Starting problem Universal M-12

[rlevy]

Periodically, the starter will not respond after pre-heating and pressing the starter button. Batteries are good. Had the starter circuit re-wired. Problem persists. Any thoughts?

[Idiens]

Originally Posted by rlevy

Periodically, the starter will not respond after pre-heating and pressing the starter button. Batteries are good. Had the starter circuit re-wired. Problem persists. Any thoughts?

Can you hear the starter solenoid click when you press the starter button?

[chucklesR]

You say the starter circuit was rewired so the 'loose wire' senario is probably not it. I'd go with solenoid as the next most likely point of failure. Sounds like it's not tripping. You have any books on how to troubleshoot it?

[chucklesR]

rlevy, you don't have 10 post yets so can't send PM's (Private messages).
Forgive me hijacking your thread - below is a complete parts list for your engine, I believe you need a new solenoid.
Starter Solenoid part no: 301933

The parts list is available from this link: Engines1 | Westerbeke, Universal, Marine Engines, AGM Batteries, Engine Controls Knowledgebase

M-12:
1983-1988
UNIVERSAL DIESEL ENGINES



Description
Part #
Description
Part #

Air Filter
301926
Oil Pressure Switch
299964

Air Filter Element
301049
Panel, Standard
300680

Alternator
42847
Panel, Deluxe
300685

Ammeter
300668
Panel, Custom
300690

Belt
301073
Pump, Fresh Water
301336

Dipstick
301212
Pump, Mounting Gasket
301340

Exhaust Manifold
300802
Pump, Rebuild Kit
N/A

Exhaust Manifold Gasket (A)
301245
Pump, Sea Water (E)
42175

Filter, Lube Oil
300209
Pump Mounting Gasket
302678

Filter, Fuel Oil
298854
Pump, Impeller
302875

Filter, Electric Lift
300128
Pump, Repair Kit
N/A

Gasket, Head
301120
Pump, Seal
302885

Gasket, Oil Pan
301209
Pump Conversion Kit (Includes Pump)
302835

Gasket Set, Upper
256840
Pump Conversion Kit (Excludes Pump)
302838

Gasket Set, Complete
256841
PTO Pulley Kit
303068

Glow Plug
301754
Pump, Fuel Lift
301385

Harness, 5 Ft Ext.
300708
Shim, Cylinder Head
N/A

Harness, 10 Ft Ext.
300675
Spare Parts Kit A
256910

Harness, Engine
298586
Spare Parts Kit B
256829

Heat Exchanger (B)
298633
Starter
301295

Heat Exchanger End Cap
299838
Starter Solenoid
301933

Heat Exchanger Gasket (C)
299838
Tachometer
300684

Injector
301109
Tachometer with Hour Meter
300687

Injection Pump
301121
Tank, Coolant Recovery
300238

Injection Hardware Kit
N/A
Thermostat Element
301358

Injector Nozzle
N/A
Thermostat Element Gasket
N/A

Injector Return Line (D)
See Below
Thermostat MTG Gasket
300237

Isolators
300794
Valve Cover Gasket
301239

Ignition Switch
300671
Water Temp Meter
300670

Manual, Operators
200155
Water Temp Sender
299066

Manual, Parts
200137
Water Injected Elbow
N/A

Manual, Technical
200158
Zinc (F)
301069

Oil Drain Washer Kit
301431

[rlevy]

Thank you!

[chucklesR]

Now, if you really want to check without buying a new one you can use the screw driver method.
The solenoid essentially takes a signal from your ingition switch, the click you hear is the solenoid dropping; sometimes you can fake it by (with the key turned to start) taking a (insulated handle) screw driver and jumping the solenoid by shorting across the solenoid with the screw driver blade. It will arc and spark and the starter will whirl.

[seapilot]

'Had the same problem on my 4JH3E.... two issues you may want to check:

Make sure the ground to the engine block is secure, sometimes a bolt comes loose.

Consider a direct booster line to your battery as the distance round trip to the solenoid may give you a power drop.

good luck.