[C320-list] Perkins M30 Starter

[Welch, Myron D]

Warren,

I had a start problem on my 1995, #238 Perkins that took a couple of years to find. Everything I tried worked for a few days or weeks, then the problem returned. I started by purchasing a new set of 4D's, then cleaning the negative ground on the engine, then cleaning the connections at the helm, then changing the starter switch, then changing the starter button. Although each repair worked temporarily, I thought I had it fixed for good after changing the connection on top of the solenoid, but again the problem returned. 

I was about to yank out (which looked very difficult) and blame the starter, then tried Nigel Calder's method of shorting across the terminals and learned the starter and solenoid were not the problem. 

I finally called in a mechanic. He started at the helm and checked every connection all the way to the starter. The problem was found in a lose connection in the plastic buss bar just aft of the engine.  I never thought to check there. No start problems in the past three years. Good luck. 

Myron Welch
Wind Instrument, #238
Iowa City, Iowa
Grace Memorial Harbor
Elk Rapids, Michigan 


Sent from my iPad

> On May 30, 2016, at 9:45 AM, Dave Ouimette <drouimette at aol.com> wrote:
> 
> Warren,
> 
> 
> I had a similar starting problem on our '95 C320 with a Perkins engine. Here's what we found: dirty and suspect connections galore. Starting at the batteries we cleaned, replaced and in some case re-tinned positive and negative connectors all the way through to the starting panel at the binnacle. We also replaced the battery selector switch.  While at the binnacle, we checked the key and glow plug switches; they were fine. As an aside, we re-wired the key switch so that the engine starts like a car: one click energized the gauges, then push against the spring and the engine turns over. The push button was re-wired to operate only the glow plugs. This has worked well and it takes the glow plug electric drain out of the circuit (by releasing the button) before the engine cranks. 
> 
> 
> But I believe the real culprit that was intermittently causing poor or no engine turn-over was the wire connector on top of the solenoid. This wire comes from the key switch and energizes the solenoid.  In our boat, the wire is attached with a slide-on connector. That connector was dirty and not very tight. After this was cleaned/fixed, the engine has started consistently well. So, in the end, we did not need to remove the starter. You are right, removing the starter looks to be a real pain in the neck. 
> 
> 
> Dave
> Punta Gorda, FL and Denver, CO
> Hull 174
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com>
> To: C320-List <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
> Sent: Sun, May 29, 2016 7:33 pm
> Subject: [C320-list] Perkins M30 Starter
> 
> I've not seen any discussion re. servicing/replacing the solenoid/starter on
> the Perkins M30. This seems strange as it is now 20 years or more that the
> Perkins has been perk'n in the 320. Am I the first? Not likely. 
> 
> 
> 
> Well, I had the occasion to ask the question. Saturday, we go out on our
> maiden voyage of the season (OMG first outing nearly June!) for a nice sail.
> As we approached our destination and prepare to drop sails, I started the
> engine, or at least thought I was, only to be dumbfounded that it wouldn't
> start, not even turn over. This has never happened. I whip out my trusty
> multi-meter to find the damn thing doesn't work. So, it's nearly 5pm and I'm
> stuck in the open with the anchor down. What to do? Why, of course call
> TowBoatUS. It's not costing me anything so we go for it. Two hours later we
> are in our slip with cocktails in hand. The next morning, I borrow a tester
> and start investigation. Wanting to believe it's electrical and not
> mechanical, I started behind the engine dashboard. Wow, some of those
> connections were dirty. After cleaning those related to starting, I tried
> the starter and, to my surprise, it started. So, out we go for another day
> of sailing. The weather was fine, and the winds were cooperating. What's not
> to like? My euphoria, however, was short-lived. On returning to port, I went
> to start the engine and. no go. Oh, no, not again! What's up? Bottom line.
> likely the starter. The solenoid clicks but the starter don't. Only way to
> tell is to pull the bitch and have it serviced or replaced.  Not wanting to
> embarrass myself by calling BoatUS twice in two days, we limped into port
> and secured the assistance of boat buddies to help us into our slip. 
> 
> 
> 
> Which brings me to my point. The starter is ensconced in a most inaccessible
> place on the engine from the point of seeing the thing let alone finding
> bolts to remove. Has anyone had the experience of removing the Perkins
> generator? If so, have you any hints or tips to impart?
> 
> 
> 
> Remember, our joy in boat ownership and the freedoms that go with it are
> ours at the cost of many lives given to secure these freedoms.
> 
> Happy Memorial Day.
> 
> Warren and Pattie Updike
> 
> 1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
> 
> Middle River, Chesapeake Bay
> 
> 
> 
>