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Topic: Starter Issue, HELP (Read 1155 times) previous topic - next topic

Starter Issue, HELP

Hello all, please help!

Back story, changed the starter just over a year ago. Genuine Delco Remy 8200308 NEW 39MT Gear Reduction Starter 12V 11 Tooth FL0579.

Was on a trip last weekend and the bus started simply by putting the key to the on position. I shut it down and repeated with a good start.

Today I went to start and it sounded like an airplane motor to find out the starter was spinning and then smoking, see pic.

Is this an ignition issue that fried my solenoid or a faulty starter solenoid? Any thoughts of where I should start? Anyone know what ignition goes into a 2000 U320?

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #1 –
Sounds like your ignition switch is failing
Scott

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #2 –
Given what you said about turning you key to run position and the starter started turning
I would go with Scott bad ignition switch.

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #4 –
Ignition switch does not return to run position completely keeping the signal  to solenoid engaged. It's just doing what its told. Your coach had lots of corrosion when I previewed it. Easy to verify with test lamp once power wire is removed. Just check that the solenoid shuts off 100% of the time with key is released from start position. Also there is a spring that may have failed in the switch or the linkage or key lock may be the issue. Easy to remove lock for troubleshooting
Scott

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #5 –
On my 99 U320 looks like a GM ignition. Yes the ignition switch if holding the starter
engaged could burn out the solenoid and most likely the starter. I wouldn't take a
chance on it and would just replace the ignition  switch.

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #6 –
Ignition switch OR solenoid points sticking.  Either will cause the same symptoms.

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #7 –
Any tips on removal? Seems simple but I am struggling!

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #8 –
I would verify and isolate failure prior to removing. Remove power solenoid wire from solenoid. The small wire. Then using a test light verify normal operation or not. Do you feel a spring return out of the start position or when going from off position to ignition on prior to going to start does the solenoid receive power.

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #9 –
That is the same ignition switch as the 99 and the outer ring needs to be turned
off. It is hard to turn it. I imagine there is a tool to remove it by the three notches
in the outer ring. 

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #10 –
You do not need to remove bezel on ignition switch to remove. Simply insert paper clip wire into little hole to the left of the key hole and rotate counterclockwise past assessory position, gently pulling  and remove lock assembly. You can operate lock assembly in hand. It should be smooth and free to rotate. With lock remove you an use a flat blade #2 screwdriver to rotate switch and check for same and spring back out of start position also with solenoid test light going out
Scott

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #11 –
Scotts information on removing the lock assembly is necessary to turn the bezel and remove the switch if it is the problem. You will need a new solenoid at least.

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #12 –
Loosing a starter is expensive and inconvenient. At this point I would replace the ignition switch and the starter solenoid even if you replaced the starter solenoid when you changed the starter.

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Farrarkc –
would that have caused the solenoid failure?

Maybe I missed the answer, if so my apologies.

Yes.  The starter solenoid and the starter motor are only meant to work intermittently.  Not "bang it with a stick" intermittent but for short periods of time.

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #14 –
Stater motor may or may not be destroyed. Wouldn't know till it was disassembled and inspected for over speed damage. There is a chance it's good. I wouldn't take a chance with the switch. It's to cheap to replace and it's twenty years old and lived in a less than desirable environment. Nevertheless still need to isolate the problem before repair take place or you could be repeating another failure or worse yet a fire. IMO
Scott
NAPA numbers of KS6603 for the switch mechanism and KS6491 for the lock cylinder

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #15 –
Thank you to everyone for the assistance!!

Being the solenoid was smoking and damaged I choose to simple drop the starter. I will be taking it to a starter shop I know and have them check that out and, as stated the ignitions are so cheap, I will be replacing the ignition too.

Hope to have an update tomorrow!!

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #16 –
Replace the ignition switch and the starter solenoid.  Both relatively inexpensive.

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #17 –
Here is the starter sequence documentation.

Turn the ignition key and these explain what has to work to get starter to crank engine.

All steps must work, any part of this sequence can cause failures.

Attached is also my original Excel workbook with two spreadsheets that hopefully are easier to use, and can be modified to fit other individual coach.

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #18 –
This is great information but it is a bit above my pay level.

I had the starter and solenoid rebuilt as needed. I have installed a new ignition switch. Before hooking the small wire to the starter I tested the power on the ignition on (no power) start mode (power). Thought all was good then I attached the wire and went to start the bus. Turned the key to on position and the starter started cranking.

I am totally lost and 36 hours away from leaving. HELP!!

Re: Starter Issue, HELP

Reply #19 –
Disconnect the starter button at the rear of the coach and try again.