past recall replacement on our C-30 1983. My mechanic informed me of this when I had asked him to perform some other maintenance on the engine as well as look at the click-at-startup problem I was experiencing. He said that 8 out of 10 C-30’s have had this conversion done and he could do it for $175.00. Here’s some history: I’ve had this click-at-startup problem and a no-start problem since owning the boat (almost 2 years now). I already re-wired the ends of the harness connectors and replaced the glow plug switch but it still happens once in a while. (I am considering checking the ignition switch next.) I even had the mechanic check it out at the beginning which he thought was a loose terminal end so fixed that. (Interesting that he didn’t mention the recall at that time??) The replacement includes replacing the amp-meter gauge with a voltage gauge. I’m told that the way the wiring is set up now the charging goes through the gauge and so it is dangerous and loses some of the effectiveness. I seem to recall reading about this someplace, some time ago. I was also told that it is a fire hazard as the wires in the harness are old and deteriorated and could cause a fire, again so I am told. I am concerned about the fire hazard. I do trust the mechanic which I had asked to check out a clicking start up problem I have had periodically. He did try to fix the clicking once and said he thought it was a loose terminal end and he fixed it. This was not the case as it still happens time to time. My questions are these: • How can I tell if the wiring has not been replaced and or if this work needs to be done? • Is this something I can do my self with limited wiring knowledge? • I do not mind learning by doing, but are there tricks to this or is it straight forward? • What tools would I need?
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Wiring Harness Upgrade
My questions are these: • How can I tell if the wiring has not been replaced and or if this work needs to be done? If you still have an ammeter. • Is this something I can do my self with limited wiring knowledge? Sure, the instructions that come with the kit from Seaward are very good. • I do not mind learning by doing, but are there tricks to this or is it straight forward? Straight, see answer to 2 above. • What tools would I need? Basic electrical tools (crimper, tool for removing insulation, screwdriver, that's about it) Chip, this is a safety issue as well. Boats have been know to actually start themselves when no one is aboard! Do a Google on Wiring Harness Upgrade. And use Forum archives here. The C27 Association website used to have the complete writeup on the harness upgrade, but it's since disappeared. You really NEED to do this. Stu
My questions are these: • How can I tell if the wiring has not been replaced and or if this work needs to be done? If you still have an ammeter. • Is this something I can do my self with limited wiring knowledge? Sure, the instructions that come with the kit from Seaward are very good. • I do not mind learning by doing, but are there tricks to this or is it straight forward? Straight, see answer to 2 above. • What tools would I need? Basic electrical tools (crimper, tool for removing insulation, screwdriver, that's about it) Chip, this is a safety issue as well. Boats have been know to actually start themselves when no one is aboard! Do a Google on Wiring Harness Upgrade. And use Forum archives here. The C27 Association website used to have the complete writeup on the harness upgrade, but it's since disappeared. You really NEED to do this. Stu
a possibility
Chip. yes the wiring should be upgraded if it has not been done. The Click on start problem MAY be the starter motor,solenoid. The starter solenoid is what is making the click sound. Inside the solenoid are HEAVY DUTY contacts(like a relay). They carry the heavy start current when you turn the switch to start. After years of use, they sometimes go bad and can be replaced/renewed.The starter motor also needs maintenance sometimes. It uses carbon/graphite brushes to connect the power (12volts) to the internal motor windings. The brushes wear down and can be intermittant in making good contact. I have a 77 cat 30. I had similar start problems including a very slow groaning start motor. Took the motor out and had it cleaned/new brushes etc. Now it spins great and no start problems. Hope this info helps. It's a great boat when all works well. John
Chip. yes the wiring should be upgraded if it has not been done. The Click on start problem MAY be the starter motor,solenoid. The starter solenoid is what is making the click sound. Inside the solenoid are HEAVY DUTY contacts(like a relay). They carry the heavy start current when you turn the switch to start. After years of use, they sometimes go bad and can be replaced/renewed.The starter motor also needs maintenance sometimes. It uses carbon/graphite brushes to connect the power (12volts) to the internal motor windings. The brushes wear down and can be intermittant in making good contact. I have a 77 cat 30. I had similar start problems including a very slow groaning start motor. Took the motor out and had it cleaned/new brushes etc. Now it spins great and no start problems. Hope this info helps. It's a great boat when all works well. John
What does the new harness look like?
I was recently told that I need to change my harness as well. Then recalled that I had found a brand new harness on my 1986 C-30 when I purchased it last year. Thought it was a trailer harness. Can someone describe it? Maybe it was a new one that was going to be replaced. Thanks, Mike
I was recently told that I need to change my harness as well. Then recalled that I had found a brand new harness on my 1986 C-30 when I purchased it last year. Thought it was a trailer harness. Can someone describe it? Maybe it was a new one that was going to be replaced. Thanks, Mike
A bunch of colored wires
Mike, The wiring harness upgrade consists of at least a bundle of 6-8 wires, all different colors, about 15-20 feet long, and a pair of terminal strips. Terminal strips are plastic with 10-12 pairs of screws imbedded in them, about 4" long. The harness upgrade might also include a volt meter (to replace the ammeter originally installed in the engine panel). As has already been mentioned, this upgrade should be put on the TOP of your to-do list. It will only take a few hours, and is not hard to do. Very good instructions come with it from Seaward Products. You will eliminate the molded plugs, which are a source of corrosion and all sorts of electrical problems. You will also eliminate 30 or so feet of small gauge wire in the charging circuit, which means more juice to your batteries. In a best case scenario, the current setup is weak and trouble-prone. In a worst case scenario, it is an engine/electrical fire waiting to happen. Contact Seaward if you do not have all the parts and instructions. Do it now while the boat is laid up!
Mike, The wiring harness upgrade consists of at least a bundle of 6-8 wires, all different colors, about 15-20 feet long, and a pair of terminal strips. Terminal strips are plastic with 10-12 pairs of screws imbedded in them, about 4" long. The harness upgrade might also include a volt meter (to replace the ammeter originally installed in the engine panel). As has already been mentioned, this upgrade should be put on the TOP of your to-do list. It will only take a few hours, and is not hard to do. Very good instructions come with it from Seaward Products. You will eliminate the molded plugs, which are a source of corrosion and all sorts of electrical problems. You will also eliminate 30 or so feet of small gauge wire in the charging circuit, which means more juice to your batteries. In a best case scenario, the current setup is weak and trouble-prone. In a worst case scenario, it is an engine/electrical fire waiting to happen. Contact Seaward if you do not have all the parts and instructions. Do it now while the boat is laid up!
New Harness
Tom: Thanks for the info. The harness that I discovered on my boat has 5 or 6 wires with molded on connectors. I think that they are 4 prong. Where are you in Noank? Probably have seen you out there.
Tom: Thanks for the info. The harness that I discovered on my boat has 5 or 6 wires with molded on connectors. I think that they are 4 prong. Where are you in Noank? Probably have seen you out there.
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