Universal M-12 deisel does not start

[jrocheleau]

I have a 1984 Oday 30 and have had starting problems for the last several years. The starter switch (which I've changed multiple times) seems to go bad quickly. Often when I push the switch in, I get nothing. Pumping it generally gets a connection and fires the engine. A new problem showed up this week. The glow plug button doesn't seem to work. I could always hear a clicking noise when I held the glow plug button in, but now nothing and consequently I can't start the diesel.

 

[Davidasailor26]

You probably have corrosion in the wiring harness or connections that's preventing the start button from working correctly.

As for the clicking - I think the clicks are actually the electric fuel pump, not the glow plug. If you don't hear any clicking when you turn the key then I'd check the power at the fuel pump, or check that the pump filter screen isn't clogged preventing it from pumping.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Often when I push the switch in, I get nothing.

This is definitely the fuse & fuseholder between the start switch and the solenoid.

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.msg32211.html#msg32211

Read the other posts in that topic for more info.

 

[Richard19068]

I have a 1984 Oday 30 and have had starting problems for the last several years. The starter switch (which I've changed multiple times) seems to go bad quickly. Often when I push the switch in, I get nothing. Pumping it generally gets a connection and fires the engine. A new problem showed up this week. The glow plug button doesn't seem to work. I could always hear a clicking noise when I held the glow plug button in, but now nothing and consequently I can't start the diesel.

Check out the attached service bulletin. I had similar problems and replaced the wire as in item #3 and haven't had a problem since.

PS: Do you really have an M-12 in an O'day 30?