Trouble engaging the starter motor

[Chris]

I have a 2000 MY Oceanis 321 with about 100 hours on the engine. Off and on, I have a problem when I turn the key and push the starter button, nothing happens. I turn the key off and wait a couple seconds. Usually starts on the second time. Today it took 3 or 4 times. Had the starter solenoid replaced a couple years ago and it worked fine for a couple years. Hard to believe that the starter solenoid needs to be replaced every couple of years... Any ideas what might be happening?

 

[Rob2435]

Same problem

I've had the same problem, I changed everything simple first, checked all connections to remove any corrosion. I also added a switch to turn off the fans, as the problem arises from not enough power getting to the solenoid. The problem, as I have read it on http://www.marinedieseldirect.com/ is due to the small wire harness on the yanmar diesels. If you turn the key and see the fuel meter drop when hitting the push button, it's a sign of a voltage drop. I have until this point, not had a problem but if it happens again, I will upgrade the wiring as suggested in the articles.

 

[Dhris]

ROb, which article

Rob, thanks for the reply. Which article on Yanmar are you referring to? There are many

 

[Rob2435]

Starting Anomolies...

I've attached the link to the thread....read down a few posts.http://forums.torresen.com/sailing/viewtopic.php?t=767&sid=1e1256c2e7d627d1dfa25649a7a8d1c3

 

[Doug_Meyer]

Battery State?

I understand the Yanmar iring issue, but I guess I would ask you first of all, what is the charge level in your starting battery? Even if your battery is quite new, it could still have some deficiencies. Have the individual cells checked to see if they are functional, you may ahve a weak or dead cell. If its older than four years and/or has been in winter storage a couple of times, I would consider the possiobility of replacing the battery.

 

[Jack]

Had the same problem

I had the same problem on my 411. The Yanmar harness is too long and the voltage drops. Yanmar sent me a revised starter relay set up that works in tandem with the solenoid switch. Problem solved, and only took 20 minutes to install.Good luck,Jack