rickbpdq
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Re: Breakdown Information
RV particulars: Driveline (Engine, Transmission): Chevrolet 454, 4L80E Miles: ~28000 Year: 1997 Break Down Description: I was getting ready to hit the road, and I stopped by my nearby grocery store to get some provisions. After storing my purchases the coach wouldn't start, just heard click-click-click from the starter. - Tried auxiliary start: no improvement - Tried auxiliary start with generator running: nothing - Tried manually jumping the coach and chassis batteries, no dice. - Tried jumping the chassis battery from my dinghy. - Thoroughly cleaned connections and battery posts: nothing. Now I'm beginning to suspect a failure with the starter. Went to Auto Zone and bought a new starter, and installed it myself. Exact same symptoms: just clicks when I turn the key. I called by brother-in-law who knows a lot more than me. It turns out there was some corrosion and buildup between the copper battery cable and the circular connectoids on the end. We removed the positive battery cable that runs from the battery to the starter, and we took it to an auto parts store. The auto parts store removed the old connectoids, and crimped on new ones. Unit cranks fine now. We purchased additional eye connections which we installed on the negative cables on-site. I'm lucky this occured just a few miles from the house, my dinghy was available, and I had a strong cell phone signal. Had this happened in the middle of nowhere I'm sure I would have been on the hook for an enormous towing bill. I find it odd that I had the problem with such a young, low mileage unit. I'm sure if I would USE the darn thing more the corrosion wouldn't have had a chance to build up. It turns out the original starter wasn't bad, but I keep it on-board in case of a future starter failure. The starter is very easy to change on this unit. After this debacle I also cleaned the connections where the negative battery cables connect to the chassis. Also, I've purchased spare a battery cable which I keep inside the MH so, if the alternator fails, I can wire the house and chassis batteries together, rather than having to jury-rig the auxiliary start switch.467Views0likes0Comments
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