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Topic: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow (Read 1667 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #25 –
If memory serves me (???)  Someone reported being told by someone at FT to use the boost switch every time.  I also heard this personally when I bought my coach from California Coach, a FT dealer at the time.  By the way, this is how I went more than a year without knowing one of my starting batteries had a shorted cell, and doing so without damaging the starter.

My take is that it does no harm, and letting the starter motor run slower and longer is not good for the starter.  If it spins even a tiny bit slower without boost, better to turn boost on or double up the cables.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #26 –
That is correct, it was me.  I asked for a walk through after I bought my U320, and the shop manager at Foretravel told me I should use the boost switch for every start on the M11 Cummins.  Said it would make the starter last much longer and make for faster engine starts. 
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #27 –
That is true, but using the boost switch all the time, you will not know the state of your start batteries.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #28 –
Here's an answer.  One more device for the toolbox.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #29 –
Quote
Maybe a word smith can make this more clear ?
Most of us just aren't as smart as you but we're working on it.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #30 –
Dave, your words are just fine.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #31 –
Just like Dave said, good clean cables, tight connections, proper wire size, and battery's= not much need for the boost switch. On the other hand if all systems are working correctly more cranking power (boost on) is always a good thing. I know on my coach the 15+year old battery cables need replacing as I imagine they do on most older motor homes, not only for starting issues but the rest of the 12V needs as well, I have replaced some of the cable connections and short cables, helped the problem but in the end will end up with all new cable assembly's.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #32 –
Well hopefully tomorrow I will solve one issue- the batteries.  After much research and advice here on the forum- I looked into replacements for my 2 Redtops.  I found that I can get Duralast Platinum AGM Group 34 at the AutoZone here in Claremore, OK for a negotiated price of $150 each.  They have similar specs to Optima Yellowtops, without the price.
They will install for free also, so that will be my first stop in the morning.  Will have the Redtops load tested first.

Thanks for sharing ideas and advice- will let you know how it works out.
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #33 –
Good luck Ted & Karen :D
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #34 –
The saga has ended- we have the new batteries and they started great- so left Claremore for NAC.  Stopped for lunch in an old truckstop, and when tried to crank, the dash went black.  Nothing-I didn't see anything wrong so I called Mike at MOT and he had me do a few things, then I started generator and with boost on, it fired , but check engine light is on.
Mike said look for a loose battery terminal since I just got batteries-found one loose, but could not tighten more.  Went to NAPA and got a couple of terminals, replaced the bad one, others seemed fine, tight, but same problem.  Used boost again to start and went to NAC, several times my Allison tranny was blinking and not working due to low voltage.  Made it to MOT who was expecting me.

Keith R. looked it over, found another bad terminal.  Replaced all terminals with military style, very heavy duty, unlike the car terminals I had.  Worked great!!

Lesson learned- when replacing batteries,if auto terminals on them, replace with heavy duty military terminals.  They will not work loose from vibrations and such.  Also installed and ECO charger while I was there- so good to go.
Coach is running great now- so much depends on that 12 volt system.

Keep your batteries good and if you start having electrical problems, get them tested .  Maybe you won't have to go through what we did.
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #35 –
Thanks Richard & Betty

WE are at FOT for Ladies Driving School now.
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #36 –
Quote from: Ted & Karen –
We are at FOT for Ladies Driving School now.

Ted,
 
Sorry to hear about your ongoing saga since the GV. Hope it is now all fixed.
 
Jean and I will be arriving on Sunday; see you and Karen then.
 
Trent
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #37 –
Ted

Thanks for keeping us updated on your saga...  Glad to hear it worked out.

Mike
Mike & Joanne
'99  U320  40' build 5479
'06 Lexus GX470
Club #17378
(former '93 U225 36')

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #38 –
Glad you got it fixed up. Keith is a great tech.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #39 –
As soon as you get a chance, replace the terminal hardware with all stainless. Pull the cables and flatten the ends with a file like in the photos below. The melted terminal is from a 16 degree at 8000 foot start in Yellowstone. It started without block heater but melted one terminal. Military terminals are a good idea. Clean, low resistance connections make winter starts easy.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #40 –
Only addition I can see is a bit of dielectric grease.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #41 –
Quote from: Roland Begin –
Only addition I can see is a bit of dielectric grease.

Roland

While dielectric grease works well where the batteries are in an enclosed space, our batteries are between the rear bumper and the engine so pick up a lot of dirt. In this location, I like the treated red and green felt pads.

Since the negative side is close to a frame member, I added another ground cable to the closest spot with an existing fastener.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #42 –
Ted and Karen:
Glad you are safely at FOT with everything working well. It is amazing how many problems a loose or corroded terminal can cause.  I guess Ockham's Razor wins again.

Hope Karen enjoys her driving school experience.

 We will get to Tucson tomorrow and hope to find a nice campsite that is not too expensive.  Plan to stay there for at least a week and then head to Quartzsite.

Jason and Donna
Jason
1999 U320 36'
 

Re: Coach had hic up on Ok Pow Wow

Reply #43 –
Speaking of hiccups, Ted & Karen to the rescue!  I just got bailed out by Ted, (along with Jim D.) & with Karen & Cathy as cheerleaders, same situation (?) I guess....1st time coach wouldn't start, ever.  What a great team....guess I'm due for a good checking/clean up, lots of corrosion....possibly new batteries...anyway, what a neat bunch, many thanks to you all, so glad to finally meet up with some of the amazing folks from FoFums!