starter didn't stop starting

Bryan · February 25, 2015, 02:03:14 PM

hey guys, it's cold here today so she didn't want to start, I think the battery is a little low, but one time when I tried to start it, the starter kept turning over for about 15 seconds after I let off of the key switch, it was really strange, of course it drained the battery even more, then quite, then a loud hum came from the engine compartment for about 15 seconds then shut off... anyone know what happened?

bobofthenorth · February 25, 2015, 02:26:56 PM

You burned up your solenoid. Low voltage means higher amps. It was initially hard turning because of the cold - batteries show lower voltage and the oil is thicker. Your solenoid was already on the way out, got hot from the extra amps and the heat stuck the contacts together.

luvrbus · February 25, 2015, 02:52:24 PM

Yep or he melted one of the battery terminals

Bryan · February 25, 2015, 03:22:23 PM

It started right up after I charged the battery again, do you think it's alright?

gumpy · February 25, 2015, 03:41:11 PM

Quote from: Bryan on February 25, 2015, 03:22:23 PM
It started right up after I charged the battery again, do you think it's alright?

Nah, it's toast. You're gonna need a whole new bus!

Just kidding. I don't have any idea if it's ok or not. Usually, though, it's not a good thing when the solenoid sticks. It typically means it's welded it's contacts, and
of course that means it probably has limited life left in it.

bobofthenorth · February 25, 2015, 03:44:40 PM

If you replace the solenoid now the starter may be OK. If it stays engaged sometime when the bus starts you'll need a whole starter.

eagle19952 · February 25, 2015, 03:44:52 PM

Quote from: Bryan on February 25, 2015, 03:22:23 PM
It started right up after I charged the battery again, do you think it's alright?

You might get by IF your battery is ALWAYS fully charged...

There is a copper washer looking contact/connector in there, many can be taken apart and filed/surfaced to remove/reduce pitting and arc markings...Some the washer can be flipped over and there is a new contact surface.
The solenoid is removable without removing the starter.

luvrbus · February 25, 2015, 03:48:27 PM

Same as Craig and Bob said it is only a matter of time before it sticks again or not engage when you least expect it you need to go ahead and spend that 60 bucks for a new one not a rebuilt unit.lol I feel for you changing that sucker on a GM bus

Bryan · February 25, 2015, 04:13:24 PM

How do I know which solenoid it is and where do I buy these? Thanks!

gus · February 25, 2015, 04:25:12 PM

Quote from: Bryan on February 25, 2015, 03:22:23 PM
It started right up after I charged the battery again, do you think it's alright?

Listen very carefully to make sure the starter isn't still engaged while the engine is running. Happened to my 4104.

Luckily I had battery disconnect switches which really cuts down on the smoke!

Bryan · February 25, 2015, 04:42:43 PM

Quote from: gus on February 25, 2015, 04:25:12 PM
Listen very carefully to make sure the starter isn't still engaged while the engine is running. Happened to my 4104.

Luckily I had battery disconnect switches which really cuts down on the smoke!

I do have a battery disconnect right above the battery, by listening to it, how will I recognize if the starter is still engaged?

bobofthenorth · February 25, 2015, 04:48:09 PM

Quote from: Bryan on February 25, 2015, 04:13:24 PM
How do I know which solenoid it is and where do I buy these? Thanks!

Its a little smaller than a can of beans and it lives directly attached to the starter. I know where I'd buy one but I'd buy it from my favorite terrorist starter rebuilders in Saskatoon. That's not much help to you.

Bryan · February 25, 2015, 05:19:38 PM

I just called one of my truck driving buddies and he brought up a good point... it may be that my key switch got hung up, it's a cheapo from autozone.

eagle19952 · February 25, 2015, 05:56:32 PM

Quote from: Bryan on February 25, 2015, 05:19:38 PM
I just called one of my truck driving buddies and he brought up a good point... it may be that my key switch got hung up, it's a cheapo from autozone.

not likely ...

luvrbus · February 25, 2015, 06:09:07 PM

Only 2 solenoids for the 12V Delco 42 starter Delo #s 1115556 or 119851 but I forgot which number is for the 4 terminal or the 3 terminal NAPA will have it or can get it next day.If you have the Allison 730 the starter is probably full of oil and needs to come off anyway to be cleaned