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Topic: Won't Start (Read 1209 times) previous topic - next topic

Won't Start

Went to the coach today to get it ready for our trip on Thursday and no start.  Turn the key and nothing. There is no sound whatsoever out of the starter.  Turned the key and no draw on power at the dash meter.  I've seen in past post others having ground issues.  Where do I start looking? 
Thanks in advance, John M.
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: Won't Start

Reply #1 –
Batteries first, starter solenoid .. first 2 spots

Re: Won't Start

Reply #2 –
Start at the battery terminals, make sure you have 12.5 volts at the start batteries. Then check for power at the ignition relay or solenoid. Did the boost switch add voltage to your meter? I'm sure other suggestions will be coming.
David jumped in first.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Won't Start

Reply #3 –
Check your salesmans switch.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Won't Start

Reply #4 –
Nope. If you get nothing on the dash....it IS the ignition solenoid.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Won't Start

Reply #5 –
Is it in nuetral?
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Won't Start

Reply #6 –
When you turn the key on, no lights, nothing?
Don
The selected media item is not currently available.
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: Won't Start

Reply #7 –
John, had the same problem in early august stopped for the night --next morning nothing-- I took my hammer and pecked on the starter solenoid (starter drive) and it cranked right up.  We are back home from Montana so the "to do list" is pulling starter and having it rebuilt, among other things!!!
Good luck
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Won't Start

Reply #8 –
Well I went under the coach and started at the starter.  Checked power at the starter and I had 13.2 volts.  Checked the ground connection on the backside of the starter and they were loose.  Had my wife start the coach while wiggling the ground connection on the starter and it started.  In the process I found another problem.  On a previous post I had an issue with the coach chassis battery voltage dropping when starting and struggling to start.  While my wife was starting the coach I noticed the 12 volt stud on the solenoid that sends power to the starter was arching like the 4th of July.  Tomorrow I will attack the loose connections.  Spraying the connections with PB Blaster and will take it apart and clean them up in the morning.  See attached photos.
Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions, John M.
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: Won't Start

Reply #9 –
I hereby nominate John's shot of the starter connection arcing for the PHOTO OF THE WEEK award!  Any seconds?

VERY COOL PHOTO!  b^.^d
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
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Won't Start

Reply #10 –
I second!
Makes me feel like I'm looking at a late 60's playboy centerfold!
Going to my bunk now.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Won't Start

Reply #11 –
John, I had the same problem this spring. Starter solenoid was sporatic in starting, even with persuasion. Replaced entire starter and solenoid. Bad thing, was it is heavy (45#), and the top bolt was a real bear to break loose. Good thing, the new starter has a newer design. It is about 10# lighter and the starter is smaller diameter making the top bolt a breeze to get to. Since mine was not able to start, I had no way to raise the air bags to work on it in the storage lot. That caused me a lot more grief. If you can raise and block your coach up, it will simplify the removal process immensely. With the new starter and solenoid, I expect to get another 20+ years out of it. By then it won't be my problem :))

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: Won't Start

Reply #12 –
When I was still working as a fleet maintenance manager we replaced our failed Delco 42MT starters on our tractors with ISM Cummins engines with Denso gear reduction starters. About half the weight and better warranty. Can't member ever having one fail. Our techs loved them.
Note: may require some minor wiring mod.

Steve
Steve & Sandy
2003 U320 4220 WCDS, build#6160
Motorcade #17794
USMC '67-'71

Re: Won't Start

Reply #13 –
Cleaned and tightened the connections and it spun like a top and started fast, no boost and no sparks.
Thanks to all for your help, John M.
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: Won't Start

Reply #14 –
Hi:
 Any ideas on liquids and fuel monitors?
 thanks
 Guy

Re: Won't Start

Reply #15 –
I haven't changed my tank monitor.  I still use the Javalina system.  Many on our Forum have changed to the SeeLevel System.  If you search the Forum for Tank Monitor you will find the previous postings on their installation.
John M.

RV Holding Tank Monitors | The Monitor That Works
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: Won't Start

Reply #16 –
Quote from: ohsonew –
John, I had the same problem this spring. Starter solenoid was sporatic in starting, even with persuasion. Replaced entire starter and solenoid. Bad thing, was it is heavy (45#), and the top bolt was a real bear to break loose. Good thing, the new starter has a newer design. It is about 10# lighter and the starter is smaller diameter making the top bolt a breeze to get to. Since mine was not able to start, I had no way to raise the air bags to work on it in the storage lot. That caused me a lot more grief. If you can raise and block your coach up, it will simplify the removal process immensely. With the new starter and solenoid, I expect to get another 20+ years out of it. By then it won't be my problem :))

Larry

Larry I recently learned here on the forums, and can now attest that hooking up a external air compressor via a male/male connection into the coaches air system will "energize the air system" and allow you to raise it up without starting the engine. Works great.
John haven't seen you around for a little while. Glad you got it working good. The power coming thru those cables to the starter are enough to melt metal, glad your ok.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Won't Start

Reply #17 –
Bob, I wanted to raise the coach with a compressor, but my storage lot is in the middle of no where. The nearest plug in is probably 1/2 mile away. It was just one of those things that had to be overcome.

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318
 

Re: Won't Start

Reply #18 –
Larry, you might be able to find a cheap air tank converted old style propane tank on CL fill to 160. And or a decent? 12 v compressor to plug into your cars lighter or both. Going to take some time to fill though. My 12 CFM engine compressor is slightly less than a true 5 hp electric.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake