P32 Starting Problems

[namvet]

This issue may have been discussed previously (seems like I recall seeing it long ago) but I can’t find it via search. Hope someone will be able to help me out!
I have a 2001 Itasca Suncruiser on a Workhorse P-32 chassis. I am out on my first trip this season and have suddenly encountered starting problems. The engine started properly over the past two days until I parked in my current campsite. When I stopped the engine then attempted to restart, the engine would not start. The instrument panel display is normal, all accessories work normally, there is just no starting power! The sound, when attempting to start, is just like that of a weak, then dead battery. This makes me think that, somehow, the power just isn’t getting to the starter.
Here’s what I have tried thus far:
The engine battery reads 12.7 volts
The start boost switch does not make a difference in either sound or start
Cleaned both positive and negative connections for the engine battery - no change in starter; still no start
I bypassed the engine battery and jumped from a new battery – no change in starter; still no start
Cleaned battery ground contact to chassis - no change in starter; still no start
Cleaned positive connection at the starter - no change in starter; still no start
(The ignition switch has been replaced and is working properly.)
I would appreciate any help anyone could provide. I’m stuck in the middle of nowhere until I can get it fixed.
Thanks!

[4Knights]

Have you tried jumping the starter solenoid? Mine is in the box on drivers side in engine compartment. Another issue I had like yours was a switch at bottom of steering column that had a rod running up to shift lever and since switch didn't work right I had to lift the rod to get the engine to start. P30 chassis so not sure if it's the same

Ron & Wendy 94 Pace Arrow 454

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by namvet I would appreciate any help anyone could provide. I’m stuck in the middle of nowhere until I can get it fixed.

If you can jump the solenoid, (use a jumper wire) there's an excellent chance that you will be able to spin the engine over and it should start. Good luck!

It would appear that your solenoid has finally hit the flat spot where it doesn't make contact to the starting coils when you turn the key to the start position. Manually bump the starter and you should be able to get off the flat spot.

[Midniteoyl]

Also, dont forget any engine to chassis grounds..

[dieselclacker]

Try rapping the starter with a small hammer, sometimes this will cause it to work until it fails the next time. Emphasis is placed on the words "small hammer", you just want to jar the starter motor a little. Worth a try, good luck.

Dieselclacker

[namvet]

Thanks to everyone for your input. It is greatly appreciated!!!
4Knights - I can't locate the solenoid if there is one other than the one mounted on the starter. I seem to remember reading somewhere that the P-32 has another solenoid in the starting circuit (besides the one on the starter) but can't locate it. It isn't located inside the "doghouse" as best I can tell. I did check the rod and even hotwierd the rig at the ignition switch but it still acted the same way!

DriVer - I will try tapping the starter to see if I can move it off the dead spot. Are you referring to the solenoid mounted on the starter? I have been told previously that there is another solenoid located in the starting circuit but have not been able to locate it!

Midniteoyl - I am also going to try bypassing the braided motor grounding strap. I tried getting a reading with a VOM between the motor and he frame and didn't get a good one. I'm wondering if the ground at the strap could be corroded.

Dieselclacker - I'll sure give it a try! (Gently)

Thanks again to everyone!

[4Knights]

Not sure on your rig, on mine looking at the engine, on the right side directly in front of driver, there is an electrical box, inside there is a master circuit board with fuses 2 circuit breakers and 4 solenoids- 2 for coach and 2 for chassis. They are wired so when using the aux/emerg power it draws from either or all batteries. I believe 2 of the four are for starting and 2 are charging. I have the diagrams for my rig and will upload to the files section of IRV2,

Ron & Wendy 94 Pace Arrow 454

[Sightseer 27]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselclacker Try rapping the starter with a small hammer, sometimes this will cause it to work until it fails the next time. Emphasis is placed on the words "small hammer", you just want to jar the starter motor a little. Worth a try, good luck. Dieselclacker

Like a lot of things on a motorhome, testing with two people makes it easier. In this situation I frequently use a pre-lined up wooden broom handle with the key in the crank position. I've had better results with the tapping the starter with the key in the crank position. Good luck.

[namvet]

Thanks again everyone! Finally got it working - and I can't believe the way it worked out. Turns out, the A/C compressor froze up causing the serpentine belt not to move, lugging the starter down - hence the "low battery" sound. Eventually, the belt broke and it stared up.
Thanks again for all of your assistance. I really appreciate it! One thing I know by now is that things are not always as they seem!
Thanks again everyone!