My intermittent starting problem has finally settled into a consistent failure mode. It now requires that I move the gearshift in and out of park while I attempt to start it, which would indicate a failing neutral start switch.

I am informed the part was discontinued in 1995. The number is 1994212, but some dealers may still have it. I am off to buy one and will inquire as to their inventory if anyone is anticipating such a need.

84 gasser.

Bill,
I'm new to the board and have purchased a 1985 28' P-30 454 Barth. It to has a starting problem. It usually occurs after the engine has been running and then shut off. I usually turn the key a few times and it works. Is this the same problem you have been having? If so let us know if your new part works.

Thanks, Ronnie

Hey Ronnie,

Thank you for visiting the site. I too have a 1985 28 foot Regal, great coach isn't it.

I would bet my woven wood shades that you have a hot starter problem. There 454's get hot and the starter is right near that big beast. An heat shield is required. This is common on your coach and others like it. I have a PDF file on this from Chevy and where to put the heat shields. Send me your email and I will email it to you.

Click on the letter logo just about this post to send me an email.

Dave

------------------


1985 28 foot Regal
Dave and Deb Bowers

Dave,
I'll e-mail you when I get home. I have been visiting this site every day and have learned a lot of things about my Barth. You and all of the members are very knowledgeable. I have read about the starter heat problem and that could be the problem. Sometimes it does it before I start the engine so I thought it might be in the ignition switch. Sometimes when the engine has been running and I restart it the starter turns slow (heat problem)so I hit the auxillary battery and it starts.

Thanks,
Ronnie

Well actually Ron, it may be something else. I think the hot start problem symptoms is that you turn the key and it is dead for a second to a few minutes.

------------------


1985 28 foot Regal
Dave and Deb Bowers

Ronnie, here is a link to an earlier post of mine on heat problems in the engine campartment:

https://www.barthmobile.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000225.html

These intermittent things can be frustrating until they fail enough to trouble shoot them. The best technique for your problem is to make a hot light that draws fairly high current. A meter or a standard hot light does not draw enough current ot detect a poor connection. I use both filaments of an 1157 bulb.

Connect one lead to ground and the other to various connections in the chain from the ignition switch to the starter.

There is a cad plated Ford type relay (some call it a solenoid) in the start circuit mounted on the right hand radiator support that sometimes fails. It should click when the ignition switch is moved to start. It should also, of course, pass current when it clicks. One big terminal is hot and the other should be hot when the start circuit is energized. If it does not click, see if one of the small terminals is hot when start is attempted.

It is always a good idea to remove, clean and reassemble every connection. Pay particular attention to the start terminal on the starter solenoid. It really does need that Belleville washer.

I like to run a ground from a starter mounting bolt to the frame, or even to where the battery negative bolts to the frame. A toothed lock washer between the lug and the surface helps, too. After all are tight, shoot a little LPS 3 on each connection to prevent corrosion.

And, as before, if nothing happens when you attempt to start, hold the switch in "start" with your right hand and move the gearshift in and out of park and neutral. If that helps, the neutral safety switch is the culprit.

Bill,
Thanks for the information. I'll start trouble shooting soon.

Thanks,
Ronnie

Dave,
I got your e-mail with the files. Very good info on starter and heat. Thanks for the help.

Ronnie