Cummins 5.9 Starter Issues

[#RomaZuri22#]

I am a new owner of a 1995 Ford Thomas bus. I purchased the bus in Colorado in December and drove it to Maine. It ran really well, no major issues.

I was attempting to start the bus and the starter seemed to just quit. I was told there might be a way to jump the hot connection from the solenoid to the starter.

Can anyone give me some tips on this? Today when I tried it I got a lot of sparks so i think I was touching the negative to the positive connections.

Trying to move the bus before going to a mechanic if possible!

Thank you

Nick

[mhaisten]

Does it make a fairly loud “click” when you turn the key? If yes then you are probably getting power to the starter and it is dead. If you don’t get the click then you either are not getting power to the relay or it is bad. A quick check with a volt meter as to where the power stops is going to be a big help.

[#RomaZuri22#]

Thank you for the reply. I am still getting the loud click. So I should still be getting power. Is there any other potential diagnosis I can check before I have the starter replaced?

I spoke with a mechanic today who can come by tomorrow. If there is anything else I can try as a novice with this stuff I am happy to learn before spending money.

[jimmythomas]

Step one: Charge the batteries.

[#RomaZuri22#]

Originally Posted by jimmythomas

Step one: Charge the batteries.

The batteries are charged, I also tried with jumper cables.

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

battery voltage
battery connections at both ends.

[HamSkoolie]

A hammer, a plastic one (even dead blow) preferred but metal okay with caution.


Attempt to start using the ignition key
IF NO START:

Check for voltage to the starter solenoid and battery to starter cable
IF NO VOLTAGE AT EITHER T/S FAILED CIRCUIT
IF VOLTAGE PRESENT AT BOTH:
Rap the starter housing with the hammer.
Attempt to start.
IF ENGINE STARTS: Remove starter and have rebuilt or replace it it is failing

IF ENGINE DOESN'T START: Continue with additional T/S steps