Yanmar 2GM starting problem

[Georgio]

Wondering if anone can help. I often have a problem when starting my 2GM. I press the starter button, hear a click but then nothing, after doing this 3-4 times the starter kicks in and away we go with no problems.

Would I be correct in thinking that the solinoid is kicking the starter cog into position on the flywheel but there is a bad contact for the starter motor itself????

Any thoughts before I take the thing apart.

 

[savageseadog]

There's a lead screw on the starter pawl which can gum up or corrode. Just take it off and clean and lubricate

 

[martinb]

I have the same problem on my boat and at first I feared a starter motor fault but have discovered that it is a faulty isolator on the negatives giving a bad connection, which reminds me, I must get round to fixing it one day!

So, check all connections before removing the starter.

Martin

 

[ParaHandy]

On top of, and attached to, the starter motor is a solenoid. When the starter button is pressed, the solenoid moves to close the battery contact and also moves a fork which pushes the starter gear onto the flywheel. With a voltmeter, check that when the starter button is pressed there is 12v getting to the solenoid coil.
If there is (it probably wouldn't "click" otherwise), then there's a good chance that the solenoid is sticking and the cure is to remove the solenoid (carefully & remembering how the fork etc fits), clean the solenoid & housing and apply a very light coating of high temp grease and clean the electrical contacts. I have to say that this "cure" lasts for about a year or two and then needs doing again. I'm wondering if the design is quite what it should be ...

 

[billmacfarlane]

I've had the same problem. My cure was to disconnect the starter battery leads, clean up and Vaseline the posts then reconnect leads. Didn't have any problems after that.

 

[Georgio]

thanks chaps. will clean up the connections and see where that gets me.

 

[DaveS]

I would endorse others' comments re. checking the electrical side first before investigating mechanical issues. (This from bitter experience... ) And electrical checks are quick: probe about with a volt meter and in a few minutes you will either find the fault or eliminate the wiring. Editas the cause of the fault - I've just realised how this could be read! Then again, if you poke about without knowing what you're doing, maybe the other meaning could hold.... )