42DS Yanmar Engine - Starting Problems

[andrewtas]

Genevieve is our rather lovely 11 year old 42DS. She’s equipped with a Yanmar diesel.

Ocassionally, we’re having trouble with engine starting. We’ll press the switch, hear the fan engage but get no connection to the starter motor. Entering the engine compartment from the stern cabin, I can grasp the bundle of electrical wires, give it a shake and (eventually) get a connection.

I was figuring it had to be something to do with a dodgy connection. Not wanting to create a larger problem, I had an electrician check it out. Unfortunately, he was unable to replicate the problem. Talking it through with him, I noted that it hasn’t ever happened when leaving the dock - so when the engine is cold. It seems to happen (but not all the time) when arriving/leaving an anchorage during a day Ord arriving back at home base. To that extent, we’re wondering if it has something to do with heat.

In my event, it’s adding unnecessary stress, what with coinciding with moments when we actually need the engine. 

So, has anyone had this happen before? An easy fix?

Thanks in advance.

[bereboot]

A Friend of mine had more or less a similar problem. After hours of searching it appeared to be a ground wire which was badly connected inside a cable shoe.

[Don Reaves]

I had an experience that was similar. Sometimes, the starter motor wouldn't even click. I didn't try wiggling wires to get it to happen. Instead, I turned the engine by hand to see if that might make a difference. It didn't. But the behavior seemed quite random until I had the starter solenoid checked. That was the problem, and replacing it wasn't difficult or very expensive.

[Mistroma]

Obviously a poor connection somewhere in a connector or component. Impossible to diagnose from a distance and difficult to trace when intermittent.

I had a similar issue with my 2009 42DS. The problem in my case was the switch in the panel. It was a long time ago but I think the fan came on but nothing happened when pressing trying to engage the starter.

I remember looking at the wiring diagram, removing the switch panel and shorting with a link wire to start the engine. It was intermittent initially and became more frequent. A new switch solved the problem. It might be worth checking this out in advance so that you know which pins to short and can do a test. At least you will eliminate the switch if the problem returns and a jumper fails to start the engine.

[NZL50505]

Had similar. To resolve I had to:

1. Replace several spade connectors in the system to eliminate chance of lose connection - several looked suspiciously loose.

2. Replace ignition panel to eliminate chance of intermittent problem with the solenoid in there.

After doing both my issue was resolved but obviously not sure exactly which one fixed it.

[Trevor]

We had the same problem many years ago. The fault was the starter solenoid. Easy to replace and no problems since.

Trevor