Starter relay????

[danny4748]

I have recently purchased a 87 Coachman Leprechaun and I believe the starter relay is bad but am not sure if the part I have found is it. This looks like a solenoid but there is a large ground wire where I would have thought there would be a red one. I have tested it and confermed that it is a ground. It is right in front of the battery by the headlight. can someone tell me what it is.

[Aguyfromcalg]

I believe you are describing the one for your starter and coach batteries.
The starter solenoid is usually on the side near or at the fender. Just find your starter and trace the cable back to the solenoid.
My previous motor home was a 83 Lepherchan

[subford]

Does the cable on the other side of the solenoid go to the NEG post of the battery?
I take it the one you tested goes to the block.
If so it is a disconnect for the battery while parked.

[wa8yxm]

You said "There is a large ground wire where I thought there should be a red one"

Be aware that colors, epically on large cables, are NOT STANDRDIZED, the cable from the solenoid to the starter is very often black, not red, and if you measure resistance to ground with most ohm meters it will show as a ground. (The resistance of the starter being less than 0.1 ohm)

To verify if it is a ground or not, follow the wire, that's the only way.

Or you could disconnect the heavy power wire at teh starter and see how the wire reads then... (Open circuit would mean, "yes, tha't is it")

[YC1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by danny4748 I have recently purchased a 87 Coachman Leprechaun and I believe the starter relay is bad but am not sure if the part I have found is it. This looks like a solenoid but there is a large ground wire where I would have thought there would be a red one. I have tested it and confermed that it is a ground. It is right in front of the battery by the headlight. can someone tell me what it is.

Post some pictures and you will get an accurate response and be much safer.