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Topic: Starter Solenoid Issues.... again..... (Read 680 times) previous topic - next topic

Starter Solenoid Issues.... again.....

Some of you remember when I couldn't get my U225 started in order to visit the kids for Christmas. That was solved when we discovered that there a three solenoids involved in the starting process (not two). The first solenoid is in the dashboard which energizes the second solenoid on the isolator panel in the engine area which then routes current to the starter solenoid on the Cummins' starter itself.

The second solenoid, the one on the isolator panel, has been replaced 3 times since then and the last one quit working. The DW says she's tired of going back and jumping that solenoid to start the engine.

This last one was a Cole Hersee "200-amp" unit.

It lasted exactly 4 "starts"!

Any suggestions?

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: Starter Solenoid Issues.... again.....

Reply #1 –
Craig,  Part # on the Cole Hersee contactortor. .?

Re: Starter Solenoid Issues.... again.....

Reply #2 –
Craig,

They should last for many years. The isolator panel solenoid is normally used for a remote start with a button in the engine compartment. The last owner may have miswired yours some how. Check your wiring against the Foretravel schematic.

Like Dave above, what part number are you using?

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Starter Solenoid Issues.... again.....

Reply #3 –
For the dash solonoid
Dash solenoid removal

Rick

Re: Starter Solenoid Issues.... again.....

Reply #4 –
I think something else is wrong, as there are not that many amps flowing from Aux Solenoid on isolator panel. And it should never fail.

You could use a temp hookup from that solenoid to dash, using Foretravel spare wires.

Or you could turn on ignition and yourself go back to isolator panel.

You may have a failing ignition solenoid in front, or have a low voltage problem keeping neutral start from functioning properly.

Or if all checks out, put a voltmeter or better a 12-volt LED on AUX Solenoid to see if your manual activation of the that solenoid's small coil wire, registers voltage on wire to starter. If voltage is present, the starter is the problem.

Re: Starter Solenoid Issues.... again.....

Reply #5 –
We simply jumper the two hi-current connections and that starts the engine immediately. One must be careful to ensure that the shift lever is in neutral  if you do this because the engine will srart in any gear!

But gf there was an issue with the dash solenoid why will it work several times? I think it's  too much current fort hat unit even if it is "rated" for 200 amps.

I'm going to order a blue sea unitI think.

On vacation but will check part no. Also old solenoid ohm out at 16 across actuater coil. Makes me suspect high current contscts.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: Starter Solenoid Issues.... again.....

Reply #6 –
 Craig, if you are on holiday why not just take it apart and clean contacts.
All you need is a hammer, flat blade screw driver and some emery cloth or such.
Use the s' driver to open up the crimped top then remove contactor,clean copper contact ring, put together and hammer the rolled over edge back again. This will get you home or??
I guarentee it takes only 30 minutes to do once off. Have done it 5 times at least and saves buying one. I sealed the crimp up with  a 2 part epoxy or you can just use a good silicone.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Starter Solenoid Issues.... again.....

Reply #7 –
Quote from: wa_desert_rat –
I'm going to order a blue sea unit I think.
Blue Sea Systems 12 24 Volt L Series Solenoid Switch 9012 | eBay

Oops!  Sorry, they just sold the last one.  :-(  But watch for this eBay vendor to re-list this item at this same excellent price.  He runs the sale every couple of weeks.
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
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: Starter Solenoid Issues.... again.....

Reply #8 –
Very simple to check with a test light. Put the test light clamp on a known ground. Check the probe on the hot side of the solenoid to make sure the test light does light up. Then put the probe on the small wire that activates the solenoid and have someone turn the ignition key to the start position and see if the test light lights up. If it does and the solenoid clicks then put the probe on the output terminal of the solenoid to see if it lights up, if it does not then you know the contactds inside are bad, but if it does light up, then  would suspect the starter.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Starter Solenoid Issues.... again.....

Reply #9 –
I have been following this post and have had a solenoid problem myself. Now this may sound goofy but I would check all ground connections starting with the batterys. I had a poor ground connection causing the solenoid not to engage even though I had voltage to it.
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30

Re: Starter Solenoid Issues.... again.....

Reply #10 –
Quote from: joeszeidel –
Now this may sound goofy but I would check all ground connections...

Doesn't sound goofy to me.  When I have a electrical problem, that is usually my second trouble shooting step:

1.  Does it have power?
2.  Does it have a good ground?
3.  I ask myself "What did you do to screw this thing up!"
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
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: Starter Solenoid Issues.... again.....

Reply #11 –
Quote from: cajk –
Doesn't sound goofy to me.  When I have a electrical problem, that is usually my second trouble shooting step:

1.  Does it have power?
2.  Does it have a good ground?
3.  I ask myself "What did you do to screw this thing up!"
I begin with step 3, then proceed to step 1 and 2.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers