Well enough alone??

[SPLETS]

I have a Catalina 30 with a 25xp motor, I had noticed that it wasn't starting as fast as I thought it should, sometimes had to push the starter button several times before the starer/engine would turn over. So I did some searches on this site and decided to replace the trailer plugs and hard wire the harness to the engine and behind the instrument panel, no real improvement, even tho the trailer plugs were quite corroded. While I was in there, I saw the fuel pump looked real rough and so did the starter, from salt corrosion. So I ordered a new fuel pump and found a starter on Ebay for about $100.00, that says it was for a Kubota, Universal marine (shows same part# listed as marine diesel direct) and several other motors.

I installed the fuel pump and starter and the engine started like a dream for a couple of days, then when I would hit the starter button, the solenoid would click, but would not turn over?? I checked all the wiring again and no improvement?? I decided to warm the glow plugs, then jump the solenoid with a screwdriver and the thing started right up. I shut it off a few times and it started with the starter button, after a few minutes it would not start again, just had a loud solenoid click. But everytime I needed to start it that weekend, I would have to jump the solenoid. So I contacted the place where I got the starter and they sent out a new one, I installed it and it starter real good for a couple of days, then back to jumping the solenoid??

This weekend, I decided to take every ones recommendation and replaced the wiring harness, (I had had the harness for years) and it made no difference, just a solenoid click??

So now what?? I checked all the battery cables, batteries are at full charge, the wiring is new from the instrument panel to the engine?

Is the answer not to buy a $100.00 starter on Ebay, even tho I have seen them go for as high as $300.00 on ine for this type?? I know Marine Diesel Direct sells them for $1165.00? Buy a Kubota starter?

Thoughts??

 

[kloudie1]

Since both new starters are doing the same thing as the old original, I think that you have the typical low volts at solenoid problem? Sounds like you've changed and checked almost everything except the start button itself.. When you jumped the starter and it worked, were you jumping across the big terminals or were you jumping hot to the solenoid connection? If jumping hot to the small solenoid connection and it works fine, you still have a bad connection and it may well be the button itself.
That Universal engine is a Kubota tractor engine that has been very slightly modified to make it fit in marine service.. so a Kubota starter is a correct fit starter for that engine..
EDIT: check/clean the battery terminals and the connections on the battery switch. Troubleshoot with a voltmeter to find where the voltage drop is.

 

[Ron20324]

When you put in new wire from I.P. to engine, did you put in a larger size? IIRC, this is a common no-start problem with the 30s, overcome by placing a relay near the starter. I'm sure Stu can give you the link to the fix.

 

[SPLETS]

I did replace the starter button and starting key also, I did get the wiring harness from Seaward, and all the wiring is much thicker (smaller gauge) than what I replaced.

The old original starter always started with the start button, just sometimes I would have to push it several times.

Thanks

 

[marian]

View attachment Engine Starter Relay Wiring Diagram CLA.pdf This what you need to do. Install a relay close to starter with #8 gauge wires. Did this on my boat, no more starting problems.

Marian.

 

[Mark Maulden]

Return your ebay starters. Find a good motor rebuild shop and take your starter there. Even if you have to drive to PHX. They will usually at least crack it open and check it out. If it needs work, it can be rebuilt with quality parts/labor. And you'll get a better more reliable part. If you still have issues, you have a starting point.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Simple: find the fuse in the wire from the ignition s/button to the starter solenoid.

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.15.html

pssst: it's cleverly hidden under the alternator!!!

Then install a solenoid for the glow plugs.

http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Faster,_More_Efficient_Glow_Plug_Heating_with_a_Solenoid

Then noodle around those pages, there's lots of M25 series engine stuff there.

Good luck.

 

[Alec]

I had a similar problem. Engine was cranking slower & slower. Turned out to be a bad connection in a battery cable. I went from size 4 to size 2 cable. Big difference!

 

[Benny17441]

From what you have explained the most likely explanation is that you have a drop in voltage to the solenoid. Correct me if I'm wrong, but are you saying you had a replacement wire harness put away for years and you just now installed it? The leading cause of voltage drop in the starting solenoid circuit is old and corroded wiring and if that replacement harness was not stored in a dry environment it may be suffering the same symptoms as your other one. Also check in the control panel any wiring or connectors which attach to the wire harness and do not forget to check the key switch and the push button switch. Many a sailor have corrected such symptoms by wiring and installing a relay.

 

[SPLETS]

Yes, I got the wiring harness for a Catalina34 and before I ended up installing it, I sold the boat and kept the harness, then owned a Capri 26 and did not need it, and I recently bought the 30. It was stored in my garage in desert of Phx, so no corrosion, it is all like new.

 

[SPLETS]

Stu, are you stating that I should add the relay for the glow plugs, or one for the glow plugs and agree to adding one for the starter?? The wiring harness is new with all new connectors, so everything is clean and tight.

 

[Jake N Eggs]

If the solenoid is actually moving it is probably not a connection issue. The solenoid engages the bendix in the flywheel and then bridges the electrical contacts to turn the starter motor. This contact is inside the insulating cover of the solenoid. If there is corrosion on the copper contacts or the bridging disc the starter motor will not turn. Some solenoids are more worse for this than others. Having two in a row is suspicious but this could be due to a cheap knock off. Bring your original starter to a starter and alternator rebuild shop.

The information in the posts above is absolutely correct in that most starter problems are related to connection problems and voltage drop.

Good luck.

 

[redhead78]

Get a longer prettier screwdriver....Sorry could not resist...Sounds like a bad ground somewhere?? Red