Starting Issue - Universal M3=20

[plorette]

I have had two instances where I have motored out to sail, and when I attempt to restart after a short sail, (put in reverse while under sail and back to neutral for start up), it cranks very slowly, then on second attempt, nothing. There is a burning electrical smell from the engine room for a short time. Then after a few minutes, it starts up. I saw a similar post here but wanted to add a few more details. I am finding the starter isn't cranking as quickly as it used to. I am curious as to why this has only happened while under way, same circumstances both times. Any thoughts?
Much appreciated.

 

[Stu Jackson]

You have burning smells coming from your engine with difficult starts and you went out again?

Slow starting is most often traced down to bad connections starting with the ground connection on the engine (the hotter it gets the more resistance). Others are due to fuses and holders in the line between the start button and the starter solenoid which usually results in NO starter turnover at all.

 

[woodster]

Any thoughts?
Much appreciated.

yea check your batteries they may need water or replacing but first check all the electrical connections on your system even the power wiring harness that goes back the the panel there could be a bad connection or the plug that is in the middle of the harness could be melting down ...there was a thread on this subject one time that covert it very well

 

[woodster]

also the reason its works ok at the dock when departing is that you are coming off a freshly charged bank so it is hot but could be loosing as the day goes on

 

[plorette]

The first time it happened, the smell lasted a few seconds and went away quickly after the boat started up. Started several times in dock with no issues. Point well taken though. Today, after the second occurrence, we turned around and came home. Will check the ground connection.
Thanks for your response.

 

[Capt jgw]

The wiring harnesses on Universals are horrible. The wires are undersized and the trailer plugs are a fire in the making. It's usually the large red and orange wires that carry the alternator current to and from the amp meter that melt, but the glow plug and or starter wires could be going bad on yours. If you still have the original wiring and plugs, check those. It could be the starter itself going bad, but I'd suspect the wiring first.
As mentioned, another common problem spot on any engine is the main battery ground connection. If its loose it can make quite a lot of heat and maybe burn any oil residue in the area, causing the smell.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Capt jgw is right.

These tips might help you since there are so many comparable issues on our boats. I'm sure the Ericson Association group website would be of help to you, too.

Critical Upgrades http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.0.html

 

[Skipper]

also the reason its works ok at the dock when departing is that you are coming off a freshly charged bank so it is hot but could be loosing as the day goes on

Here.

And what Stu and jgw said.

Notorious Universal wiring. I'm rehashing but just seconding for reference. Trailer plugs, and undersized starting/solenoid wire to the panel. Resistance caused by corrosion in the trailer plugs and old small wiring. Easy fix and piece of mind.