[C320-list] Starting Problem - Need Your Help

[Jeff Hare]

Karl,  

The MacLube didn't hurt anything. 

Suspicions:

*  The connector block in the engine pod and/or wires in there may be corroded.  Its a good idea to open this every 3 or 4 yrs and make sure the wires are in good shape. 

*  The wires to the starter button may be corroded (or a failing starter button/ignition switch).  Not too familiar with the starter system on that model. 

* connections to the starter solenoid may also be corroded, especially if the batter terms were also. 

* the engine wiring harness connector is where the engine pod wires connect into the engine's wiring harness. Disconnect/Inspect/reconnect a few times to ensure clean connections.  (Assuming there is such a beast)

* finally,  the A/B/Both switch could be going bad, with corroded or burned contacts. See if it gets warm when trying to start the engine.  

* finally, its worth inspecting the connectors on the main heavy gauge cables. The heat shrink tubing can cover a corroded crimp. 

I bought some large diameter heat shrink tubing that I can cut and slip over the lugs and shrink to reseal the lugs after inspecting. 

That's all I can think of. A good volt meter will help here. 

-Jeff
-----Original Message-----
From: Karl Kruger <smoothsail282 at sbcglobal.net>
Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2010 13:05:39 
To: <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Starting Problem - Need Your Help

Hello all:

I have hull #282, with a Westerbeke diesel.  Tried starting the motor a
couple a days ago.  Nothing happened, it made no sounds.  Motor related
gauages didn't work either.  The batteries are 8 seasons old, and never a
problem, but they were discharged.  I tried starting the motor without ship
to shore power.  The shore power was then connected and within 15 minutes
the motor was able to crank and start.  But, the batteries were not holding
the charge.

The next day found out the battery posts were very corroded.  The posts were
clean and destilled water added to the cells(they were in good shape to
start with).  The batterries are now taking a charge and holding it.

But, I still can not start the diesel.  The fuel gauge works but nothing
else.  Now, the rest of the story!  I did have a problem over the weekend
with the key becoming stuck in the ignition.  I pulled on it and the wiggled
it before it final came out.  SO, I sprayed McLube in the key slot of the
ignation.  Could this have caused the problem?  Suggestions?

Also, I did get one new deep cell marine battery which was jumped with the
regular 4D to see if this would start the diese, to no avail.  We did this
before leaving for the night (last night) to rule out a battery issue.

Sincerely,

Karl Krueger (Kindred Spirit - Milwaukee WI area)








-- 
Karl W Krueger - ABR, CRS, GRI, CDPE
RE/MAX Realty 100
Phone - 414-322-6541
Fax - 414-327-6870