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Topic: Re: Engine Didn't Crank Fast Enough To Start (Read 449 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Engine Didn't Crank W...

Re: Engine Didn't Crank Fast Enough To Start

Funny you mention starting issues. I am sitting in Grants NM with fully charged house and chassis batteries and can' get enough motive force to spin this ISX fast enough to start. I bought this vehicle (2006 Phenix 440) last spring with 93K on it. it has always seemed to turn over slowly unless the house batts were engaged. Yesterday morning I left Raton NM and drove to Grants NM. We stopped at the Walmart there and when we came out the engine wouldn't crank. Called a local garage, they came out and jumped me and even with all the batteries engaged it barely started. I sat at the KOA here plugged in all night and the house and chassis batts all were showing almost 14 volts. I engaged the boost to start it and it cranked a few revs and was done. My guess is my starter is hosed. I haven't taken apart any cabling to inspect grounding issues.  Does anyone have any thoughts/experience on this one? BTW it was 38 degrees, so, not ridiculous starting conditions.

Re: Re: Engine Didn't Crank When Ignition Switch Activated

Reply #1 –
Mike,

How old are the chassis batteries-- while they may show a full charge, under load their voltage could drop significantly.  I would fully charge them and then have them load tested.

And, certainly, a loose connection on either positive or ground side can cause the same thing-- insufficient power at the starter.

Since it does not appear that boost helped, either boost solenoid is bad, house batteries are also low OR the issue is on the ground/negative side.  So certainly check the ground cable from engine to batteries.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Engine Didn't Crank Fast Enough To Start

Reply #2 –
Start with removing, cleaning and tighten all battery connections.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Engine Didn't Crank Fast Enough To Start

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Mike Tomillo –
BTW it was 38 degrees, so, not ridiculous starting conditions.
At 38 degrees, I would be using the block heater for minimum several hours before starting.  Anything you can do to lessen the load on the starter, such as warming the oil up a bit, is helpful.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
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Re: Engine Didn't Crank Fast Enough To Start

Reply #4 –
Would this coach have the Aqua-Hot engine pre-warm setting. That has always made cranking in colder weather real easy for my coach. Best of luck.
Raymond
Raymond & Babette Jordan
1997 U 320
1998 Ford Explorer XLT
 

Re: Engine Didn't Crank Fast Enough To Start

Reply #5 –
Your batteries are at the end of their life.  Check the grounds too but I bet you should look at new batteries as well as your starter. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
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Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
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