Yanmar Starter Button? Issue

[Gary H]

Occasionally, when pressing the starter button on my Yanmar 1GM. there is a click but the starter motor does not engage. If I press it a few more times, it will eventually engage, crank, and start. My first thoughts were that either the starter button or starter solenoid needed replacing; however, an online search found that this is a known problem with Yanmar starting systems. Those posting their similar experiences state that the problem is with the wiring and replacing the 12 ga wires that connect the start button to the key switch and the button to the solenoid with 10 ga wires solves the problem. My entire wiring harness was replaced 4 years ago when I removed and had some work done on the engine.

Before I start running new wires, does this make sense to anyone? And has anyone had a similar problem and solved it?

Thank you.

[Steve Laume]

The first thing I would check is that all the connections in the system are clean and bright. The wires are usually not the weak link, Steve.

[mgphl52]

DITTO on Steve's recommendation. These types of problems are usually loose/corroded connections. And, of course, while "replacing the 12 gauge wire with 10 gauge" did solve the problem, so would removing, cleaning & reinstalling the 12 gauge wire...

[barfwinkle]

GM

I owned a 25D for 20 years and had the same problem. I checked the wiring for solid contacts and made no difference. Then I installed a new button and made no difference.

The boat NEVER failed to start and I always had the click. Not every time but it was there.

Fair Winds