[C320-list] Perkins Engine - Glow Plug Activation

[Don Johnson]

Scott,

My 1994 #53 with the Perkins M30 has the same starting setup as your #39.  I’ve had the boat since 2011 and usually count to about 15-17 before pushing the start button, and that usually does the job.  There are some instances where ~15 isn’t quite enough, and I have to repeat, but I think your count is about right.

Don Johnson
Amazing Grace, 1994/#53
Alamitos Bay, Long Beach, Ca

> On May 30, 2019, at 10:10 AM, Scott Lagerquist <lgrqst at aol.com> wrote:
> 
> Dave,
> My 1994 Catalina 320, #39 also has the Perkins M30.  My ignition has the on position (powers the gauges), the spring loaded position (powers the glow plugs), and a separate spring loaded start button (powers the starter solenoid when pressed).  So the glow plugs receive power only when the key is held in the clockwise (spring loaded position) and loses power when the key is back to the on position.  
> 
> One question for Perkins M30 owners; how long do you need to engage the power to your glow plugs when starting the engine?  Sea Esta seems to take 20-30 seconds.  I wonder if that is normal?
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> Scott Lagerquist
> Sea Esta, 1994, #39
> San Diego CA
> Silver Gate Yacht Club
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On May 29, 2019, at 9:28 PM, Dave Chase <londoc at blackbury.com> wrote:
>> 
>> We have a '94 C320 with Perkins M30. While installing a Balmar MC-614 regulator, I was tracing the ignition ckt wiring. I noted that the key switch has three connections: "Pwr", "Ignition On", and "Start". "Ignition On" is connected to "Pwr" when the key is turned to the right, which provides power to the panel and engine electronics (via a ckt breaker).  "Start" is connected to "Pwr" when the key is held to the far right against the detent and is connected to the Starter button which will activate the starter solenoid.
>> 
>> The glow plug relay is currently connected to the "Ignition On" position, which means that the glow plugs will be energized whenever the key is on. I am thinking that the relay should be connected to the Start position which will energize the glow plugs only while the switch is held to the right prior to starting. Can anybody confirm?
>> 
>> Dave Chase
>> 
>> 1994 Cat 320 (#97) "Indigo"
>> 
>