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Topic: Starter Problems-98 Intrigue 325 Cummins (Read 547 times) previous topic - next topic
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Starter Problems-98 Intrigue 325 Cummins

Yahoo Message Number: 65546
After nearly a year of inactivity (another story altogether) I attempted to start the coach so I could get it detailed. Prior to the inactivity, I had been experiencing intermittent problems with the starter not always kicking in when the key was turned. Usually after 2-10 more tries, she turned right over. Activity seemed to keep the problem at bay. Now all I can get is the clicking which sounds like its coming from the relays just inside the engine cover and to the right side of the engine compartment (just below eye level when standing).
I remember reading some posts here a couple of years ago related to these same type of issues and the temporary fixed was to bang on the starter housing while someone else tried the ignition key until it caught.
Not in a good place right now being parked (at home) on a forward incline and no lift in the rear suspension. We are low. But I guess that being stuck at home is the next best thing to being stuck at Cummins Power.

Any thoughts or wise counsel from the group? Much appreciated.

Kevin Barron
Gambrills, MD

98 Intrigue #10550

Re: Starter Problems-98 Intrigue 325 Cummins

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 65548
First thing Kevin.... back to the basics....Turn off chassis battery switch clean all battery terminals, inspect water level at this point make sure water level covers the plates ( not necessary to fill up to ring) and charge batteries. If you can load test batteries independent of each other, great.
I saw load testers form sale on Harbor freight for $29.95 ??..... not really sure on the price maybe a little more maybe less.
I usually get my trusty roll of duck tape and tape each terminal disconnected.
AL

00 Affinity

Re: Starter Problems-98 Intrigue 325 Cummins

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 65549
Al,

Thanks for the quick reply. Brand new cranking battery today reading 12.5V before I installed it. It cranks the genset OK. Thought I might start working backwards with the meter to see if I'm actually getting 12V to the starter terminals. Then if not OK there, work back to the relay.

Thnx.

Sent from KB's iPhone

Re: Starter Problems-98 Intrigue 325 Cummins

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 65551
Assuming the starting battery is good and charged up, a clicking sound may be from the starter switch relay which is mounted in the engine compartment (not on the starter itself). On my coach this is not adequately protected from moisture, etc. and can and does fail. It's relatively easy to access. Cheap to replace. When they start to fail sometimes it helps to tap it lightly with a small hammer or screwdriver handle. It's function through a light wire from the ignition switch is to connect the heavy wire direct from the starting battery to the the starter solenoid mounted on the starter and which also can make a clicking sound and routes the heavy current load the shortest possible route from the battery to the starter. Sometimes when sticking these can be helped by tapping with a hammer too usually they're not very accessible. A note of caution. On my '02 Intrigue one wire to the starter relay from the battery is ALWAYS hot even with the master battery switches off so check your wires before fiddling with it. I had symptoms similar to yours a few years ago and got tired of running to the back to the coach to give the relay a few taps to start it. Took the relay off and found a replacement at an auto parts store. As I recall it was a standard Ford part.

Jim Monnahan

'02 Intrigue, #11410
 

Re: Starter Problems-98 Intrigue 325 Cummins

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 65566
Jim,

Thank you. Great stuff here. Ditto about the relay not being protected from moisture. The nuts and threaded stems all have some rust on them. Though I would check to see if I'm getting power to the starter terminals, and if not, undo the relay connections, (after disconnecting the battery) clean them, re-connect and try again. To you point about the ALWAYS HOT terminals - I found out about that one a couple of years ago when replacing an oil pressure switch on the genset. Surprise.

Much appreciated.