Starter wire question- '79 FC 33'

[mccoyb24]

Hello Group!

I have this recently acquired '79 FC 33'. It has a CAT 3208 turbo.
There's a wire disconnected from the starter. I can't find the other end
of the wire. In the mean time, we're jumping the starter with a
screwdriver to get the engine running. Any suggestions on where I
should look to trace back to?

Bruce.

'79 FC33"

[Gardner Yeaw]

Bruce,
I would assume to the ignition switch, if this is the wire from
the solenoid coil input.

Gardner
78FC33

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mccoyb24" <mccoyb24@...>
wrote:
>
>
> Hello Group!
>
> I have this recently acquired '79 FC 33'. It has a CAT 3208
turbo.
> There's a wire disconnected from the starter. I can't find the
other end
> of the wire. In the mean time, we're jumping the starter with a
> screwdriver to get the engine running. Any suggestions on where I
> should look to trace back to?
>
> Bruce.
>
> '79 FC33"
>

[Gregory OConnor]

Bruce if the key is not making the starter motor spinn ;and you are
making it spinn by jumping the big live voltage lug to the smaller
lug, ;then that small lug is what the key (when held against the
momentary start position) energizes to remotly send the voltage at
the big lug to the starter motor (remote switch = solenoid).

Is it a small wire (like a trailer light wire) or big wire (Like a
batterycable)?

*****I would have some one test for voltage at the wire with the 'key
off' then the 'key on' then the 'key held against the start' momentary
position.

If it energizes when the key is held against the momentary start
only, then it should be connected to the small lug that you jump to
make a start.

If the disconnected wire energizes when you turn the key on, it may
be that the ignition switch is screwed up?? and the wire was removed
because it would not let the starter disengauge???

GregoryO'Connor
94ptRomolandCa

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mccoyb24" <mccoyb24@...>
wrote:
>
>
> Hello Group!
>
> I have this recently acquired '79 FC 33'. It has a CAT 3208 turbo.
> There's a wire disconnected from the starter. I can't find the other
end
> of the wire. In the mean time, we're jumping the starter with a
> screwdriver to get the engine running. Any suggestions on where I
> should look to trace back to?
>
> Bruce.
>
> '79 FC33"
>

[Gardner Yeaw]

Bruce,
After looking at my wiring diagram, there are two solenoids for
the starter system. One is, I believe, activated by the ignition
switch 'start' position, and that one serves as the input to the
second solenoid which is mounted on the starter. If I am correct the
one on the starter is the mechanical one that engages the pinion. If
I remember correctly the first solenoid is mounted to the frame very
near the starter (but that is my memory, not very good)

My wiring diagram is a copy and very faded so it is tough to follow
things.

Gardner
78FC33

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gardner Yeaw"
wrote:
>
> Bruce,
> I would assume to the ignition switch, if this is the wire from
> the solenoid coil input.
>
> Gardner
> 78FC33
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mccoyb24" <mccoyb24@>
> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hello Group!
> >
> > I have this recently acquired '79 FC 33'. It has a CAT 3208
> turbo.
> > There's a wire disconnected from the starter. I can't find the
> other end
> > of the wire. In the mean time, we're jumping the starter with a
> > screwdriver to get the engine running. Any suggestions on where
I
> > should look to trace back to?
> >
> > Bruce.
> >
> > '79 FC33"
> >
>

[Gardner Yeaw]

Bruce,
I put a photo of the solenoids up in the photo section under
starter circuit. The wire entering on the left is from the coach
batteries and is joined by one on the from the jumper (boost)
solenoid from the generator battery. The red wire entering the
second solenoid I believe is from the ignition switch, but I can't
follow it due to fading of the diagram.

Gardner
78FC33


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gardner Yeaw"
wrote:
>
>
> Bruce,
> After looking at my wiring diagram, there are two solenoids for
> the starter system. One is, I believe, activated by the ignition
> switch 'start' position, and that one serves as the input to the
> second solenoid which is mounted on the starter. If I am correct
the
> one on the starter is the mechanical one that engages the pinion.
If
> I remember correctly the first solenoid is mounted to the frame
very
> near the starter (but that is my memory, not very good)
>
> My wiring diagram is a copy and very faded so it is tough to
follow
> things.
>
> Gardner
> 78FC33
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gardner Yeaw"
> wrote:
> >
> > Bruce,
> > I would assume to the ignition switch, if this is the wire
from
> > the solenoid coil input.
> >
> > Gardner
> > 78FC33
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mccoyb24" <mccoyb24@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Hello Group!
> > >
> > > I have this recently acquired '79 FC 33'. It has a CAT 3208
> > turbo.
> > > There's a wire disconnected from the starter. I can't find the
> > other end
> > > of the wire. In the mean time, we're jumping the starter with
a
> > > screwdriver to get the engine running. Any suggestions on
where
> I
> > > should look to trace back to?
> > >
> > > Bruce.
> > >
> > > '79 FC33"
> > >
> >
>

[Gardner Yeaw]

Bruce,
I wish you could edit posts. Anyway, I also see that the circuit
from the ignition start switch passes through the neutral safety
switch on the shift selector before going to the first solenoid. So
the path is ignition switch-neutral safety switch-solenoid 1.
Solenoid 1 energises the starter solenoid which then connects the
starter to the batteries.

