Stuck glow plug button

[Patrick]

I've got a new (to me) 85 C27 with an M-18 engine.In my second time taking it out under power I noticed that the glow plug button appeared to be frozen. I don't know if it's frozen in or frozen out. The engine did start when I pulled the starter however.Two questions:How do I unfreeze it?If it's stuck in the frozen in (depressed) position, does it hurt anything in the engine to run the engine that way?Thanks in advance for your advice/help.Patrick

 

[Tom Soko]

Pulling the starter?

I assume you mean pushed the starter button??? And yes, having a glow plug switch stuck in the on position is not a good thing. All sorts of possibilities come to mind. Burned out glow plugs, fried switch/wiring, FIRE...I would disconnect the switch right away, and replace it. While you're at it, you might want to install a solonoid in the glow plug circuit, and upgrade the wiring harness if it needs it. A few hours work for a lot of peace of mind. Happy sailing.

 

[Patrick]

Where's a good source for these controls?

As a first-time owner of a boat (for a bit more than a week now), I'm trying to build my knowledge base on these items.I've found the good Universal Diesel site at Torrenson Marine, but would appreciate knowing where I can order items like this button -- and it is marked Glow Plug and you do press it in, so I'm not sure if calling it a switch is accurate.Thanks in advance,Patrick

 

[Jim]

A stuck glow plug button is pretty serious...it will burn out and can cause other big problems. You may corrosion inside the housing that is preventing the plug from going back to its normal position. I would suggest taking the face plate off your control panel, removing the rubber cover for the button...and spraying a small amount of corrosion block around the contact points for the button to work it free. After it frees, wipe all excess corrosion block up and put a small amount of a penetrating lubricant like WD-40 on it.Also...as a disclaimer...use this advice at your own risk.