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Intermittent Failure to Start

Originally Published in MotorHome Magazine

I have a 1996 Fleetwood Bounder motor­home powered by a 7.5-liter Ford V-8. I have never had a problem with starting it until this year. It starts fine sometimes and only cranks over other times. When it wants to, it starts on the first crank and runs fine. I have checked all the fuses and all have power to both sides with the ignition on. One 20-amp fuse loses power when I crank the engine. The others are fine. Without a schematic, I am assuming the one losing power is the heat and air fuse. I would like some idea as to what to look for before I take it to a shop and have them throw parts at it. I need your help, please. Thank you in advance.
Jim Hall | Horseshoe Bend, Ark.

It’s very likely not getting spark when it doesn’t start. Get a spark checker from Harbor Freight or an auto parts store. If it’s getting good spark when cranking, but won’t start, it’s likely not getting a proper fuel mixture.
— Ken Freund

Ken Fruend smiling


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