RE: Motorhome still won't start....what next? (Update 4/21)
Thanks guys. We bought a battery charger, and the battery was only at 55% percent. We charged it, but still no go. Still will not turn over. The cranking sounds normal.....not too fast, not too slow.
When I try the battery light and the engine light comes on. I do hear the buzz of the fuel pump.
We are throwing in the the towel. This has just been majorly stressful. Tommorrow I am calling ERS and having it towed to a local truck shop, and hope and pray it's nothing major.
I appreciate everyone's input. I'll let you know what they find.
RE: Motorhome still won't start....what next? (Update 4/21)
Thank you all for your feedback. Will tell DH not to do the seafoam.
Still no luck. Engine cranks but won't turn over. Bought a battery charger and are going to try to re-charge the chassis battery (which we bought new Thursday night). It is new, so I assumed it should be fully charged.
If that doesn't work we're just going to have it towed. I am very discouraged right now. It's not about the money to have it towed, I just have heard all kinds of horror stories about towing and I am just nervous.
Motorhome still won't start....what next? (Update 4/21)
Update 4/21
Had the motorhome towed today. Despite all the horror stories I've heard, it was a fairly non-traumatic experience. The service was very good, and the guy was very helpful, careful and knowledgeable.
Preliminary diagnosis-bad fuel pump. Replacement estimate about $900 (6 hours of labor). Our warranty through Ford expired 4/15. This would have ordinarily been a covered component.
I called Ford. Since I have a private shop work on the MH, it is not at a Ford dealer. The Ford Motorhome Assistance folks were very helpful, and once the repair is complete, I need to submit a copy of the bill to that group within Ford, and they will determine if they will cover it. Both folks (one a supervisor, and yes I got their names) I spoke to at Ford said based on the closeness to the end of my warranty, there was a good chance at least something should be covered.
So, we'll see. Won't breathe easy until unit is repaired and running, but at least it wasn't something engine related/super major. And, I suppose I am grateful it happened while in my driveway, and not while I was traveling.
I appreciate everyone's assistance. I'll continue to keep you posted as I have updates.
Hi all-
Background:
2006 Four Winds Hurricane v10 18K miles
Chassis battery died (long story) and 4-5 month old gas~ no stabilizer. Went out to start it. It didn't.
DH & friend replaced chassis battery. We are now getting more than the clicking we were initially get it, but we still can't get it to start. It won't quite turn over. Twice we got it to but the engine kind of coughed/sputtered and stopped. Our friend suspects bad fuel/condensation in gas tank.
Battery light still comes on. So does the engine light, occasionally.
We bought some fuel injection cleaner by Lucas, and some seafoam. Pep boys recommended putting the fuel injection cleaner in the gas tank, and to do a 50/50 mix of seafoam and water in a spray bottle and spray it over the air filter. We plan on doing this tommorrow (DH is gone today)
They looked at the engine and friend also suggested a tune up and spark plug replacement before having it towed (which we are trying to avoid)
Any other suggestions/items we should be looking at?
As always, I appreciate everyone's help!
RE: Motorhome won't start-Advice/thoughts?
Thanks for all your help guys!
Update 9:53 PM...DH is out with our friend. They are in the process of replacing the engine battery. It was totally dead. Our friend saw that it was also leaking battery acid. They are out cleaning up now.
Here's hoping we have a running engine soon!
Motorhome won't start-Advice/thoughts?
Unit: 2006 Four Winds Hurricane
Engine: Ford V10
Background: Batteries died on both the house and the chassis (long story). The house batteries were going bad and we need to replace.
Was able to get plugged back in, and charge the house battery (which is still very degraded-does not charge back up fully and drains quickly). Not sure if being plugged in to shore and/or genny will charge chassis battery.
Upon initial attempt to start I just recieved a clicking. After charging some, and using the aux start, I can get an actual engine sound, the dash lights come on (including the battery light). When I try to start the engine, lights in the house dim and flicker.
So, up to this point, I have not been able to charge the chassis enough to turn it over (but it tries more than when it was initially dead).
Last night, my husband tried to jump start it. He let his engine (a GM V6 run for about 15 minutes) and attempted to start the chassis. He said it almost turned over but he may have flooded it. Still no luck. He is having a friend over, bringing some terminal cleaner and spray etc. and they are going to give it another go.
