Good afternoon -
I need some help troubleshoot a starting issue with a 1993 Universal M-35A. We are preparing for launch day and yesterday I tried to start the engine for the first time this season. The engine cranks but will not start. Here is what I know so far:
- Batteries are new and fully charged.
- Engine cranks and turns over like normal.
- Yesterday I noticed that the preheat solenoid mounting bracket was broken at the engine. This has happened to us before, I had a spare on hand, and replaced it.
- The preheat solenoid now clicks when the switch is turned to activate the glow plugs.
- The fuel lift pump is clicking like normal.
- The engine oil and filter where changed in the fall.
When trying to start the boat I turned the key to activate the glow plugs for about 20-30 seconds. Then cranked the engine. In the past the engine has always started right up.
Any ideas on what I should be trouble shooting? I have searched the forums and so far haven't found a solution.
Thanks,
Jim
—
Jim Donegan
Apparition
1993 Catalina 36 MK 1.5
Hull #1247 M-35A
Milford, CT
It appears that you may have air in the fuel line. I have M35B and I do not have to bleed the air after a fuel filter change.
Is the fuel tank valve open. It may be starving for fuel. Disconnect the fuel line after the fuel lift pump and turn on the ignition key to glow plug position such that the fuel pump starts to click - is there fuel coming out of the pump. If so, reconnect the hose and hold this position for about 30 seconds until fuel reaches the engine. Try again.
Normally you may want the boat to be in the water when you start the engine so that seawater can cool the engine.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
About Sail La Vie
You should also check you didn’t trip the emergency compression release. It’s usually something simple.
Les
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
Is your kill switch fully depressed. This happened to me as I was drifting close to a lee shore last week. Went to start. Nothing. Took me a few until I depressed the pull all the way down. Voila. Could it be that simple? Not usually. Good luck
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca