P32/Universal 5411 issue

[ed stack]

We went out on a sail to Provincetown this weekend. On the way over we motor-sailed for a while until the winds picked up, and then shut the motor down at 7kt winds out of the NE. Anyhow, about 5 miles out, the winds died down, so I decided to start the motor up.

I turned the key and could hear the fuel pump turn on. Back in the cockpit, I hit the glow plugs for ~10 seconds, and when I hit the ignition button, I got nothing. No sound at all.

After banging the starter motor, and searching for any conspicuous loose wires (had no volt meter on board), still no success. So we waited out the doldrums and continued on.

About 2 miles out, I decided to try the engine again, and this time she started right up. So my questions are, has anyone ever experienced something like this? And while I still suspect it's a connection I need to isolate and repair, I'm wondering whether anyone has any additional suggestions.

Thanks.

Ed
Pearson 32
'Gotta Jibboo'

 

[fireman416]

You may have still been in gear and the neutral strat switch would not permitt the boat to start. By sailing a bity the drive shaft may have turned enough to disengage tha shifter permitting a start.....just an idea

 

[Stu Jackson]

Probably not.

Try this: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.15.html

 

[ed stack]

Thanks for the input. We do not have a neutral control switch on our engine so I too am doubtful about that. However I am intrigued by the switch fuse, which I did check when trying to figure out what was wrong. When I chase it down, i will post what I find, if I find anything.

 

[slr8873]

I have a p27 and I have the exact same issue! It's been a problem all summer. It happens sporadically and sometimes switching the battery switch to draw from both batteries works but not always. It happened yesterday and I couldn't get it to connect at all. Then I reached under to the ignition wires a jiggled some and it started right up. Didn't have the problem again all day. If you get an answer please let me know.
Scott reiff

 

[Stu Jackson]

Then I reached under to the ignition wires a jiggled some and it started right up. Didn't have the problem again all day. If you get an answer please let me know.
Scott reiff

Scott, try the link I provided. Second, if it is intermittent and it is electrical, it means it is a CONNECTION somewhere that is loose. Could be that fuseholder. Go find the loose connection?

 

[grognon]

Hi

I have a Pearson 27 and had the same problem, it was a ground.

The ground is located over or near the alternator and the wire was green.

Shake it a bit and try it again.

I redone the connecton and now evering thing is ok.

 

[JimLor]

Connections are difficult to pin down. My last hobby was motorcycling and i had a similiar problem, once. I did a fair amount of mods and always cleaned any connections and used dielectric grease when connecting new or old wiring. I am going thru my 86 P28 and doing the same. Great stuff and fights corrosion. If it came in 55 gal barrels i'd but it! I suggest checking the "important" wiring, clean with sandpaper or eraser, and reattach with dielectric grease. And no, i don't have a harley!