99 Dutch Star won't start

[shirlock1]

Hi Folks
Well I was getting ready to go to the Pa Life on Wheels and did some changing of batteries since the old chasis batteries were shot. Hooked up a new one after cleaning up the battery box and coating it with bed liner. RV had started well in the past although sometimes I had to use gen to get enough juice to overcome dying batteries. I get plenty of power to the dash and it turns over with the starter but no start. What should I look at. I marked all the cables from the old two batteries and put them on the one new battery (will go with two new batteries once I get everything set up next spring for the years trip but wanted fresh ones then). I think it is hooked up correctly.

Is there some particular light on the computer pannel when you first turn the ignition that I should look for. I am a newbi to the diesels so I feel a bit overwelmed. I know I have plenty of fuel. Anything for trouble shooting would be appreciated.
Thanks
Jim

[shirlock1]

Hi Folks
Well I was getting ready to go to the Pa Life on Wheels and did some changing of batteries since the old chasis batteries were shot. Hooked up a new one after cleaning up the battery box and coating it with bed liner. RV had started well in the past although sometimes I had to use gen to get enough juice to overcome dying batteries. I get plenty of power to the dash and it turns over with the starter but no start. What should I look at. I marked all the cables from the old two batteries and put them on the one new battery (will go with two new batteries once I get everything set up next spring for the years trip but wanted fresh ones then). I think it is hooked up correctly.

Is there some particular light on the computer pannel when you first turn the ignition that I should look for. I am a newbi to the diesels so I feel a bit overwelmed. I know I have plenty of fuel. Anything for trouble shooting would be appreciated.
Thanks
Jim

[Lug_Nut]

Jim, Your engine probably has an electronic starting aid, like a heated intake grid. This heats the incoming air during start up and intermittedly until the engine is starting to warm. When starting, if you watch the dash warning lights, you will see an orange colored "Wait" symbol. Turn the key on and wait for that light to go out, then engage the starter.
If it fails to fire, it is probably a fuel issue. The fuel shut off soleniod valve is closed, there is air in the injection system, the fuel pump has failed, the fuel filters are plugged solid or the fuel supply is empty or obstructed.

Peter

[shirlock1]

Thanks Peter
I tried with the air heating assist and no difference. So on to the fuel system. How to check on those items. I know I have a good quantity of fuel since I also started the gen. There is a filter with a water separator underneath where the batteries are. I assume that is the only filter. I could try changing that first (anything in particular to be aware of in that process) Next air in the system. How to check. Anything you can tell a diesel newbi would be appreciated.
Thanks
Jim

[Lug_Nut]

Jim, What engine and chassis do you have?

Peter

[shirlock1]

Peter this is a freightliner chasis with a 3126b engine. The year of the coach is 1999. Has about 66000 mi. Last trip was the purchase where we drove in late dec back across country from the West Coast. Ran flawlessly.
Jim

[Lug_Nut]

Jim, I'm not familiar with where the fuel pump or fuel shut-off soleniod is on the Cat. I would next check the fuel shut off soleniod. Perhaps a Cat owner can help locate that, maybe another member. It should be at the fuel injection pump.

Peter

[Lug_Nut]

Okay, I just did a quick search. Apparently there are two dedicated wires, positive and ground that if not connected would do the same. They are reported to be only light 14 gauge wires. This would relate to your battery work. Check around behind and under the batteries.

Peter

[shirlock1]

Peter
Being a believer in Murphys law I am relooking at the battery connections. I did connected all connections and verified that all wires in the compartment are connected. So I am going to diescribe the wires and connections. Other than the large cables on the positive side there are four others. One is the brain and is moderately thiick. two (red and black wires maybe 12 ga and one red is a 10. The two wes come of of a common loom that also has two reds that terminate ionto a connector and thats it for positve.
On Negative other than large cable there is a blue that looks to be about 14 ga, then a thicker one that could be 8 ga and has a red lug on it that has been blackened. It shares a common loom with a 10 gague similar red connector and black rubbing off. Finally a black 12-14 ga wire on its own.
I guess that I am hoping that someone with a similar coach might look at theirs to see if this discription is how theirs is set up.

I' reluctant to try swithing around wires .

Peter that wire to the fuel solenoid, would it be direct connected to the battery and not thru an ignition switched connection.

Any thoughts?
Jim

[Lug_Nut]

No, it would have to go through an ignition switched power supply or through the ECM. Perhaps a call to your local Cat dealer might help identify the fuel shut off valve and how to determine if it is working. The timing of this issue with your battery service just seems like it may be related.

Peter