1) My concern now is that shouldn't his battery have charged my battery enough to start?
2) What else could it be? Are there other options? Could I replace my coach battery, charge it up, and would that be enough to start my engine? (because of the location of the engine battery, I am not sure either myself of the DH could change it on our own)
3) We put gas in it in December. Almost full tank. We FORGOT (I know we were wrong) to put stabilizer in. Should the quality of the gas be a concern as well.
Any other thoughts? We are really trying to troubleshoot ourselves and avoid (if possible) having it towed. I have a good shop if need be, but I am nervous about towing.
RE: Ok, now what?
Well, I am thinking it might....
Since plugging in to shore power this afternoon, when I attempt to start it, my dashboard now lights up, odo comes on, and the lights come on (including my battery light). So I am assuming that means my engine battery is charging, too?
BTW-based on looking through various other forum posts...verifies a battery problem if, when the house lights are on, and I try to start it, if the lights dim that confirms it...well, my lights dim!
Either way, we're going to leave it plugged in over night, see what happens. If we can't start it, we'll just jump it tommorrow.
RE: Ok, now what?
I appreciate everyone's help.
I have some good news. While I still can not start the MH, after charging for the afternoon, when I turn it over the engine ATTEMPTs to start (but doesn't quite yet turn over). The lights on my dash are now turning on. I am hoping by the morning, everything will start.
I talked to the truck shop that services the RV. Once I get it started, we'll go over and have both batteries replaced, just to be safe.
BTW-the MH is a gasser.
RE: Ok, now what?
Thanks everyone~ and thanks to the post about the battery...
I found my chassis battery. I also talked to Four Winds...they said the batteries probably need to be replaced (duh!) and that it may not start after charging...and I should get it jumped.
1) Joined ERS (since I needed roadside assistance anyway ) and will wait until Jackson gets home tonight and take a crack at jumping the beast......if we can get it started the alternator should charge the battery the rest of the way.
Then it's on to get new batteries! And, I figured out where the water goes, too :). Thank goodness for little victories.
What kind of batteries does everyone recommend for the house & chassis? Four Winds suggested Interstate RV/Marine batteries for both....feedback?
RE: Ok, now what?
I am not sure if I could get someone to jump start-now don't laugh, husband & I are totally non-mechanically inclined (but I am betting you guys have figured that out already )
Won't the genset (or plugging in to shore power) eventually charge the chassis battery enough to start it?
When I try to start it clicks. I did just notice, though the battery light on my dash is now coming on (flickering, but coming on)
I have a call in to Fourwinds to verify the location of my coach battery.
Ok, now what?
Coach is TOTALLY dead. Was plugged in to shore power that must have tripped. MH won't start.
Re-tripped circuit. Started genset. Unplugged from shore. Letting genny run to charge everything.
1) Dealer says that eventually should charge chassis battery enough to start. Is that correct? How long should it take?
2) YES I KNOW THIS WAS MY FAULT~ Was not aware of battery maintenance (ie distilled water). Went to look at my house battery. How the heck do I get the top off to put the distilled water in? It's got a plastic top, and the connections from my coach are screwed in.
3) Where is my chassis battery? One of the other posters said that probably needs water too. My house battery is by itself in a compartment on the side.
Please don't lecture me on my ignorance. I know now I made an error that is at least going to cost me 2 new batteries (among other things). I am just trying not to panic and get an understanding so I don't make an error like this again.
RE: Help-house battery & electric steps
First-thank MOST of you for the advice.
I am aware now I was neglient with the batteries, so this is obviously a learning experience.
Tommorrow, I'll go out and see what I find (in terms of doing a practice fill with water).
Question w/the engine battery this might sound ignorant, but....does that need water too? The MH is starting with no problem, so I am not sure the engine battery is losing charge. If it is the engine battery, when I start the coach, I should be able to use my steps, correct (assuming it's the battery and not the motor)
In terms of the steps, we do have a switch that we use and keep them extended when camping parked. We put them in during the winter (the MH is stored in our driveway). But, I will be more aware.
Help-house battery & electric steps
Good afternoon-
I have a 2006 Four Winds Hurricane (Class A), with a couple of issues I need to address...and I am looking for input/help.