Gardner
78FC33




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gardner Yeaw"
wrote:
>
> Bruce,
> I put a photo of the solenoids up in the photo section under
> starter circuit. The wire entering on the left is from the coach
> batteries and is joined by one on the from the jumper (boost)
> solenoid from the generator battery. The red wire entering the
> second solenoid I believe is from the ignition switch, but I can't
> follow it due to fading of the diagram.
>
> Gardner
> 78FC33
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gardner Yeaw"
> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Bruce,
> > After looking at my wiring diagram, there are two solenoids
for
> > the starter system. One is, I believe, activated by the ignition
> > switch 'start' position, and that one serves as the input to the
> > second solenoid which is mounted on the starter. If I am correct
> the
> > one on the starter is the mechanical one that engages the
pinion.
> If
> > I remember correctly the first solenoid is mounted to the frame
> very
> > near the starter (but that is my memory, not very good)
> >
> > My wiring diagram is a copy and very faded so it is tough to
> follow
> > things.
> >
> > Gardner
> > 78FC33
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gardner Yeaw"

> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Bruce,
> > > I would assume to the ignition switch, if this is the wire
> from
> > > the solenoid coil input.
> > >
> > > Gardner
> > > 78FC33
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mccoyb24"
<mccoyb24@>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Hello Group!
> > > >
> > > > I have this recently acquired '79 FC 33'. It has a CAT 3208
> > > turbo.
> > > > There's a wire disconnected from the starter. I can't find
the
> > > other end
> > > > of the wire. In the mean time, we're jumping the starter
with
> a
> > > > screwdriver to get the engine running. Any suggestions on
> where
> > I
> > > > should look to trace back to?
> > > >
> > > > Bruce.
> > > >
> > > > '79 FC33"
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[mccoyb24]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gregory OConnor"
wrote:
>
> Bruce if the key is not making the starter motor spinn ;and you are
> making it spinn by jumping the big live voltage lug to the smaller
> lug, ;then that small lug is what the key (when held against the
> momentary start position) energizes to remotly send the voltage at
> the big lug to the starter motor (remote switch = solenoid).
>
> Is it a small wire (like a trailer light wire) or big wire (Like a
> batterycable)?
>
> *****I would have some one test for voltage at the wire with
the 'key
> off' then the 'key on' then the 'key held against the start'
momentary
> position.
>
> If it energizes when the key is held against the momentary start
> only, then it should be connected to the small lug that you jump
to
> make a start.
>
> If the disconnected wire energizes when you turn the key on, it
may
> be that the ignition switch is screwed up?? and the wire was
removed
> because it would not let the starter disengauge???
>
> GregoryO'Connor
> 94ptRomolandCa
>

Hi Gregory,

I think you may be onto something here! The disconnected wire was
actually pulled out of the connector. The connector is still attached
to the the starter terminal. It looks to be about a 14 ga. red wire.
It does appear to have been cut just past the end of the crimped
connector. The seller told us that critters may have had their way
with that wire. He said that he stuffed the other end in the wire
bundle leading up to it but this was awhile back and when he went to
fix it prior to putting the rig up for sale, he couldn't find the
other end of the wire. I'm having my doubts about the critter story.
The reason the coach was up for sale was because of neighbor
complaints to the county. (A great story but too long for this
thread).

Anyway, the way this thing works is that with the key in the "ON"
position, jumping the starter with a screwdriver works to engage the
selenoid and turn over the engine. No need to hold the key against
the momemtary start position.

I took apart all of the tie-wrapped wires under the front of the
coach in an effort to locate a loose red one. I found one. With the
key off, I got a reading of 0.0 volts. With the key on, it read 12.7
volts. I crimped a length of 14 gauge wire to the end of that wire
and touched it to the terminal with the cut connector. With the key
in the "ON" position, the low air buzzer is sounding as it should.
But when I touched the end of the wire to the terminal, the buzzer
shut off. The engine didn't start either in the ON or momentary start
position. Now I have two mysteries. Where is the other end of the
starter wire and now, what does this red wire that I did find, do?
Hmmmm!

Thanks Gardner and Gregory! You're giving me things to look for. I
appreciate it.

