Starter Question

jmblake · January 12, 2016, 12:18:55 AM

After all the starting of the donor bus on the way home, I think the starter burned out on me because the last couple times of starting it just barely turned over and one time it stuck on. So my question is will the starter off my 8V71 fit a Series50? until I get time to get it rebuilt.
Thanks Jason

TedCalvert · January 12, 2016, 12:51:17 AM

If it stuck on, I assume that you opened the battery disconnect switch to stop it.

It's likely only the solenoid; they are $50.00 (that's right!, cheapest fix you'll ever have) at any big-truck parts vendor.

Make sure power is off. Tape or remove all jewelry, as there is lots of current available which will turn rings and bracelets into real hot burn-your-finger-off devices!!!

Get the right voltage solenoid. Take the old one along. Mine was only $50, some might be more.

TedCalvert · January 12, 2016, 12:55:47 AM

Sorry, I guess I wrote before I read!

Don't know about 8V71 starter fitting onto S50, but I doubt it.

Everything about solenoid only being the problem, and especially the safety part, is applicable.

Have fun.

luvrbus · January 12, 2016, 01:34:36 AM

Jason, I would just buy a 39MT Delco reduction starter if the 50 series doesn't have the 39MT starter on it now the prices for a new 39MT are cheaper that you can rebuild the 42 plus you won't need a floor jack to install it

I would check the battery voltage low voltage is usually the cause for starter sticking

good luck

jmblake · January 12, 2016, 02:33:37 AM

Thanks guys, Cliff I will check the voltage and conections, I just thought if it would fit, it would be a quick fix just to move it around until I pull it out.

luvrbus · January 12, 2016, 02:39:56 AM

It should fit Jason you may need to rotate the nose cone which is not a major deal but it a heavy sucker,they gotten heavier over the past 5 years for me

jmblake · January 12, 2016, 02:46:33 AM

Ok, Thanks Cliff, I just want to move it around a few times till I pull it out then Ill get it rebuilt or replaced.

Scott & Heather · January 12, 2016, 03:10:46 AM

Just use the Kickstarter Jason

Ok, can I thread drift for a moment?

Are there 110v starters that we can use similar to what you find on larger snowblowers etc for starting an engine? So if my batts are dead, I could just plug into a 110v outlet or my generator and it surges enough power to turn over the motor? Is there such a system?

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luvrbus · January 12, 2016, 03:46:36 AM

That would be a big electric motor for a starter the starters on a DD are 10.5 hp

Dave5Cs · January 12, 2016, 06:23:11 AM

Jason what donor did you finally get.
Dave

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jmblake · January 12, 2016, 10:37:35 AM

Dave, I got a 1994 gillig transit with a series50 and a b400r transission. I put a couple pictures on the donor bus thread.
Jason

bobofthenorth · January 12, 2016, 10:46:49 AM

Do what Clifford said - find yourself a 39MT. You'll never regret it - it will probably be the last starter you buy and installing it will be a snap. Not only is it a fraction of the weight but its smaller so you can see the bolts. Even if a solenoid will "fix" your current starter you'll be happier in the long run with the 39MT.

eagle19952 · January 12, 2016, 03:41:57 PM

low voltage creates higher amperage...
that can cause arcing
which can weld the contacts in the solenoid.
which will cause the solenoid to not release
which will cause the starter to motor
while engaged or disengaged, bendix not engaged...

all because of a bad battery set.

so will a poor ground...

moosemanusa · January 14, 2016, 09:15:48 AM

We had this problem last year, batteries were on their way out.. driver kept hitting the start.. caused all type of problems, burnt out the starter and killed the DDEC IV ecm also! the starter was so badly arc'd we couldnt even refurb it..

Set of batteries $350! much cheaper than the $550 Starter, the $980 ECM, time etc etc.. was a great workout for my arms however, those starters are pretty darned heavy

Quote from: eagle19952 on January 12, 2016, 03:41:57 PM
low voltage creates higher amperage...
that can cause arcing
which can weld the contacts in the solenoid.
which will cause the solenoid to not release
which will cause the starter to motor
while engaged or disengaged, bendix not engaged...

all because of a bad battery set.

so will a poor ground...

jmblake · January 16, 2016, 02:09:38 PM

Finally had time to look at my starter problem, all I was getting was a clic from the start selonoid in the box on the firewall, so I started to check for voltage and I had none on the large posts on that selonoid but I had power at the starter. So I figured there has to be a fuse or breaker blown somewhere, but where. After about a half hour of searching I finally found some breakers behind the battery door that was all painted over and looked almost like a head of a bolt. Low and behold one was tripped and the bus started right up

Now onto the next step in the engine swap. Jason