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Old 07-27-2009, 07:22 AM   #1
Bus Nut
 
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Datil, New Mexico
Posts: 642
Year: 1989
Coachwork: Thomas Transit Liner
Chassis: Freightliner
Engine: CAT 3208 Turbo
Re: Jumpstarting a bus....

I just had the same problem but mine was cranking but on the slow side & the bus would not start... After cranking a while the battery compartment started smoking! Turns out the batteries needed to be filled with distilled water, all connections needed cleaned, & one positive & 2 grounds were loose on the 3 batteries that are in our bus. I cleaned all the connections very well with steel wool, hooked it all back together & put a trickle charger on one of the batteries for about 8 hours & WOW it started immediately! So it is possible to save your batteries, at least it is worth trying... Good luck!

Jonathan

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Old 08-02-2009, 08:49 PM   #2
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: New England
Posts: 1,009
Year: 1993
Coachwork: Ward Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/MT643
Rated Cap: 77
Re: Jumpstarting a bus....

Turn on the interior lights & try to crank the engine. Do the lights dim drastically? If not, it's not the batteries...my money is on the starter solenoid (on the starter like a GM gasser).

If needed, most big auto part stores (Pep Boys, Auto Zone) can test batteries.
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Old 08-03-2009, 05:01 PM   #3
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: California, Just NorthEast of San Fransisco
Posts: 539
Re: Jumpstarting a bus....

Did anyone say to check the battery cables? I remember a friend having problems with his pickup starter... 8 hours later, 6 trips to the automotive store, 3 starters, and 2 battery cables later, he got it to start. One of the cables was broken except for the last to copper wires in it. Replaced both just to be sure they were good.
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Old 08-25-2009, 05:24 PM   #4
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 87
Year: 1991
Coachwork: international
Chassis: thomas
Engine: 7.3
Rated Cap: 22
Re: Jumpstarting a bus....

We have a 7.3 deisel 1991 International .

it says never jump start , it can injury your glow plugs and you . What does this mean and why is the warning on the front of the hood near the grill ?

Hubby uses battery charger but don't know if thats any safer .
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Old 09-09-2009, 07:17 PM   #5
Bus Crazy
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: New England
Posts: 1,009
Year: 1993
Coachwork: Ward Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/MT643
Rated Cap: 77
Re: Jumpstarting a bus....

IH uses 6V glow plugs on a 12V system (don't look at me, I didn't design it!)...the 14+ volts of a jump start can cook the controller or the plugs.

A 12V battery charger is fine.
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