Bruce.
'79 FC 33'

[George Burke]

Bruce, It appears that you either have a bad ign. switch, or a bad solenoid. If you have a good, (hot) wire from the batt.to the solenoid, which you do, and a good hot wire to the starter, which you do, because you have been able to jump across it and start the vehicle. Gregg is right on. If the redwire that you found that is cold when the switch is off, yet is energized when you turn the switch on, (to start position), it sounds like that your ign. switch is OK. That leaves you with a bad soleniod. That explains why you can manually jump across the solenoid with a screwdriver. Itsfunction is to allow you to sit in the comfort of your seat, and get her running, via sending power from the batts., to the solenoid, across the solenoid. then to the starter. There can be other wires feeding off the hot or batt. side of the solenoid. I am puzzled as to why when you touch the small red wire to the small nut on the solenoid, as to why your buzzer cuts off, maybe it is grounding out. I would check for a bad solenoid, and then a bad ign.switch. The solenoid may have caused a problem with the switch, after it went bad. Hope this helps, George Burke 1977 FC31 Charlotte

On Fri, Feb 29, 2008 at 5:22 PM, mccoyb24 <"mccoyb24@yahoo.com"> wrote:

--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Gregory OConnor"
wrote:
>
> Bruce if the key is not making the starter motor spinn ;and you are

> making it spinn by jumping the big live voltage lug to the smaller
> lug, ;then that small lug is what the key (when held against the
> momentary start position) energizes to remotly send the voltage at

> the big lug to the starter motor (remote switch = solenoid).
>
> Is it a small wire (like a trailer light wire) or big wire (Like a
> batterycable)?
>
> *****I would have some one test for voltage at the wire with

the 'key
> off' then the 'key on' then the 'key held against the start'
momentary
> position.
>
> If it energizes when the key is held against the momentary start

> only, then it should be connected to the small lug that you jump
to
> make a start.
>
> If the disconnected wire energizes when you turn the key on, it
may
> be that the ignition switch is screwed up?? and the wire was

removed
> because it would not let the starter disengauge???
>
> GregoryO'Connor
> 94ptRomolandCa
>

Hi Gregory,

I think you may be onto something here! The disconnected wire was

actually pulled out of the connector. The connector is still attached
to the the starter terminal. It looks to be about a 14 ga. red wire.
It does appear to have been cut just past the end of the crimped
connector. The seller told us that critters may have had their way

with that wire. He said that he stuffed the other end in the wire
bundle leading up to it but this was awhile back and when he went to
fix it prior to putting the rig up for sale, he couldn't find the
other end of the wire. I'm having my doubts about the critter story.

The reason the coach was up for sale was because of neighbor
complaints to the county. (A great story but too long for this
thread).

Anyway, the way this thing works is that with the key in the "ON"

position, jumping the starter with a screwdriver works to engage the
selenoid and turn over the engine. No need to hold the key against
the momemtary start position.

I took apart all of the tie-wrapped wires under the front of the

coach in an effort to locate a loose red one. I found one. With the
key off, I got a reading of 0.0 volts. With the key on, it read 12.7
volts. I crimped a length of 14 gauge wire to the end of that wire
and touched it to the terminal with the cut connector. With the key

in the "ON" position, the low air buzzer is sounding as it should.
But when I touched the end of the wire to the terminal, the buzzer
shut off. The engine didn't start either in the ON or momentary start

position. Now I have two mysteries. Where is the other end of the
starter wire and now, what does this red wire that I did find, do?
Hmmmm!

Thanks Gardner and Gregory! You're giving me things to look for. I

appreciate it.

Bruce.
'79 FC 33'

[Bruce McCoy]

Hi Gang!

I thought you would like to know that this starter issue has arrived
at a conclusion. The new to us '79 'lodge was taken to a local truck
shop on Monday for zero-timing all of the fluids and filters. We
mentioned the starter issue. They said that they would take a look.
Before you think "$$$," the call came in the next day. "There's
nothing wrong with the starter!"

One look showed them them that all of the wires that were supposed to
be there, were there. I can't explain what the connector with the
broken or cut wire was for. Maybe the next part of the story will
make some sense.

The mechanic traced the wiring back to a switch on the dash
labeled, "Transmission." To be perfectly honest, we haven't had this
thing long enough for me to determine the function of every switch on
the dash. Well, to make a long story short, the starter momentary
switch is wired through that switch. Switch ON, the engine starts.
Switch OFF, turning the key to START does nothing. It's possible
that the switch is wired in series with the neutral start safety
switch and they are all wired that way. It's also possible that the
neutral start switch was by-passed and the rig can be started in any
gear. I won't know that until we get the coach back from the shop,
maybe tomorrow. They're suppose to be changing the V-belts today.

It may be possible that the seller had forgotten about this switch
which is why he was starting it with a screwdriver. After all, he had
it parked on his property for most of the last five years. Anyway,
the problem is solved and hopefully, we won't have to be crawling
under the coach to start it any time soon! Thought you all might
like to know how that turned out.

Bruce.
'79 FC 33';3208 CAT turbo

[erniecarpet@...]

Bruce, on my coach, the AT switch does exactly what you describe. I wonder if that switch was mislabeled on your coach?

Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Livingston, Montana

---

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