start-up scare

[Syversens]

Hi all, we had a really nice weekend here (sorry to all who still have winter) with racing on saturday and a nice cruise on sunday. The new Genoa from NP is up and its GREAT. I have nothing but praise for Beneteau part and their prices, though this is my only item, they were unbeatable by 50%.Going back on sunday I couldnt get the engine started at first. I did my normal start up procedure but when I hit the button nothing happened, perhaps a faint click but it didnt crank over. I turned all off and did it again but same result.... only on third try did it work and started immediately. I'v read the manual on the started and all (3) buttons and its always started up immediately, perhaps I was impatient.... has anyone else experienced this ?Gaute

 

[Steve]

starter

My selenoid was going bad on the Chesapeak Bay which gave me the same symptoms. Check the starters selenoid or wiring to you starter button.

 

[larry w]

can't start

I wouldn't be at all surprised if you have a switch with flaky contacts. I've had a lot electrical issues with my '94 OC400, and they're still going on. I also don't have the same love and respect for Beneteau parts that you seem to. Give it a couple of years and see if you still feel that way.

 

[Mike]

Both buttons?

Gaute I'm not sure if your engine requires that you press both the pre-heat and starter buttons together, me Westerbeke does. I know if I don't press both firmly enough she won't crank over. If this isn't the case with your engine then there are some checks you can perform.Check for loose or corroded wiring behind the start panel. Beneteau did a horrible job in wiring my panel. I've had to repair my fuel gauge twice now. Note that there wasn't an obvious defect. Some of the wiring crimps were poorly done and the wire ends were not making contact 100% of the time.Check for continuity across the start switch terminals with an Ohm meter with the start button pushed in. Be sure to disconnect the switch from the circuit before doing so or you may read through the wiring and think it's OK. The switch contacts may be corroded from moisture. There should be "0" resistance through the switch. Any appreciable reading on the meter may indicate a poor connection.Check the function of the starter solenoid. While the electrical function of the solenoid is usually a works or it doesn't situation they can get weak prior to failure. Also check the manual function to make sure it's engaging properly and not corroded or dirty.I'd start with the basics and work from there. Good luckMike

 

[Tim]

Yanmar?

Is it a Yanmar? This is a well-known issue with Yanmars and it has to do with the wiring to the starter solenoid (too much resistance as a result of the numerous connections in the harness). Do a Forum Archive search here and you will find LOTS of info about it. You can also try various Yanmar Forums like on Torresen Marine (sorry I don't have the link).

 

[agaliha]

Common problem - simple solution

Gaute,Tim is right. I have had 2 Yanmars and both had this problem until I replaced the white wire from the starter button to the starter solenoid. Be sure you use heavy (12 ga.) wire. I had no trouble routing it along side the original factory wire in my 361. It took about 20 feet of wire. Now my engine starts first time every time.If you use the thread tracker, you will find people who recommend putting an additional solenoid in the circuit. In my opinion, this just gives you two devices to "act up." The wire is a simple, permanent solution.Agaliha

 

[Syversens]

checking cables and connections

thanks everyone, I'll check the connections behind the controls and see where the cable goes for replacement. Now that I done plumbing stretching wires thru shold be nice clean job. Nice to get to know the boat but every time I get scared of what might happen at sea with no beneteau owners to consult )Gaute

 

[Syversens]

fuel gauge

Mike, when you said you replaced the fuel gauge, what symptoms did you experience ? Mine is telling me the tank is close to full, not all full but when I check the tank its about 3/4 full. I attributed this to fueltank misreading and as long as it lets me know half I'm ok but now I wonder if its something else..... was yours stuck or not responding at all ?Gaute

 

[Mike]

Broken wires

Gaute it wouldn't read at all due to a poor job of wiring at the factory. I rewired it and it's fine now. Fuel gauges on boats are not like those in cars, accuracy is not something they're know for. Mine usually reads about a 1/8 to 1/4 tank low. Mike

 

[Syversens]

how do I get access to the wires ?

ok... heres a silly one, I tried to have a look to see if it was obvious, even for me, how this was wired but I couldn't even get access to behind the panel. I noticed there is access from below as well as screws around the panel. Is it best to take the panel off ? Something I started but noticed it was sealed up pretty good and I dont wan't to break it unnecessarily...

 

[Mike]

Remove tha panel

Gaute, remove the panel for access to the wiring. When you reinstall it make sure you clean off all the old sealant from the edges of the panel, then run a fresh bead of silicone sealant just before replacing it. It's pretty easy to do.Mike

 

[Syversens]

local Yanmar recommended solution

I had a chat with the local yanmar dealer and they recommend installing a relay between the battery and the starter, this relay will be linked to the starter button instead of between the battery and starter. This makes the wire to the battery short and virtually no loss. its also something I could do myself, I know some about relays so this seems like a good solution..... thanks for the tip on the panel Mike I will proceed with taking it off.Gaute

 

[Patrick]

Start-up Scare possible cause

I have experienced this same situation with some differences. It always comes down to poor ground connections. Remove all wires from negative battery switch clean, treat with anti corrosion grease and reattach. Then do the same for the negative posts on the battery and the negative connection on your engine block.It certainly would'nt hurt to do the positive points as well, just do one area at a time and take pictures and make notes prior to disassembly.

 

[Tim]

Yanmar suggestion

RE the post about Yanmar's suggestion...Yes, this is what Yanmar tells people to do, but in reality you are just installing another solenoid and complicating the whole thing. The problem is the small gauge wire with NUMEROUS connectors between the switch and the starter solenoid in the factory wiring harness, so installing a slightly larger gauge wire with NO breaks is the easiest and least-expensive fix, period.JMOTim

 

[Syversens]

yanmar installed relay

Hi all, I finally decided on having Yanmar do a service on the boat and do their fix at the same time, atleast if anything happens I can tell them it's not working. the cost was also minimal with a service. I wanted to change all filters myself but this start up problem scared me enough to get everything looked at and I'll have a baseline to compare wear with.... sigh... another round of saving up until I get my inverter installed (if ever)