I leave it plugged in when at home. When unplugged, my house batteries lose charge pretty fast (within 12-15 hours)-and that's if it was just sitting (not using any of the appliances). This past summer, I was losing charge in less than 12 hours-overnight (with nothing running). The charge would get so low, I couldn't even start the generator.
My electric step stopped working. Does not go out when I open the door. Even when plugged in. The light below the step goes on, but that's it. I thought I read somewhere that could be tied to the battery?
Now, I don't know anything about battery maintenance, so I have not filled up anything with distilled water. My first course of action was to get a new battery. If that is the correct first step, does anyone have any recommendations for what kind of battery to get? I boondock fairly regularly at dog shows, and was interested in not only replacing my house battery but adding a second.
I figured if that did not work, I'd take the RV in to a truck shop that we use (that can work on my steps) to fix the steps and to wire in the 2nd battery.
Am I on the right track? Did I do something to degrade my batteries?
Any input would be appreciated.
RE: Bassett Hound
Hi~
Bassets are a great breed (but then, of course, I am little biased). We share our homes (and RV) with 4 rescued basset hounds, ages 7 months to about 9 years. I show 2 of them successfully in agility and have a hoot doing it.
We travel a lot in our RV with them and they travel very nicely. Don't have a problem with excessive howling and barking, however we've trained ours on a "no bark" command. Don't let their laid back personality fool you~ they can have a quite a bit of energy and should be walked regularly.
Ear & skin problems are common with the breed. Feeding a high quality food will combat that, along with regular ear cleaning.
Bassets are generally great tempered dogs that get along with pretty much everyone.
There is a great basset rescue in New England (www.nebhr.org) I'd highligh encourage you to consider opening up your heart and homes to a rescued basset. I've had the pleasure of being owned by 9 rescued hounds, and haven't regretted a minute of it.
And, BHRA is also a great group to work with. We adopted one of our seniors (now ATB) Clemmie from there a few years back. We are in New York, and despite the distance, the adoption experience was a very positive one.
Good luck!
RE: How many members do Agility with their dogs?
We're actually headed in a few hours to Cleveland to the Crown Classic, where we'll be showing in agility.
I think I met you guys at DOTCORNY last month. I do agility with my bassets. The 2 I am presently showing is:
C-ATCH2 Buford T Flatfoot CGC RE NAJ NAP NJP OFP TN-N ChCl ChWC ChSN ChFH ChJP ChST
He was
AKC #1 Ranked Basset Hound Novice Preferred 2007 (Front & Finish)
AKC #1 Ranked Basset Hound Novice Jumpers Preferred 2007 (Front & Finish)
I think in Jumpers he was #2 overall in the Hound Class and in the top 10 Hounds in Standard, as well.
1st (and only) Basset to complete the Clean Run 60 Weave Pole Challenge
2nd Basset Hound to earn the CPE C-ATCH
2nd Basset Hound to earn the CPE C-ATCH2
He placed 4th in his height class (8") in Games in the 2008 CPE Nationals
Buford is a lovely little basset hound who has a great work ethic. He LOVES his agility (a little too much, sometimes). And, he is fast. At our last show during one of his "Ye-haw!" runs, although he was way zoomie, someone told me he looked like an out of control border collie. I'll take that as a compliment :)
I am also showing Princess (Lucas's Definitely a Diva) CTL1 CTL2-H CTL2-F CTL2-S We just started showing her in CPE mid-summer, primarily just to work on confidence building. She's a rescue who was locked in a laundry room for 2 years of her life.
We compete primarily in AKC and CPE Agility (CPE being a preference-and there is lots of it). We dabble some in USDAA & NADAC(not much around here). Buford is titled in 3 venues, has Q's in 5. Princess will begin showing in AKC hopefully in February~ I just have to teach her to weave.
We just adopted a 3.5 month old basset hound puppy "Hobbes". After the New Year we will start his foundation work and hope he will follow in Buford & Princess's footsteps.
Although we compete with non-traditional breeds, I wouldn't trade my guys and the successes we have had for the world. And, to top it all off, all of the bassets who share our lives are rescues, which makes it all that much sweeter.
