[C320-list] Electrical issue

[Dave Ouimette]

Warren,

Sounds a little like the problem I had earlier this year where correct voltage was not getting to the solenoid so it would not consistently energize and allow the starter to crank.  Have you checked voltage at the end of the wire that comes from the starter button where it attaches to the solenoid? If you don't have around 12 volts (consistently) when you push the starter button, that may indicate a problem in the button or wiring that comes from it. If I understand your description of the volt meter "bottoming out" you may have an intermittent short in the push button, or some wiring that has chafed.  Good luck.

Dave
Hull 174



-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com>
To: C320-List <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Sat, Aug 27, 2016 12:37 pm
Subject: [C320-list] Electrical issue

This Spring I pulled the starter on our 1994 #62 to have it serviced. In the process I cleaned all the contacts in the pedestal dashboard, and those on the cables, at the starter and solenoid. The solenoid was replaced as well as the starter brushes, and the starter commutator was cleaned. To my surprise, I find that once in a while when I push the start button, the volt meter bottoms and the starter doesn't turn. If I hit the start button a time or two it starts. What could be causing this?
It is no simple matter to remove the starter so I'm hoping it is something else. Any ideas on how to proceed?

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay