Failed starter on Ford Triton engine

[Roll]

Is this a common problem on the otherwise bullet proof Ford MHZ chassis?

Roll

[CLIFFTALL]

I put 92,000 miles on two and never had a starter issue.

[al2ride]

I don't know about the starters, but the AC compressors don't last that long.

[CLIFFTALL]

Originally Posted by al2ride

I don't know about the starters, but the AC compressors don't last that long.

Never had an issue with them either , but to be fair we almost always used the roof air via generator to cool the MH.

[BFlinn181]

Are you sure it's the motor and not the solenoid? If you pull it off and take it to an auto parts store many of them can test it for you.

[al2ride]

Originally Posted by Clifftall

Never had an issue with them either , but to be fair we almost always used the roof air via generator to cool the MH.

Apparently, the main seal leaks from lack of usage. I go out and turn everything on every week or two even during winterization.

[jamesrxx951]

Originally Posted by al2ride

Apparently, the main seal leaks from lack of usage. I go out and turn everything on every week or two even during winterization.

With temps under 30F it is not possible to have enough pressure in the A/C system to activate the compressor. The low side switch cycles based on low side pressures. Around 20-30ish PSI the pressure switch will turn off the compressor and around 45ish PSI it will engage the compressor clutch. Because pressure is a direct relationship to outside temps, when it is freezing out there is not enough pressure to activate the switch to activate the compressor. On newer systems like yours the compressor is PCM controlled. These are some of the requirements (per the workshop manual) that must be met before the PCM will turn on the compressor:
When an A/C request is received by the PCM, the A/C compressor clutch will only be engaged through the A/C clutch relay if all of the following conditions are met:

• The PCM does not detect excessively high or low refrigerant pressure from the A/C pressure transducer.
• The PCM does not detect excessively high engine coolant temperature.
• The PCM does not detect an ambient air temperature below -1°C (30°F).
• The PCM has not detected a Wide Open Throttle (WOT) condition.

[jamesrxx951]

Originally Posted by Roll

Is this a common problem on the otherwise bullet proof Ford MHZ chassis?

Roll

Under regular use, the starter does not have any real issues to speak of. However no doubt that some have failed. However when items like starters and alternators sit for a very long time without usage this leave room for rust and corrosion to occur and cause issues. I try and start my coach monthly to keep everything working.

[al2ride]

Originally Posted by jamesrxx951

With temps under 30F it is not possible to have enough pressure in the A/C system to activate the compressor. The low side switch cycles based on low side pressures. Around 20-30ish PSI the pressure switch will turn off the compressor and around 45ish PSI it will engage the compressor clutch. Because pressure is a direct relationship to outside temps, when it is freezing out there is not enough pressure to activate the switch to activate the compressor. On newer systems like yours the compressor is PCM controlled. These are some of the requirements (per the workshop manual) that must be met before the PCM will turn on the compressor:
When an A/C request is received by the PCM, the A/C compressor clutch will only be engaged through the A/C clutch relay if all of the following conditions are met:

• The PCM does not detect excessively high or low refrigerant pressure from the A/C pressure transducer.
• The PCM does not detect excessively high engine coolant temperature.
• The PCM does not detect an ambient air temperature below -1°C (30°F).
• The PCM has not detected a Wide Open Throttle (WOT) condition.

Good to know, thanks. I wonder if it's worth hooking up a switch that will provide 12v directly to the clutch to make it rotate the shaft for a short period of time in order to lube the seal.

[Not a Clue]

Originally Posted by Roll

Is this a common problem on the otherwise bullet proof Ford MHZ chassis?

Roll

I have replaced two starters in 30,000 miles. When I asked Ford if this was a common problem they said no (of course) but it does happen.

One was replaced under Ford warranty and one replaced under extended warranty.

[jamesrxx951]

Originally Posted by al2ride

Good to know, thanks. I wonder if it's worth hooking up a switch that will provide 12v directly to the clutch to make it rotate the shaft for a short period of time in order to lube the seal.

You could do that. Just don't leave it on for a long period of time. On your 2013 chassis you would have to splice into the Grey with White wire.

[C-Leigh Racing]

Do you stop & start the engine a lot during trips ?.

Normal when we pull out for a trip, the engine never shuts off unless we stop like to sleep or until we get to where we are going.
Shutting the engine down & then stating it back up in a short time span, is hard on the starter motor, because a lot of engine heat will be soaked into it & will make it hard for the starter motor to operate + trying to start the large hot engine.
Neil

[hondavalk]

Make sure the ground cable is in good shape. Ford did have what appeared to be starter issues that in reality were caused by an intermittent ground.