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Topic: Trouble starting the Engine (Read 392 times) previous topic - next topic

Trouble starting the Engine

I have relatively new start batteries ( maybe going on three years old ?), new coach batteries and new starter. Went to fire up the coach, with the boost, but she labored, so I shut it down. Put start batteries on charger for a day, tried again, no dice. The Victron says house batteries are 100% 13.34. I had to hook up my car to boost start batteries. It labored real hard, but finally started up.
What is the proper procedure to check my three start batteries? On a recent post, I wrote that I think I have a parasitic drain on them, somewhere. I have three start and house batteries. Why wouldn't the boost start the coach on their own? How would the generator come into play?
thanks.
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Trouble starting the Engine

Reply #1 –
For the start batteries, fully charge them and then disconnect so they can be individually LOAD TESTED.  Anyplace that sells batteries should do it for free.

Be sure to check connections as well, as poor, dirty or loose connections can give the same symptoms.
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: Trouble starting the Engine

Reply #2 –
Quote from: GleamB –
I have three start and house batteries.

Why wouldn't the boost start the coach on their own?

How would the generator come into play?
IF all 6 batteries are really tied together, even if not fully charged, they should be strong enough to start your engine, .

You may have a problem with your boost solenoid.  You need to verify it is functioning properly.

The generator, if started, should power the inverter/charger, which should charge the house batteries.  IF the boost switch is operating properly and turned on, then running generator should charge all 6 batteries.

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: Trouble starting the Engine

Reply #3 –
Thanks. I'll clean all connections
Where is the boost solenoid located?
What does it look like?
Think I can find one here in Mexico?
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Trouble starting the Engine

Reply #4 –
Quote from: GleamB –
Think I can find one here in Mexico?

Maybe.  It has to be a constant duty one, so though a starter solenoid may look the same from the outside, it is not the correct one.

Other consideration is that it have at least as high an amp rating as the current one.

The boost solenoid is definitely not a "must replace now" item.

Removing the large gauge wire from one side of the boost solenoid and ADDING it to the large gauge wire on the other large lug accomplishes the same thing electrically-- it combines the two battery banks.
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: Trouble starting the Engine

Reply #5 –
So.....where is it located? What am I looking for?
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Trouble starting the Engine

Reply #6 –
Quote from: GleamB –
Where is the boost solenoid located?
Boost solenoid should be located on AUX START / ISO PANEL (under bed).  See schematic below:
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: Trouble starting the Engine

Reply #7 –

Recommended BOOST solenoid replacement.

Cole Hersee 24213 12V 200A Continuous Solenoid

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
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: Trouble starting the Engine

Reply #8 –
Very helpful , thanks
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Trouble starting the Engine

Reply #9 –
You need to find out why it is hard starting. It could be a bad starter, that happened to me last
year. It also could be bad connections.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Trouble starting the Engine

Reply #10 –
Quote from: GleamB –
I have relatively new start batteries ( maybe going on three years old ?), new coach batteries and new starter. Went to fire up the coach, with the boost, but she labored, so I shut it down.

Perhaps you're asking the wrong questions.

Slide underneath and connect your voltmeter to the big terminal going into the starter and a good ground using alligator clips.  Have someone engage the starter and read the voltage.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Trouble starting the Engine

Reply #11 –
Glen, if you are still at your usual spot next to ocean at RV Park in Mexico you may have a real bad corrosion issue on some wires, connections etc.
Just thinking.
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.