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11-30-2009, 05:57 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
1985 32.5' Airstream 325
Fallbrook
, California
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 5
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85 325 Mechanical problem
I have recently purchased a 1985 325 in springfield Vermont. It has a stating problem. It does not start with ignition key. If you jump the starter it starts right up. So if anyone could give me some advice on how to troubleshoot this I would appreciate it. Also any good mechanics in the Springfield area?
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11-30-2009, 06:18 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1984 28' Funeral Coach
Belleview
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,635
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Len, sounds like a weak starter or starter bendix.
It could simply be the connections to the starter or to the battery.
Check your grounds.
Find a shop that is a good old American Chevy friendly spot.
__________________
Glen Coombe AIR #8416
1984 28' Funeral Coach
Former Rolling Showroom & PuttLab (now party bus)
"I'm not an expert. But I did sleep in an Airstream last night."
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11-30-2009, 06:26 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
Princeton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
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Not sure what engine you are working with but if it is a GM try disconnecting the battery and then tighten the battery cable at the starter. GM takes all power through that stud and they tend to open after time due to heat. If it is loose I would back it off, clean the stud and cable end and retighten. Don't put a lot of force on it as the bolt is only set in the plastic body of the Bendix.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
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11-30-2009, 07:05 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1978 31' Sovereign
Texas Airstream Harbor
, Zavalla, in the Deep East Texas Piney Woods on Lake Sam Rayburn
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,435
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lenmaul
I have recently purchased a 1985 325 in springfield Vermont. It has a stating problem... So if anyone could give me some advice on how to troubleshoot this I would appreciate it.
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Many problems and solutions have been covered in the past - use the "search" function -
Here is a thread covering your problem from 2003-2004:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f159...noid-4748.html
And another from 2003 -2005:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f159...rter-7468.html
__________________
Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
WBCCI # 1113
AirForums #1737
Trailer '78 31' Sovereign
Living Large at an Airstream Park on the Largest Lake Totally Contained in Texas
Texas Airstream Harbor, Inc.
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11-30-2009, 08:47 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2005 25' Safari
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,369
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Ignition switch.
Hi, check your ignition switch, not the key lock cylinder, but the actual electrical switch; They have an overload problem and the switch & connector melts. Replacing the switch without replacing the connector will either not work, or work only for a short time. There is a kit that replaces the ignition switch, connector, and a relay to carry the extra load that caused this problem in the first place.
__________________
Bob 2005 Safari 25-B
"Le Petit Chateau Argent" Small Silver Castle
2000 Navigator / 2014 F-150 Eco-Boost / Equal-i-zer / P-3
YAMAHA 2400 / AIR #12144
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11-30-2009, 10:11 PM
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#6
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
1985 32.5' Airstream 325
Fallbrook
, California
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 5
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Thanks folks
Thanks, between your posts and the links you suggested I have a good idea where to start and have a good overall view of the system.
Len
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12-02-2009, 05:43 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS
Hi, check your ignition switch, not the key lock cylinder, but the actual electrical switch; They have an overload problem and the switch & connector melts. Replacing the switch without replacing the connector will either not work, or work only for a short time. There is a kit that replaces the ignition switch, connector, and a relay to carry the extra load that caused this problem in the first place.
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Bob,
Can you give a little more info on the kit you mentioned? Is it a GM part, aftermarket, or..?
Thanks!
Brad
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
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12-02-2009, 06:09 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Jamestown
, Kentucky
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 577
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Hello Brad, I ask at NAPA yesterday about Bobs post and they said the Kit they knew of Used a remotely located starter solenoid located in a cool, dry place ! something the Mudders use !
We stopped at Panera Bread, Richmond on Monday while bringing the 345 and trailer down to Jamestown. Kind of Tight in the New Plaza area ?
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12-02-2009, 06:35 AM
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#9
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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The above posts have given you a good roadmap to follow....
I would add to the list...neutral safety switch.
TROUBLESHOOTING BASIC STARTING SYSTEM PROBLEMS
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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12-02-2009, 07:46 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
Princeton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bkahler
Bob,
Can you give a little more info on the kit you mentioned? Is it a GM part, aftermarket, or..?
Thanks!
Brad
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GM makes repair kits for several of their known fire hazard problems. In the case of the headlight switch kit it include a new connector and pigtailed wiring to splice into the harness. They never did offer a correction for the flaming windshield wiper motors.
It is my experience that may who have had this problem eventually end up at the starter battery post. During this period on manufacture GM distributed ALL power through this terminal and the heat caused the terminal to open over time. At least check the terminal before spending a lot of money.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
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12-02-2009, 11:26 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2005 25' Safari
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,369
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bkahler
Bob,
Can you give a little more info on the kit you mentioned? Is it a GM part, aftermarket, or..?
Thanks!
Brad
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Hi, Brad. My brother has an SOB motorhome and he bought the kit from a GM dealer.
__________________
Bob 2005 Safari 25-B
"Le Petit Chateau Argent" Small Silver Castle
2000 Navigator / 2014 F-150 Eco-Boost / Equal-i-zer / P-3
YAMAHA 2400 / AIR #12144
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12-03-2009, 04:14 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Silverton
, Colorado
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,102
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We just had quite a bit of work done on our unit...rebuilt distributor...the key ignition was bad...tap the key while running, and the unit shut down...we also had to replace the starter relay located under the doghouse, to the front, on top...could start it jumping around the relay, but the replacement was only $23(and a few choice words during installation...) mike
__________________
Michael & Tracy
1989 345 Motorhome
CHARTER MEMBERS: FOUR CORNERS UNIT, AND PROUD OF IT!!!
We live for the moment, 'cause when you get there, it's gone...
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12-03-2009, 04:48 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
1969 31' Sovereign
Broken Arrow
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,455
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__________________
Garry
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12-03-2009, 05:40 PM
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#14
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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New battery, starter, cables, solenoid, Bendix, ignition switch & cylinder, neutral safety switch, flex plate, and kaneutin valve, that should about do-do it.
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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12-03-2009, 07:23 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Silverton
, Colorado
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,102
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But...
Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS
New battery, starter, cables, solenoid, Bendix, ignition switch & cylinder, neutral safety switch, flex plate, and kaneutin valve, that should about do-do it.
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Ya forgot the window washing thing m
__________________
Michael & Tracy
1989 345 Motorhome
CHARTER MEMBERS: FOUR CORNERS UNIT, AND PROUD OF IT!!!
We live for the moment, 'cause when you get there, it's gone...
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