Bounder won't start after a complete genny shut down.

[skimaniac6]

Hello,
I have an 86 Bounder on a Chevy frame/454. I have been using it with no problems other than sometimes I have to turn the key may times before the starter will engage (it has been doing this for years). Today I loaded the family to go to a football game, the genny was going and both roof airs were on. It tried to start, coughed and the genny shut off, now the starter just clicks (I tried to jump it) and the genny won't start (seems like house batteries are dead). I will run a voltage check on both batteries tomorrow but the genny not starting has me baffled. Any idea where to start to look, voltage regulator, battery isolator? I would love anyone's input.
Thanks for your time,
Scott

[thewiz]

Do you have more then 1/4 tank of gasoline in your rv?
The gen set will stop at about 1/4 some less some more.
Does the gen set spin over?
The same batteries that start your rv might start the gen set.
Put the battery charger on and after awhile try to start the gen set.

[skimaniac6]

Guess I wasn't very clear, the motorhome and the generator are both dead. The starter on the engine just clicks and the genny won't even turn over (like it does when batteries are low). I think it is something in the electrical system, maybe the issolator, all the batteris are new and it looks like there is plenty of charge on all. I'm just not sure where to start. I am going out to check voltage now.

[Roy Schmaus]

The bit about multiple tries to get the starter working brought back the memory of an old Valiant I used to own conking out in the middle of a city intersection.

The mechanic had to replace the ignition key and warned me about hanging too much junk with the key as the weight would wear it out prematurely.

[Haffie]

Heya,

The Chevy 454 is a known starter killer. There is a kit available from a dealer that puts a heat shield between the exhaust manifold and the starter to prevent it from frying.

I would suspect that your starter is partially engaged and dragged down the batteries. Turn on your headlights and have someone watch them when you turn the key. If they go out, the batteries are dead, or nearly so.

BTW, all that trying to start the engine might have damaged the teeth on the Flex Plate, not good.

Have a good one,

Haffie

[Carl]

Kiss method. Start with the batteries. Have them load tested and if good, put a good charge on them/it.
GM starter.. Known to have problems especially on the big engines due to the close proximity of the starter to the exhaust maifold. Pull the starter and you will probably see that the solenoid is burned away on one side. If not, the disc in the solenoid can be flipped if you don't want to spend money on a new one. For the price of one and the amount of work it is to replace, I recommend a new one. Also the shild does work to give the starter a longer life. Carl

[skimaniac6]

Update;
Thanks for the responses, here is where I am now. I dropped the starter and had it tested, it was fine. I reinstalled the starter and hooked up the motor battery, and it started perfect. I hooked up the house battery and tried to start it, problem returned, clicking at starter. I unhooked the house battery and the motor started with no problems. I guess now it is down to an isolator or battery boost switch. Any ideas?
Thanks.

[Haffie]

Heyas,

Since you haven't told us when the engine doesn't start, if it turns slowly, as if dragging or if it turns normally but doesn't fire, I'll assume it's dragging.

Pull the house batteries and have them tested. Sounds like there is either a shorted battery or something in the house wiring that is putting a HEAVY drain on the batteries.

While the batteries are out, try to start the engine, if it starts with no problem, I'd suspect the Isolator. As you reconnect the batteries, see if you get a heavy spark when touching the terminals with the cables.

The battery "Boost" solenoid is a standard starter solenoid activated by pushing a switch on the dashboard. If you hear a loud click when you press the switch, it's probably working. Locate it in the engine compartment and take a good look at it. If you see any burning, rust or corrosion around the heavy terminals, it might be grounding out. If you don't hear the click, look for a blown fuse.

Have a good one,

Haffie

[thewiz]

House battery unhooked the main engine starts fine?
House battery hooked up the main engine doesn't start?
Test the house battery.
If it is dead maybe it drags the main engine battery down.
Will the gen start with a charger hooked to the gen battery?

[Haffie]

Skimanic6,

Did you buy this new or used? I ask because sometimes a person will attempt to add things and wind up connecting to the WRONG power source or fail to make proper connections. This usually shows up any when from immediately to several years later.

Have a good one,

Haffie

[skimaniac6]

Thank you all for the input, I took the advise and checked all the battery conections and found the neg on the chassie battery was a bit crudy. I replaced that wire, cleaned and reattached all the connections. It seems to have fixed the problem, I am taking it to a football game tomorrow so I will keep my fingers crossed. Thanks again for the help.
Scott