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No start on coach

Yahoo Message Number: 75321
Ok, looking for cheap, quick, simple "fix" to this: last time I drove the coach was about a month and a half ago. Figured that I needed to get the coach out and charge up the batteries since I don't have a drop to have it plugged into. I turned the ignition on and figured that I should go ahead and use the "Boost" switch as the chassis batteries would have predictably dropped in charge a bit. Well, the motor turned, but would not kick over like it has always done in 2-3 seconds. I double-checked everything that I could think of for switch position, and found nothing out of the ordinary, and tried it again: everything motored fine, but it wouldn't kick over. Hmmmm?!? I thought; so, I opened the engine compartment, turned it to rear engine start, and tried to start it from the back, but to no avail while it would motor, it would not start. I figured that I'd check the battery states: left was predictably low at about 11.5-11.7V and the house batteries, new Lifelines were at 13.2V ish. I thought if I start the generator, it would charge both banks, but apparently my systems knowledge was lacking as the chassis batteries remained at the same levels and the Lifelines were charging;so I charged them for about 45 minutes. I also disconnected the chassis batteries and independently charged them with a battery charger. Tried it again after hooking it all up with results being the same: it motors over, but no start.
So, I'm guessing a fuel thing, but am clueless on what to check next. I thought that you only need compression and fuel, and the diesel motor should run, right? Another thing that motivates me to get this figured out quickly is that I have an acquaintance that needs to use the space blocked by the RV to park his plane. He arrives in a week. When things like this have happened in the past, it seems to have been a system safeguard that has protected the coach from me hurting it, but I was clueless about it. Can anyone give me some ideas on what to check next? Thanks for sharing your wisdom!!!! v/r

Kevin Reilly

'92 Concept #4917...and still loving it!!!!

Re: No start on coach

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75324
I am no expert here, but have heard of saturating a rag with gasoline and holding it over the intake while trying to start it. I have never tried it. This shouldn't be attempted if you have an intake heater grid because it could cause an explosion. Based on the age of your coach, I think (?) you do not have an intake heater grid?

Larry, 03 Allure 30856

Re: No start on coach

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75325
It also needs air!!!. How is the air filter. BTW what is the outside temperature in your neck of the woods? Sometimes I have had to go through a couple of 'Wait to Start' cycles to get more heat into the intake air on my Cummins 370. Also I am not sure if the 'Emergency Stop' switch in the engine compartment has been accidentally pushed if the engine will still attempt to turn over but not start. Maybe someone else can remember.

Don Seager

2004 Allure 31046

Re: No start on coach

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75326
Also, if there is white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe while you're cranking the engine, it's an indication that the engine IS getting fuel.

Larry, 03 Allure, 30856

Re: No start on coach

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75328
My first tact would be to suspect air in the fuel lines or no fuel at all.
Check the fuel shutdown solenoid at the engine. It may not be engaging when the ignition key is turned and thus releasing fuel. You can see it snap up on my unit.
You may be able to override the solenoid by lifting and bracing it open to move the rig a short way. I have never had to try.
Crack open an injector while the engine is being cranked. If fuel is observed at the injector, then lack of air may be the problem.

Dean

95 Magna 5280

Re: No start on coach

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75357
I'm taking the day off tomorrow to troubleshoot. I've got a friend coming over to be checking the rear when I'm motoring. There was not white smoke coming out when I was cranking it the last time. I know I've seen that in the past when I cranked it over. I'll keep you posted tomorrow. Thanks for the ideas so far!! Kevin
#4917
 

Re: No start on coach

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75370
Thanks for all the hints!1 It would seem that I had developed a minute fuel/air leak in the fuel system. I finally gave up looking for the fuel shutdown solenoid as things are so buried on top that I could not fined anything remotely like described. I even took off the top of the dog house to see if I was looking at things reversed to no avail. Local diesel shop recommended a road service business who popped by this afternoon. He managed to finally get it going with very judicious amounts of ether. With a warning that if I try using the ether that it was a can of guaranteed engine overhaul if overused or used improperly. I moved the RV out so I can moved the other gents airplane in when he arrives next week, and have an appointment to find the leak and do an oil change and lube on Friday. So, your expertise appeared to be correct! Thanks again to everyone!!

Kevin

'92 Concept #4917