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Unihome Not Starting

May 19, 2021, 01:00:01 pm

Hello all!

Last fall I put away the rig for the winter and everything worked as expected.  Now I'm working to resurrect the old gal and I can't seem to get it started.

When I turn the key it will crank, but no sputtering or starting.  Also not smelling any fuel from the exhaust as you might expect.

I have the Cat 3208T engine

My Thought is there is a fuel delivery issue, but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

First, is there a fuel pump in the tank, or just one on the engine?

Would there be any "kill switches" or safety mechanisms that would prevent fuel from flowing or engine from starting?

Anyone have a good guide for replacing fuel filters/troubleshooting fuel delivery?

Thanks in advance for your help!!
~Blaine

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Re: Unihome Not Starting

Reply #1 – May 19, 2021, 01:05:28 pm

There is a priming pump on the fuel pump. Unscrew the knob and pump until it is hard to push then try again.

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Re: Unihome Not Starting

Reply #2 – May 19, 2021, 01:05:51 pm

If you have the Caterpillar manual primer pump on your fuel filter housing, pump it up.

If easy to pump, there is AIR in the system.  When air gone and fuel replaces it, it will go from easy to HARD to pump.

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Re: Unihome Not Starting

Reply #3 – May 19, 2021, 01:18:43 pm

My C8.3 Cummins has a fuel shutoff solenoid that must be powered up (12 volt) to allow fuel flow to the engine.

Does the Cat 3208T have something similar?  If yes, check to be sure it is working?

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Re: Unihome Not Starting

Reply #4 – May 19, 2021, 01:29:24 pm

Yes. It has a solenoid that allows fuel to pass into the high pressure pump . Right on top of the pump, about 8 in from the alternator/ Single wire with small eye on the end . Check for 12 v there. with key on ..

 There may be 2 wires on the pump stud. My alternator excite wire also connects there.
 I would start it before I replace any inlet filters.  If you have the OE Racor filter with the plastic bowl , there is a good chance that it leaks air into the system.
 Hand pump the primer, check the 12 V and it should light.

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Re: Unihome Not Starting

Reply #5 – May 19, 2021, 01:35:30 pm

While in there check the valley pan for fuel. If you see fuel under the injector pump check to see if you have the throttle shaft seal leaking. It will be on the passengers side of the pump and will have the throttle cables hooked to it.

Mike

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Re: Unihome Not Starting

Reply #6 – May 19, 2021, 01:58:26 pm

You guys are awesome!  I'll be trying these things this afternoon and report back.

Thank you so much!

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Re: Unihome Not Starting

Reply #7 – May 19, 2021, 02:33:07 pm

Oh, and have your favorite adult beverage on hand to celebrate when it starts.

And, if you can't get it started, have two.

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