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Topic: We have a new starter that spins our engine (Read 982 times) previous topic - next topic

We have a new starter that spins our engine

Our Cummins C8.3-325 engine has had hesitant start issues for over a year.  Many things we did seemed to make some difference, but the coach just did not start like it used to a few years ago.

Today we replaced our original starter with an new Delco Remy 41MT and our coach started better than EVER.  We are happy campers.

Over the last year we:
Replaced our two Optima red-top start batteries.
Added a 3rd start Optima red-top battery when we replaced the two older ones.
Replaced inter-battery cables with bus-bars.
Added an additional 4/0 start battery ground cable.
Moved negative cables to first start battery and positive cables to last battery in parallel chain.
Rebuilt starter.
Rebuilt alternator.
Cleaned all ground and positive cable terminals.
Replaced all parts on isolator panel.
Reviewed the complete start circuit from ignition key to rear start solenoid, replacing some of the parts.
Added start battery combiners, like Trik-L-Start.

Cummins originally gave us the incorrect starter part number and we started by chasing the wrong starter, but when we removed our original starter, we learned the correct part number from the plate.  Then the game started to find our Delco Remy 10478818 41MT,12-tooth NEW starter, which we found with the help of Barney Hall at BHstarters1985@yahoo.com. 

We removed and reinstalled the starter ourselves.  Starter weighs 51 pounds and has a special 12-point small head bolt, which requires a small metric 12-point 3/8"-drive #12-size socket.  Space is limited and a long extension is needed.

Re: We have a new starter that spins our engine

Reply #1 –
Glad all went well, looks like you did a great job!!!!!

Later
John

Re: We have a new starter that spins our engine

Reply #2 –
Barry,

How many miles do you have on your engine?
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: We have a new starter that spins our engine

Reply #3 –
Nice job, and thanks for sharing the excellent pictures. What is the ball valve for in the last picture?
Thanks, Don
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Our Cummins C8.3-325 engine has had hesitant start issues for over a year.  Many things we did seemed to make some difference, but the coach just did not start like it used to a few years ago.

Today we replaced our original starter with an new Delco Remy 41MT and our coach started better than EVER.  We are happy campers.

Over the last year we:
Replaced our two Optima red-top start batteries.
Added a 3rd start Optima red-top battery when we replaced the two older ones.
Replaced inter-battery cables with bus-bars.
Added an additional 4/0 start battery ground cable.
Moved negative cables to first start battery and positive cables to last battery in parallel chain.
Rebuilt starter.
Rebuilt alternator.
Cleaned all ground and positive cable terminals.
Replaced all parts on isolator panel.
Reviewed the complete start circuit from ignition key to rear start solenoid, replacing some of the parts.
Added start battery combiners, like Trik-L-Start.

Cummins originally gave us the incorrect starter part number and we started by chasing the wrong starter, but when we removed our original starter, we learned the correct part number from the plate.  Then the game started to find our Delco Remy 10478818 41MT,12-tooth NEW starter, which we found with the help of Barney Hall at BHstarters1985@yahoo.com. 

We removed and reinstalled the starter ourselves.  Starter weighs 51 pounds and has a special 12-point small head bolt, which requires a small metric 12-point 3/8"-drive #12-size socket.  Space is limited and a long extension is needed.
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: We have a new starter that spins our engine

Reply #4 –
Our engine has about 140,000 miles. We put in a new starter, mainly to eliminate the starter as one of the many possible causes for engine start issues. And we only wanted to install a new Delco Remy, even though maybe a rebuilt/reman or other brand could also work. Time will tell if we have resolved our hesitant start.

Start hesitant problems can be caused by ignition key switch, bay transmission breaker, front transmission breaker, transmission computer, neutral start relay, isolator panel start relay, starter solenoid, starter, ground cables, positive cables, start battery, and all parts in between. We have replaced some of these and checked some others, so it was new starter time for us.

The ball valve in the starter photo is one of two ball valves on heater hoses between engine & dash heater core.
A few years ago, we had hydrometer-proved anti-freeze from the dash A/C condensation drain hose, which told us we had a heater core leak. And to stop loosing more anti-freeze until we could get the heater core replaced, I put ball valves in the heater hoses, which did the job very well.

During a recent hot summer, we turned off the ball valves to keep hot coolant out of center of bay and dash, but can't say for sure if it helped keep the dash area colder.
 

Re: We have a new starter that spins our engine

Reply #5 –
Barry,
Glad to hear you found remedy. I had the same problem for months. Would have to use boost sometimes to start. Became very bad. Took to the Cummins dealer and they cleaned all terminals and said the negative terminals were loose. Have driven 2K now and so far so good.

Spins like it was new.  (By the way; 450 Cummins, 118K miles, 2001 model)

Good luck.

David
David West
2001 U320 40'