Intermittent engine start issue - recent Volvo D2-50

[Quid]

The engine start cables are 50mm tinned flexible, with a length of approx. 1.5m. Your theory doesn't explain why it always starts in the marina or after a quiet overnight anchorage.

 

[Bobc]

The engine start cables are 50mm tinned flexible, with a length of approx. 1.5m. Your theory doesn't explain why it always starts in the marina or after a quiet overnight anchorage.

Not that then. Very weird. Bloody Volvos.

 

[Venus1]

The engine start cables are 50mm tinned flexible, with a length of approx. 1.5m. Your theory doesn't explain why it always starts in the marina or after a quiet overnight anchorage.

I’m no expert, but I think his theory might explain it....
In the marina or after an overnight rest, the batteries have had a “rest”. After a day’s sailing, they might have been running the instruments/electronics etc(?) and not be able to deliver the same amps when asked to crank.
And 1.5m is not exactly a short length for starter cable?

 

[Quid]

Thank you for giving the problem some thought, but the engine start battery is single use only and I now always check the voltage before starting after a period of sailing. It is always +/- 13V.

 

[Solent sailer]

We have a similar intermittent problem, same thing d2-55 engine. So far it has always started on the 2nd or 3rd attempt so i havent been able to get any farther fault finding!
On most older solinoids there is a red plastic "button" in between the terminals you can manually push to operate the solenoid might be worth trying that, also measuring the voltage across the solenoid when it is operated, if it is working properly it should drop to 0v.
Good luck!

 

[tillergirl]

Had the similar problem last year. It was the '1 - 2- Both' switch that was failing intermittently. The contact points within the switch had burnt giving a poor connection. Nothing wrong with the engine at all!

 

[Bobc]

Actually, thinking about this overnight, 50mm cable might be a bit light for that length. Try putting a jump lead from the battery + to the starter + and see if that solves the problem. If it does, then you need a bigger cable.

For that length, I would think that something like 95mm or even 120mm would be a better size.

See post #20

 

[KellysEye]

When I had trouble starting a generator it was loose solenoid which needed replacing.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Actually, thinking about this overnight, 50mm cable might be a bit light for that length. Try putting a jump lead from the battery + to the starter + and see if that solves the problem. If it does, then you need a bigger cable.

For that length, I would think that something like 95mm or even 120mm would be a better size.

50mm cable for that engine is plenty, even with 1.5m run.

 

[Heckler]

Well surprise surprise, one expensive new MDI box that engineers said was the solution and still in the same place.

The same day that we fitted it we left harbour (having again been stuck in port due to the problems) and the charge was suddenly erratic again.
And on day 5 the engine again failed to start on 2 out of 5 occasions, with same symptoms of screen going blank and nothing happening.

Has, touch wood, started on most occasions - but a big risk that may not in a critical corner or anchorage.
But only on one occasion in 20 starts have we seen a charge voltage above 13.5 volts, and typically 12.8 to 13.4 volts. So feels like the charge is certainly weak

All this on a low hours recent Volvo Penta D2.
And the Volvo agent who did the service simply now stating "take to nearest Volvo agent" - which is circa 250 sea miles (and two capes) in one direction, and similar distance the other direction. No support listed between Clyde and Inverness.
Wishing for my trouble free 15 year old Yanmar from my previous boat ....

I hope they didnt charge you for it,
https://www.hisse-et-oh.com/system/assets/000/164/061/original/MDI_BOX_RECALL.pdf?1537177341

 

[Bobc]

Thank you for giving the problem some thought, but the engine start battery is single use only and I now always check the voltage before starting after a period of sailing. It is always +/- 13V.

It's the amps getting the the starter that is the key.