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charlespool · 09-22-2012, 03:47 PM

I have a 2000 National Tropical, V10 Ford. Just came off a 2k mile trip. When I went to start the MH, it did nothing but a slight click. After three or four tries, it started right up. This happened several times. Other times it will start right up no problem. There does not seem to be a bat. problem. All lights, horn, dash lights work okay. Anyone have a possable answer to this problem?
Thanks
Charles

clyon51 · 09-22-2012, 04:20 PM

Sounds like the starter solenoid is going bad. Could also be a corroded connection there or at the batt.

Dunner · 09-22-2012, 04:31 PM

There is a start relay that is mounted just above and in front of the shock on the right side frame.
Check it for loose connections.

charlespool · 09-22-2012, 05:18 PM

Thanks for the help. I checked the start relay in the picture and all seems tight. Any idea of the part number if I need to replace it or where a replacement for a 2000 national tropical ford v10 can be purchased?

Is there anything you may suggest I spray on or clean with?
Thanks
Charles

Skip426 · 09-22-2012, 05:27 PM

Remember, it takes about 20xs the power to start the engine as turn on the lights, Check the connections and have the battery tested.

Also you have the relay as pictured in the other post and the solinoid on the starter it's self, lot of possibilities.
If you have any corrosion on the battery, start there , wash the corrosion off with hot water and baking soda , then remove the cables and clean them inside, post & terminal cleaner from Auto Zone , etc

Dunner · 09-22-2012, 06:14 PM

No idea of the part number.

charlespool · 09-24-2012, 08:50 PM

Thanks for all the help on the non starting. One other problem just popped up. No gas to the generator on a 2000 national tropical. Does the gas tank need to be dropped to replace the fuel line from the tank to the generator?

ARTWERKE · 09-24-2012, 09:03 PM

I'd go for the relay,I've run into a few Ford start relay issues over the years, Pulled a couple apart & they had arcing/corrosion on the contact plate. Sanded them off but problem soon returned They're not too expensive,might just as well replace it.

clyon51 · 09-25-2012, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlespool

Thanks for all the help on the non starting. One other problem just popped up. No gas to the generator on a 2000 national tropical. Does the gas tank need to be dropped to replace the fuel line from the tank to the generator?

Charles,

If you need to do that, I would have to say yes. On other coaches, some have been able to cut a whole in the floor to reach it, if it happens to be in a convienient place.

If you are sure this is the problem, disregard the rest of my post.

Assume you have a Generac Q55G. The generator will run out of fuel when the tanks reaches about 1/4, a bit more if the coach is not level. Although you hear the fuel pump running, that does not mean it's pumping fuel even it it's available. A plugged fuel filter can also cause a no fuel situation. A bad controller board can cause the fuel pump not to operate.

Probably the best test to check the fuel line is to remove it and connect another short one and put it into a gas can. If the fuel pump spews lots of gas and/or it runs fine, then the problem lies between the fuel filter and the tank.

charlespool · 09-25-2012, 07:19 AM

I did the bypass with a fuel can and hose. That makes it work just fine.

Dunner · 09-25-2012, 07:54 AM

The most likely cause would be a crack in the fuel line from the tank sucking air.

monkey · 09-25-2012, 08:36 AM

Didn't I read somewhere on this site that old rubber fuel lines can separate and collapse internally, without an indication from the outside ? Thus blocking fuel flow ?
Monkey

charlespool · 09-25-2012, 08:42 AM

I'm afraid you are right. The line is sucking air and the only way to get to the line is drop the tank or cut a hole in the floor. I will today see where it is in relations to the underside of the bed inside. If it falls under the bed, I think I will go in that way. If not, it will be going to the shop to drop the tank and get new fuel line. I'm thinking if the tank needs to be dropped, I am going to request a metal fuel line put in.

Dunner · 09-25-2012, 08:57 AM

You're going to have to have some rubber as the generator flexes on it's mounts and you need a way to connect both ends. Just make sure you get a good quality line made for fuel. Gates makes good rubber products.