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Topic: Ignition switch/solenoid (Read 424 times) previous topic - next topic

Ignition switch/solenoid

Well I had starting issues resurface. I went to leave RV park and in crank position, engine did not turn over and dash went dead. Went straight to the ignition solenoid and jumped it and engine cranked over immediately and started. I then swapped in a cheap solenoid and it fired right up. That cheap Solenoid isn't rated for this application and it got real hot and failed after starting a couple times.
 Now the reason I bring this up is because when this happened 7 years ago, I replaced the ignition solenoid with the recommended Blue sea solenoid rated at 1000 amp int./ 250 amp continuous.  I thought this thing was rated for 1 million cycles or some ridiculously high number? Put about 30K miles on the coach in 7 years.

Anyone ever had their Blue Sea ignition solenoid fail? I'm going to order another one and a new ignition switch.
Jody and Juli
1997 U320 40ft. Cummins M11 400hp
Build #5028
Master Mariner Unlimited Tonnage
USNR Lt. Commander (ret)
Texas A&M Maritime (me)
Baylor (wife)

Re: Ignition switch/solenoid

Reply #1 –
I installed the Blue Sea 9012 about 10 years ago, and it still works flawlessly.  We've put about 40k miles on our coach since then.

Sorry to hear yours failed, but I still think it is the best solenoid available for this critical application.  Other members may have better ideas?  If so, speak up!

Dash Instruments Go Dead
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: Ignition switch/solenoid

Reply #2 –
DC Contactors | Direct Current (DC) Contactor | SMP, Inc.
Trombetta is another good brand. Just make sure you are getting one rated for 100% duty cycle. I used them in some off highway designs and don't think we ever had a problem with the solenoid failing.
1991 U300 Side Aisle 6V92 Silver #3897
2004 U320 40' #6246

Re: Ignition switch/solenoid

Reply #3 –
Quote from: kgrover –
DC Contactors | Direct Current (DC) Contactor | SMP, Inc.
Trombetta is another good brand. Just make sure you are getting one rated for 100% duty cycle. I used them in some off highway designs and don't think we ever had a problem with the solenoid failing.
Just reading your post , my ignition solenoid  so far I've had no problem with it , but would be a very useful spare part to have , Would this ignition solenoid be the same part number as the the boost switch solenoid?
1990 foretravel grandvilla, Oshkosh chassis
8.2ltr Detroit turbo

Re: Ignition switch/solenoid

Reply #4 –
Depends on how you use your boost solenoid really. If you are using it to boost the cranking power, I'd make sure you get a solenoid that can handle the high current.

Trombetta 684-1221-032
Something like this would make a nice boost solenoid. Continuous duty cycle, 200A capacity, with a 1000A intermittent capacity.  It would work fine for the ignition too, the 1000A shouldn't be needed for the ignition, and the 200A should be enough capacity.
1991 U300 Side Aisle 6V92 Silver #3897
2004 U320 40' #6246

Re: Ignition switch/solenoid

Reply #5 –
Quote from: kgrover –
Depends on how you use your boost solenoid really. If you are using it to boost the cranking power, I'd make sure you get a solenoid that can handle the high current.

Trombetta 684-1221-032
Something like this would make a nice boost solenoid. Continuous duty cycle, 200A capacity, with a 1000A intermittent capacity.  It would work fine for the ignition too, the 1000A shouldn't be needed for the ignition, and the 200A should be enough capacity.
Just had a look at that one ,yeah it looks good
1990 foretravel grandvilla, Oshkosh chassis
8.2ltr Detroit turbo