I did the rewire of the trailer harness connectors on our boat two seasons ago, and installed an Echlin ST81 solenoid from NAPA in the glow plug circuit. It is mounted conveniently to the side of the coolant tank on our Universal M25 which had two studs spaced exactly right for the solenoid. When I splashed on Thursday, the engine just cranked and cranked but would not start - never in 9 years have I had a problem starting it on the first turn of the key. After several attempts over about a half hour it finally started and once I was at our dock, I began troubleshooting. Since the solenoid was clicking when the glow plug circuit was activated I assumed it to be good and spent a fair amount of time chasing other possibilities, but in the end it was in fact the solenoid - clicking but not passing current. I intended to get the Cole Hersee solenoid that MaineSail uses, but no one had them locally, so I ended up with a Phillips solenoid from NAPA that they said was heavier duty. I installed it today only to find that it is dead out of the box - no click at all even when applying 12v directly to the activator post with the body grounded. Maybe I've just had a run of bad luck, but so far my experience with the improved glow plug circuit is proving to be something less than an improvement! Tomorrow I will order the Cole Hersee and keep my fingers crossed.
Scott
Scott
