Maintenance - Engine Not Turning Over

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Engine Not Turning Over

Printed From: Laser 28 International Class Association
Category: Laser 28 General
Forum Name: Maintenance
Forum Description: All the things to care for your boat
URL: http://www.laser28.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=843
Printed Date: 23 April 2024 at 5:11am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Engine Not Turning Over

Posted By: Geoff Coke
Subject: Engine Not Turning Over
Date Posted: 28 May 2020 at 1:28am

Last year I had a crew member try and start my boat. He turned the key and nothing happened. I panicked, went and turned the key and everything was fine. I chalked it up to him not turning the key properly.

First sail of the season today, single handed, sunny weather, decent breeze. Engine started to get out, wouldn't start to get back in.

Lots of Battery Power, lights all came on, I suspect no power to the starter from a faulty ignition.

Couple things

-Anyone else experienced this issue? Is it the starter? I looked at the wiring diagram and there are lots of other components between the key and the starter. Guidance would be appreciated.

-Everyone try and pull start their engine at the dock. I was unsuccessful. Just tonight I read Bill's description on how to find the compression first. I was able to sail back to the dock (big confidence booster) but want to get that engine started without the starter for future knowledge.

- and yes, I have already placed the call to the previously mentioned crew to tell them a "funny story"

Replies:

Posted By: fatjohnz
Date Posted: 28 May 2020 at 7:27am

Ignition problems can be tough to figure out.
On the bottom of the starter are 2 nuts. Make sure they are secure. Do this with power off to avoid a surprise.
With power on, you can short those two nuts together and the starter should go. This is a way to fire the starter without the ignition.
The green wire on the side of the starter carries the 12v signal from the ignition to tell the starter to fire. Check that connection.
Then follow that green wire a short distance to the harness. Make sure the harness is securely connected.
All that said, the most likely cause of the problem is a loose wire or bad connection at the ignition switch. Make sure the wires are firmly connected to their little connectors and that the connectors fit snugly on their tabs. If something feels loose, squish the connector end a little.
If that doesn't work, get the electric meter and wiring diagram ; -)
john

Posted By: WJRyan
Date Posted: 28 May 2020 at 7:57am

I had a similar situation last summer, lights came on, music played.... but the battery wasn't charged enough to start the engine. I did what John noted with checking connectors, and then meter back to the culprit - new battery and it worked fine. Oh... and to be totally honest I hadn't checked the water levels in the previous battery so do that too (have reminders in my calendar now so I don't forget!). - bill

-------------
Bill Ryan,

Room4Crew, #155

Posted By: Geoff Coke
Date Posted: 31 May 2020 at 9:25am

Solved

I went in with a plan..... 1st confirm that power was getting to the starter - check. Hey, whats that loose wire there!!

One of the signal wire connected to the starter had come loose.

Thanks for your help