John, You didn't mention whether or not.. the starter Solenoid "Clicked" ..or not?
If it didn't ... Before you take everything apart.. Check to see if the Starter Solenoid is getting enough voltage. It may be a very simple fix if, in fact, that is the case. The wiring harness connectors from the Key switch to the Solenoid are Famous for getting corrosion or being loose. That will reduce the voltage at the solenoid. This subject was covered a couple weeks ago. And, I'll offer my solution to you... You can check the solenoid by direct DC . There's probably an In-line fuse "Dangling" close to the starter. you can Kick over the starter by clipping on to that from a DC source. Here's a couple solutions ..IF.. the solenoid isn't getting enough from the Key/starter switch. 1. Rewire the line to the starter solenoid. A single new wire from the start switch to the Solenoid. It'll go to the other side of the In-line fuse. 2. (what I did).. Attach the old key/starter wire to a small Car type Relay. They will take voltages from quite low to over 12 volts. A new short wire from a good 12 volt DC source is then "Switched" by the car Relay to the Starter Solenoid. This can be installed in a protected spot in the engine compartment. The relay AND an added "Bump" switch are just inside the engine Hatch. And I have a second DC source on the Bump switch as well Bypassing the Car relay. All this not only solved the problem of a "Cranky" (pun intended) start, but allows me to start the engine while below. I can supply a drawing on request. As I say, This all hinges on whether or not it's indeed a Low voltage at the Starter Solenoid problem.. But, it is a common problem. Uniform Whisky, Ralph Ahseln "Oblio" Lying: Portland OR From: The Emmerichs Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2010 3:12 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [IC27A] Starter Gremlins Yesterday evening, we were going out to Wednesday races. I pulled on the starter knob for my M-18 diesel and nothing. I had good voltage on the batteries, the starter switch was good but no response from the starter. So we went to plan B, sit at the dock and drink a few beers. This morning I went out with the intention of pulling the starter and taking it to an auto electric shop. I decided to try a high tech fix before removing the alternator and oil filter to get at the starter. I took a large wrench and tapped the starter a couple of times. By now you can guess what happened, the starter and solenoid worked just fine, the engine cranked normally and started. I went through this same drill about 5 or 6 years ago. I took the starter to a shop, they checked it out and said both the starter and solenoid were fine. I told them to put a new solenoid on as that seem to me to be the most likely culprit. I'm sure that would be the same diagnostics if I took it back now. Any thoughts on this? I'm definitely not a starter mechanic. John Emmerich C27TR
