where and from the sound of things replacement of the solenoid sounds like the best place to start. Yes, its quite possible that the heat from the motor could cause the short, I've seen stranger things.
I know when I had twin outboards I had soleniods go bad quite often, and if memory serves they weren't that expensive. You have to start some where and from the sound of things replacement of the solenoid sounds like the best place to start. Yes, its quite possible that the heat from the motor could cause the short, I've seen stranger things.
Hard Start Diesel When Warm
Joe There are a couple of solenoids you may want to consider. Bill's suggestion was related to the starter solenoid. The link below is for another, new solenoid that essentially shortens the wiring between the batteries and the starter. Before you start replacing hardware, though, it's important that you carefully check all of your connections. I'd back each and every one of the connecting nuts off with a ratchet or pliers, and clean them all, apply Boeshield or a similar lubricant, and see how that goes. There have been many posts over the years about diesels hard starting when hot. Try developing some search engine phrases and I'm sure you'll find the earlier posts. You are NOT the first person to have this problem. Stu
Joe There are a couple of solenoids you may want to consider. Bill's suggestion was related to the starter solenoid. The link below is for another, new solenoid that essentially shortens the wiring between the batteries and the starter. Before you start replacing hardware, though, it's important that you carefully check all of your connections. I'd back each and every one of the connecting nuts off with a ratchet or pliers, and clean them all, apply Boeshield or a similar lubricant, and see how that goes. There have been many posts over the years about diesels hard starting when hot. Try developing some search engine phrases and I'm sure you'll find the earlier posts. You are NOT the first person to have this problem. Stu
Won't start
Since you can "jump" the solenoid, it is probably good. It is probably in the start circuit between the instrument panel and the starter. It could be something as simple as the push start switch. If your boat still has the 8 pin connectors at the panel and at the engine, look at those next. If you do have the 8 pin, you should plan on replacing them soon with terminal strips.
Since you can "jump" the solenoid, it is probably good. It is probably in the start circuit between the instrument panel and the starter. It could be something as simple as the push start switch. If your boat still has the 8 pin connectors at the panel and at the engine, look at those next. If you do have the 8 pin, you should plan on replacing them soon with terminal strips.
hard start when warm
I agree with stu and don I would guess it is a wiring connection in your starter circuit. Check all connections between battery pos. post to negative ground. It particularly important to have a good groud connection. Make sure you have good wiring connections before you start replacing/rebuilding solenoids or starters.
I agree with stu and don I would guess it is a wiring connection in your starter circuit. Check all connections between battery pos. post to negative ground. It particularly important to have a good groud connection. Make sure you have good wiring connections before you start replacing/rebuilding solenoids or starters.
I..HAD...the same problem and fixed it.
My 1991 # 139 did the same thing seversl times 2 years ago when I got it so I replaced the start switch,,,all was good for 1.5 years then this spring it happened again; same as yours. I have already taken the connectors out of the wireing harness at the instrument panel and at the engine and hard wired both locations,this was done 2 years ago. This spring...I removed the started assy and took it to a place that checks out starters for big trucks,forklifts, etc. The SOL was bad and a new one was $40.00 including labor!!!! Marina (boat) supply places want $170.00 (no typ-o ) for the same sol and $500.00 for the starter assy. I went to the WESTERBAKE web site and read the history of Westerbake engines and they mention the M3-20, They bought @540 engines fron Kobota tractor between @1985-1994,,we may have a tractor motor in our boats!! Anyway parts are easy to get and cheaper. If you need more info e-mail me at KSSAIL@HOTMAIL.COM and I will e you some stuff I typed up on the 28's. Dave
My 1991 # 139 did the same thing seversl times 2 years ago when I got it so I replaced the start switch,,,all was good for 1.5 years then this spring it happened again; same as yours. I have already taken the connectors out of the wireing harness at the instrument panel and at the engine and hard wired both locations,this was done 2 years ago. This spring...I removed the started assy and took it to a place that checks out starters for big trucks,forklifts, etc. The SOL was bad and a new one was $40.00 including labor!!!! Marina (boat) supply places want $170.00 (no typ-o ) for the same sol and $500.00 for the starter assy. I went to the WESTERBAKE web site and read the history of Westerbake engines and they mention the M3-20, They bought @540 engines fron Kobota tractor between @1985-1994,,we may have a tractor motor in our boats!! Anyway parts are easy to get and cheaper. If you need more info e-mail me at KSSAIL@HOTMAIL.COM and I will e you some stuff I typed up on the 28's. Dave
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