Community Forums

Ragman · 07-27-2006, 11:39 AM

Is there a mechanic in the house?
I am working on my son's 1988 Class C MH on a Ford chassis. It has a 460 engine that will not turn over. I have replaced the starter and solenoid. Battery is less than 6 mos. old. Also have replaced the ignition mechanism. When I try to turn the engine over, I only get a click that sounds like it's coming from the solenoid, and nothing else. The lights don't dim, so it's not even pulling excessive juice from the battery.
I'm an old car enthusiast and have done my own mechanic work for years, but this has really got me stumped. This MH has been in storage four years and yet it started right up after I replaced the old gas and electric fuel pumps. I drove it home (5 miles) and it started about a half dozen times in the driveway. Now it won't even try to turn over.
Has anyone had this problem with a 460? Would appreciate any help.

Ragman · 07-27-2006, 11:39 AM

Is there a mechanic in the house?
I am working on my son's 1988 Class C MH on a Ford chassis. It has a 460 engine that will not turn over. I have replaced the starter and solenoid. Battery is less than 6 mos. old. Also have replaced the ignition mechanism. When I try to turn the engine over, I only get a click that sounds like it's coming from the solenoid, and nothing else. The lights don't dim, so it's not even pulling excessive juice from the battery.
I'm an old car enthusiast and have done my own mechanic work for years, but this has really got me stumped. This MH has been in storage four years and yet it started right up after I replaced the old gas and electric fuel pumps. I drove it home (5 miles) and it started about a half dozen times in the driveway. Now it won't even try to turn over.
Has anyone had this problem with a 460? Would appreciate any help.

Tom N · 07-27-2006, 11:57 AM

You may want to check the cable runs from the battery and to ground for corrosion.

Frankie · 07-27-2006, 12:22 PM

I would start with the cables and connections.If solenoid is clicking its getting some juice,just not enough.I know sometimes I overlook the obvious.If thats not it,maybe bad solenoid.Once in awhile a bad one can slip through from factory.

Ragman · 07-29-2006, 05:08 AM

thanks guys. We pulled the steering wheel to check all the wires. Could not find the red with the blue stripe coming from the solenoid to the ignition. Son found a wiring diagram and it shows that wire goes to the neutral switch. Duh! The light bulb came on. A few years back I would have checked the neutral switch first, but I guess age diminishes the brain. Anyway, thanks for your help. Anyone having this problem in the future, check the neutral switch first.
Larry