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Topic: Trouble starting the Engine (Read 412 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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Re: Trouble starting the Engine

Reply #5 –
So.....where is it located? What am I looking for?

Re: Trouble starting the Engine

Reply #8 –
Very helpful , thanks

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.

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.

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