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Topic: Coach won’t start; solenoid replaced (Read 318 times) previous topic - next topic

Coach won’t start; solenoid replaced

I have a 1994 u240 with the Cat 3116 engine. My coach was began to not start occasionally.  Turn the key, nothing. Turn it off and on a few times, then it would start. I heard a sort of electrical sizzle coming from the solenoid in the dash, so I replaced it. Now the solenoid opens every time but when I try to start the motor, the water pump light comes on and absolutely nothing else. The dash lights up and everything appears powered. I'm a little out of my depth on the starting circuit for this rig, so I figured I would ask the experts which road to go down.  To be clear; not starting means nothing is happening. The starter isn't spinning at all.

Thanks for any help! 
You can call me Hunter.  It's my name.
1994 U240 36'
Cat 3116, 6-Speed
CR-V TOAD

Re: Coach won’t start; solenoid replaced

Reply #1 –
Just went thru a similar problem,make sure your start battery is fully charged,use a volt meter and see if you have 12 volts to the start solenoid on the starter,find the post by me called "another starting problem" and read it,the awnsers will be the same for your problem,others will also chime in.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Coach won’t start; solenoid replaced

Reply #2 –
The best kind of reply. Thank you!!!

Quote from: John44 –
Just went thru a similar problem,make sure your start battery is fully charged,use a volt meter and see if you have 12 volts to the start solenoid on the starter,find the post by me called "another starting problem" and read it,the awnsers will be the same for your problem,others will also chime in.
You can call me Hunter.  It's my name.
1994 U240 36'
Cat 3116, 6-Speed
CR-V TOAD

Re: Coach won’t start; solenoid replaced

Reply #3 –
Well, checked the battery. It tested good. Turns out if I wiggle the key and wedge it just right and it would start. I guess that's a bad ignition switch. I'll find that part and go from there. Thanks for the help!
You can call me Hunter.  It's my name.
1994 U240 36'
Cat 3116, 6-Speed
CR-V TOAD

Re: Coach won’t start; solenoid replaced

Reply #4 –
For future reference, or in case replacing the ignition switch doesn't solve your problem, the post linked below may be helpful:

Starting trouble. Solenoid? Isolator? Something else?
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: Coach won’t start; solenoid replaced

Reply #5 –
A note about chassis battery voltages....

First, a fully charged battery after at least a 6 hour rest (i.e. no charge, no load) is 12.7 to 12.8 volts depending upon type and manufacturer (Wet lead acid, sealed lead acid (SLA), AGM, etc.).  Obtain your manufacture's spec.

Anything lower indicates an unhealthy battery.  To check, battery string must be broken apart (remove Neg side jumpers and disconnect from coach...  Yes a PITA, but it's the only way to get an accurate static test of each battery.  If one battery is weak, it will pull all batteries to it's level.

Since our coaches tend to sit between use, a good quality 4 stage (3 stage for AGM) charger of at least 10 amps is you best defense against battery degradation.  Batteries are designed to be floated at 13.4 volts when in a non-use state.  Also batteries that are not frequently cycled age rapidly and lose capacity. 

I recommend an IOTA DLS-15 w/IQ4 15 amp charger be on the batteries at all times when sitting...it's what I have done on my last three coaches.  It will bulk and absorb charge as needed and float at 13.4+-.  Also if the bus is not used in a seven day period, the unit will perform a maintenance desulphation/equalize charge to reduce sulphation.....the prime killer Lead Acid batteries.  Items like "Battery Tender" don't have the capacity to exercise the battery properly, especially in a high capacity, parallel arrangement.  The ITOA product is built for RV/Boat and industrial battery maintenance and is fully UL approved for the application.  It's a stock Amazon item....

Fact is well maintained lead acid batteries can go a long time....5 plus years.  Note the best place to buy chassis batteries is a truck service center.  They buy GP 31 batteries by the pallet, typically something made by East Penn (Deka, Duracell and a lot private branded batteries).  You are assured of fresh stock that has not been sitting.....and they are usually priced at about $130 for the 1000 CCA units.  Want to know the real rating of a lead acid battery, weigh it.  All Wet LA batteries regardless of branding from East Penn weigh as follows for GP 31....  760 CCA 52.5 pounds, 950 CCA 55.5 pounds and 1000 CCA 58 pounds. 

There is no need for exotic, $400+ start batteries under normal circumstances.  If you maintain the batteries, straps and other connections (should be an annual maint. item), your batteries will be your friend!


2002 U320
3620 PBDS
Build 5985
2021 Equinox Toad
Motorcade 19006 & all those "other" clubs too!