Bus won't start, just clicks

windtrader · July 20, 2017, 06:50:14 PM

@luvrbus - Thanks. It does have a block heater as well as the house bank can link to the starts. The generator can run as well providing extra amps if needed. Since the 31's are in, that's how she rolls for now. I'll cross my fingers the bay heaters and block heater are enough to turn her over if it gets cold.

kyle4501 · July 20, 2017, 07:30:33 PM

I replaced all my battery cabling with tinned copper marine boat cable. Was about $7 per foot.

Welding cable is not a good idea - the insulation isn't oil & fuel resistant.

I bought a hydraulic crimper and the good ends. I also used dielectric grease and the adhesive heat shrink. No issues with starting now.

Now that I have the supplies, I was able to fix the cable issues dad had on his motor home. And a few others . . . .

gumpy · July 20, 2017, 07:41:23 PM

Quote from: windtrader on July 20, 2017, 08:44:42 AM
A major reason going with two Group 31 (24v) on the 8v71 was the remark that the motor needs less start amp if the AC compressor is removed.

I guess I didn't see that remark in previous responses, and don't care to go back and look for it, but regardless, it's total crap. The AC compressor adds zero load on an engine during startup because the clutch is not engaged so the compressor is not turning.

akroyaleagle · July 21, 2017, 09:55:59 AM

It's good to know others think like me sometimes Craig.

I too have seen that remark and knew they were repeating something they heard with no real understanding of how things work.

Most of the time I find myself just scrolling on.

I too, know that apparently some of the later Eagles with the 6V92s used Group 31s with apparently OK results.
I just know my 8V92 didn't like them.

luvrbus · July 21, 2017, 11:01:01 AM

Joe,Eagle used 3 group 31's in there configure with their 12 v system starting with the 10's and in cold weather they used 4,great thing about a Eagle the batteries where close to the engine not 30 ft away like my MCI

PP · July 21, 2017, 06:25:05 PM

Since switching to 2 group 31's I've not had a problem starting. It happens so fast I barely see the crank turn before it's running- even down below 30°, which is what it seems to be in these altitudes even now in the mornings. I do plug in the preheat for an hour or so and that is probably making all the difference. I know I ain't going back to replacing 200 pounder's anymore. I just had terrible luck with the 8D's.
Will

luvrbus · July 21, 2017, 06:58:45 PM

Prevost has been using 4 group 31's for years now our 97 had 4 group 31's

DoubleEagle · July 21, 2017, 08:18:03 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on July 21, 2017, 11:01:01 AM
Joe,Eagle used 3 group 31's in there configure with their 12 v system starting with the 10's and in cold weather they used 4,great thing about a Eagle the batteries where close to the engine not 30 ft away like my MCI

My 1975 05 Eagle has two 8D's, and always starts with an instant bang. My 1982 Model 10 has three 31's, and my 1984 Model 10 has one 8D (both 6V92's). They all start in warm weather, but two 8D's is still the best for cooler weather. The model 10's only have one battery compartment, so it's three 31's or one 8D. Wrestling a 8D in by yourself gets more challenging as you get older. It really seems that the 8V92 needs three or four 31's.

eagle19952 · July 21, 2017, 10:02:31 PM

Quote from: Scott & Heather on July 19, 2017, 03:17:49 PM
Cliff, those posts are built into the batteries. They won't come out

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

he's talking about the barely adequate for a lawn mower cable ends with the wimpy little 1/4 bolts and crappy integral nuts.... you aren't getting contact needed...

busfan · July 21, 2017, 10:15:56 PM

My monies on the Solenoid.

Brassman · July 22, 2017, 12:06:05 AM

I agree about the cable ends, terminal ends, what ever. That's the first thing I'd fix. And about those hammer crimpers. They work good if you know what too much and what too little is.

eagle19952 · July 22, 2017, 09:16:08 AM

these...(in the right size) are way mo betta

as are crimps..hammered or die.

akroyaleagle · July 22, 2017, 11:11:00 AM

Joe,Eagle used 3 group 31's in there configure with their 12 v system starting with the 10's and in cold weather they used 4.

Clifford, I hooked the 3 new Group 31s up correctly. They just didn't do the job for me. They wouldn't start the coach reliably in the summer. I removed them after the first trip and installed new 8Ds. Problem solved!

I've had the coach over 21 years and experience has taught me the 2 8Ds are the best for me. Others may have a different experience.

I think the original poster should approach this in a logical sequence.

Check the condition of the battery connections
Check the condition of the batteries
check the solenoids
check the starter

Some of us are quick to jump to expensive conclusions. Me too! I have to remind myself constantly to employ the KISS principles. That's usually the best way.

luvrbus · July 22, 2017, 01:34:43 PM

Me to Joe I have always hung with the 2-8Ds ,all the years I owned the Eagle with the 8v92 not 1 time did I ever replace the starter.Some replace the starters as often as changing their socks.Have you noticed how heavy the 8-Ds made today are, it may be the age thing making the 8-D's just seem heavier

akroyaleagle · July 22, 2017, 03:36:33 PM

Everything seems heavier to me!

These NAPA batteries seem heavier than the Sams.

They assured me they are new, not remanufactured like the others. They came with a two year warranty and have been in three years.

The Sams had to be replaced every year when the warranty ran out.

Just like the filters, if you watch the sales they aren't so expensive.

In 21 years, the only time I had to replace a starter was after a power washing. Possibly, if I had just let it dry out good, it might have started. I had an extra, so I just changed it.