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Topic: start/boost solenoids (Read 848 times) previous topic - next topic

start/boost solenoids

Installed new house batteries and put in start battery preparing to start the coach and get new tires installed. Turned ignition switch, one short crank and no start. Didn't even turn the motor over. Hit the boost switch, light didn't come on. Turn the switch, still nada. In a panic, called Dave Cobb to see what I was missing (thanks again Dave). Suggested cleaning all terminal posts on batteries. Took all apart, cleaned connections and checked voltages. House batteries w/generator running 14.2v. Start battery 12.7v.

When I hit the switch, I can hear the solenoid in the dash area engage, all gauges register and the fuel pump starts humming. Didn't have someone available  to listen to the solenoids by the isolator while turning the start switch.

Traced the wires to the isolator panel. One solenoid (I believe to be boost solenoid 3 terminal) showed 12.7v on one large lug, 14.2v on the other large lug and 0 on the small terminal. I removed solenoid, went to Oreilly's & ordered in new solenoid, delivered this afternoon. Wrong solenoid. The new one has 4 terminals not 3. Came back to the forum and began reading past post's on others starting problems.

The coach has settled to low for me to be able to crawl underneath and reach the starter solenoid. It can be seen from above with the bed raised however.

Any suggestions for the proper solenoid to replace the ones on the isolator panel?  Previous posts referred to a Sea Land product but not sure if it would be the correct one or how to wire it since it isn't a 3 terminal switch. Any other  advice would be appreciated. Just want to get her started and new shoes put on. The tires have been waiting for me in the shop for a week, want to get them rolling.

Thanks in advance,
Larry

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

Re: start/boost solenoids

Reply #1 –
The 4 post will work you just ground one of the small terminals doesn't matter which one and put the trigger wire on the other one. As far as voltages. the small terminal will only have power with the boost switch activated and then the two big terminals are tied together.
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: start/boost solenoids

Reply #2 –
Larry,

As long as the new solenoid is of the proper amp rating AND a continuous duty one, 2 small terminals is an easy fit.

If only one small terminal, it is the positive one from dash switch.

If two, the OTHER ONE is to ground.  Just run a short wire to any solid metal on the coach.

The one terminal solenoids ground through the metal to metal contact of the body of the solenoid to chassis metal.
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: start/boost solenoids

Reply #3 –
Thanks Brett, does it matter which terminal is the ground?

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

Re: start/boost solenoids

Reply #4 –
Read reply one
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: start/boost solenoids

Reply #5 –
Yup, multiple "typed at the same time" answers.
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: start/boost solenoids

Reply #6 –
Sorry Chuck I didn't see your reply (putting steak on the BBQ :-* )

Thanks, I'll call Oreilly and pick up the solenoid if it is continuous and proper amp. Any ideas how much?  20, 200, 250????

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

Re: start/boost solenoids

Reply #7 –
Quote from: ohsonew –
Sorry Chuck I didn't see your reply (putting steak on the BBQ :-* )

Thanks, I'll call Oreilly and pick up the solenoid if it is continuous and proper amp. Any ideas how much?  20, 200, 250????

Larry


This is what many use: Cole Hersee 24213 12V 200A Continuous duty

Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: start/boost solenoids

Reply #8 –
Thanks Dan
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: start/boost solenoids

Reply #9 –
I am assuming that the other solenoid is the same as the boost solenoid????? I just ordered 2 and will receive tomorrow after work. Hope this gets the girl running ^.^d

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

Re: start/boost solenoids

Reply #10 –
Be sure it is correct amperage and continuous duty.  I bought 2 or 3 locally, suppose to handle the load.  They only worked a couple of times before failing.  I ordered one from FT it has been on and working for 3 or 4 years now. 
I now understand why it costed more.
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: start/boost solenoids

Reply #11 –
Amazon.com: Cole Hersee 24213 12V 200A Continuous Solenoid: Automotive
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
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: start/boost solenoids

Reply #12 –
Jerry, they are listed as 200 amp continuous duty, from the other responses, should be good.

Chuck, wish I had thought/used amazon. Oreilly=$75 ea, Amazon= \$43 :o

With shipping though it would be probably the same or higher.

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

Re: start/boost solenoids

Reply #13 –
Quote from: ohsonew –
I am assuming that the other solenoid is the same as the boost solenoid?
You are good to go.  You can use the same solenoid for either "BOOST" or "AUX START" applications.

The boost application is potentially more demanding, because some owners will leave it activated for days or weeks at a time (to keep the start batteries charged when on shore power).  This is why a "continuous duty" solenoid is specified.

In contrast, the aux start solenoid is only activated while the ignition key is in the "start" position.  I.E. a few seconds each time you start the engine.  The "continuous duty" solenoid still works fine here, but is a little over-kill.
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: start/boost solenoids

Reply #14 –
WAit a second, you had the batteries disconnected. Voltages at the boost solenoid look good. Does your coach have an alarm? Every time I reconnect  the batteries I have to find a AAA battery for the remote and disarm the alarm system as it cuts power to the control side of the starter solenoid. (This was the first year I took one with me made for a much faster experience than hanging upside down and using a screwdriver at the starter
Toby a 94 u280
Cummins 8.3
6 speed Allison
Exhaust brake


Adopted by Derek and Annabelle

Re: start/boost solenoids

Reply #15 –
Thanks Chuck. Picked the solenoids tonight, to late to work on them, hopefully tomorrows storms will hold off.

Toby, no alarm that I have ever found.

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