Problems with the 20amp circuit breaker on a M 35B

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Michael Weir

Our Boat name is Glory Road, a Catalina 36 MKII Hull# 2102. The engine model is a M 35B Universal. The problem we have been experiencing deals with the 20am circuit breaker on the engine tripping. It trips about 70% of the time when we hit the starter button and sometimes after the engine has been running for as much as an hour. It has also failed if we leave the ignition switch on for a minute or so but do not try to start the engine. It is very random but getting more frequent. The circuit breaker is located at the rear of the engine and looks like the one in the attached picture. What has been done to debug so far: 1.I have identified the following components that are serviced by this circuit breaker, a.Ignition switch b.Starter motor Solenoid c.Pre-Heat Solenoid d.Engine Display panel 2.It seems that according to the Universal Dealer the wiring diagrams provided by Catalina were incorrect so they are sending me a engine service manual. 3.I have purchased a new Ignition switch, as it is the most likely component to fail in all of the conditions described. 4.If the switch is not the issue I will try putting an Amp meter in the circuit before the circuit breaker itself. If the current draw is below the rated 20amps I will try replacing the circuit breaker itself. 5.Final before I take the boat in for service I will replace the pre-head solenoid. All of these components, if not the problem will make good additions to my spare parts list. Here is my request. Has anyone had this type of problem on their Catalina, if so what was the resolution. Also any feedback you may have on how to better debug this problem. Thanks in advance Michael
 

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Tom S.

Hey Micheal :). Have you thought about just

replacing the breaker ? http://www.marinedieseldirect.com/universal/shopping/numberresults.php?pn=24683 I really haven't heard that problem from anyone else. Sometimes these circuit breakers get flakey and once they do, you might as well replace them as they will seem to trip for any old reason. But from your description it does sound like the keyswitch. I think I have heard about one other person mentioning a flakey key switch but I can't find the reference. Maybe it is a keyswitch problem and it stays stuck in the "pre-heat" mode and blows the breaker. Should be pretty easy to see if you have any voltage there at the breaker when you don't think the key is in "pre-heat" mode. Jiggle the switch that might show the problem if there is one. Other than that I would look for a possible loose connection or short somewhere. Goodluck and let us know what you find out. ps. GREAT work helping with the website !! I hear people at boat shows always complimenting it !! You and Dennis should be proud ! http://www.catalina36.com/home.htm
 
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Stu Jackson C34 1986 #224

I Agree with Tom

Michael I agree with Tom. My first thought was that before you go replacing all those other things, check out the breaker first. Good luck, Stu
 
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