R21EC Start Switch issue

[bjp447]

On my 2012 R21 EC I may have an issue with the start switch or ?????.
Usually I turn the key to on, wait a few seconds, turn to Start and the engine fires.
The other day I was running fine, I turned it off and before I was leaving I needed to start it
and when I turned the key to Start - Nothing.
I started it with my Remote starter switch directly on the starter. Today I spent the day messing with it,
Turn the key to start - nothing. Pulled the panel - nothing obvious (did not have a wire Diag for the switch)
metered to the wire on the starter motor while turning the Key, got 12 v at the starter motor term but nothing
but the starter motor did nothing . Finally just before
leaving I turned the key on start again and this time held it there for 10 seconds (+/- a second or two) and the darn thing started. Again usually I turn the key and the motor fires. I am going to sleep on it but I am looking for any experience or thoughts anyone might have on it. I am sure it is one simple thing and I would like to fix it.

 

[greeninbetween]

Hi- I have had the same issue on my 2012 R21-EC. The problem on mine was not in the ignition switch, but in the safety switch in the shifter/throttle assembly. When it would not respond to the key switch, I would jiggle the shift/throttle handle back and forth, and then the starter would respond to the ignition switch. Disassembling and cleaning the contacts is on the winter to-do list.

 

[sheral]

Agree, try moving your throttle lever back and forth a bit and ensure it is properly engaged in neutral. They can be quite finicky...

 

[rt11002003]

Between the three R21EC's I've owned, that happened once; on my latest one: the 2014. As greeninbetween pointed out, it was the switch at the throttle quadrant.

 

[Two killicks]

The remote starter switch that you mentioned on your starter, is this a standard piece of equipment on your tug?

 

[bjp447]

The remote starter switch is not part of the boat.
You get them at auto parts stores. The point is that
the starter solenoid requires 12 v to engage the starter
with the switch, mine has a hand grip with a little
trigger, is you connect the one wire alligator clamp to the post on the solenoid
on the 21 it is a white wire on the top of the solenoid, the other end I touch to the pos
side of the battery, hit the trigger and the starter engages and the diesel fires.
You get the same effect by bridging the white wire connector with the red pos lug
next to it with a screwdriver. I like the remote switch , it is less stressful

 

[bjp447]

Any pointers on cleaning the switch in the throttle?
When I took the one on my R21 apart there were about a zillion
(maybe not that many but it seemed like it) little ball bearings that
needed to be replaced .
Also I played with it a bit today and I noticed if I turned the key to on
waited to a count of 8 and hit the start with the key it would start
almost made me think there was a delay like you get with a diesel
with glowplugs

 

[bymiller]

I have an 07 with a Yanmar. There is a relay located near the rear of the engine that is part of the safety system. Had to replace mine once. If you find try bypassing when the motor won't start. My throttle is also particular and often needs to be jiggled a bit. If the motor starts after a delay I would suspect the safety relay.

By
21ESC
Daycare

 

[bjp447]

I noticed there was a little square something sitting 3/4 of the way up the rear of the engine. Might that be the relay?
I have what appears to be a wire diagram from the Yanmar oper/maint book. Any ideas where there is a diagram that goes from the panels to the engine. I have 2 diagrams , one shows the cockpit stuff, the other touches on the engine but does not show the starter and it's connections. So the safety end of the switch isn't shown to the starter.

 

[bjp447]

If someone is on their R21Ec and can get a pic of the starter Relay I would appreciate it.
Still have the starting issue. During the summer when the boat is used weekly it starts with the key
everytime but in the winter when it may be started once or twice a month it will not start with the key
I have to use a remote starter directly from the solenoid to 12 v on the battery. Thinking if there is a relay
could be the issue. Had a marine electrical guy spend half a day looking at it and metering wires and he is
baffled.

 

[bjp447]

Thank the Lord and pass the ammunition - finally
We found a Yanmar diagram which showed the relays AND the problem went solid
could not start with the key. Turn the key - panel lights no start. Found the relays,
metered them , the looked good. Said screw it and ordered all the relays. Changed the
magnetic relay first, engine now starts with the key. This has been ongoing since I bought the
boat in 2016, just intermittent, starts all summer , don't use it in the winter very often, won't start
with the key. Finally this ear problem went solid.
My xxxxx is. When I bought the boat it had this issue, the Ranger dealer mech in Fl said "bad contact
on solenoid' cleaned it engine started, checked boat the next day before driving it home - would not start
cleaned contact again. I have talked about it on tugnuts for years, changed starter changed ignitions sw
same issue. Got marina mech to look at it ($$$$$) no results. I am not a electrical gus but someone could
have said " change the relays, back on the diesel on the top - there are 3. I am happ it is fixed and goodbye
to this thread.

 

[bjp447]

Almost through - I forgot to add that m voltage panel would show my ac and pump batteries never reaching much over 12 v,
batteries metered higher voltage. After I changed the relay (last post) voltages showed normal mid to hi 12v and 13+v when running - weird???