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driedl · 03-18-2015, 11:22 AM

1999 DSDP on a Spartan MM Chassis with a Cummins ISC 300 engine.
When I attempt to start the engine, the pre-start procedure seems normal however when I turn the key to "start" nothing happens. I can start the engine by jumping the starter and it runs normally.
I spoke with Spartan yesterday and the tech advised me to test the starter solenoid. He said it would be on the passenger side frame rail. I spent some time on my back yesterday evening and had no luck finding the solenoid. Can anyone help me with the exact location of the little bugger?

dennis45 · 03-18-2015, 11:28 AM

Assuming you have a Master Cutoff Switch in the engine compartment, try following the heavy wire off that switch. It should lead you to the solenoid. Or, go the other direction and follow the heavy lead off the starter.

GScherrer · 03-18-2015, 02:56 PM

Just a thought, I had a similar problem and was a loose wire to the starter.

twinboat · 03-18-2015, 04:03 PM

You need to follow the small (10 gauge ) positive wire from the "starter solenoid" back to the slave solenoid ( the one Sparta was talking about ). The slave solenoid is activated by the key switch.

When you find it, it should have 12 volts on one side and click and the have 12 volts on the other side when you hold the key to start.

Good luck

driedl · 03-19-2015, 05:05 AM

Thanks, all! I won't be able to get dirty again until Sunday but I'll let you know how it goes.

Dan

driedl · 03-23-2015, 08:16 AM

Well, I'm ashamed to say that I was never able to find the starter solenoid. The good news is that, while trying to track wires, I discovered that one of the 10 ga wires off the starter had rubbed on the frame rail and rotted. I spliced in a new piece of wire (soldering on your back is fun!

), said a prayer, and turned the key. What a great sound and a good feeling when she turned over. Thanks all for your help.

twinboat · 03-23-2015, 12:29 PM

Ahh, I love when a plan comes together, Nice find.

Ray,IN · 03-23-2015, 07:37 PM

It's a good thing to grab a creeper and roll around under your MH once in a while anyway. Of course I have to run mine up on 3-high wood planks to get under it.