Please help: Motorhome was killing batteries and eating alternator belts. We found that an incorrect amp alternator was put on as a replacement and previous person damaged the radiator. So I replaced alternator, thermostat, and had radiator repaired. After putting everything back, I now have no start, no headlights, no radio, just a brake light. Through checking things me and a family member mechanic have replaced: starter, starter solenoid, ignition switch, ignition control module and ignition tumbler. If you 'jump' the starter solenoid the motor started once with the fuel left in the carb but not since then since no power is going through ignition to fuel pumps. After you jump the starter, the starter wire on solenoid will show close to 12 volts. Also when you jump the starter solenoid the amperage must be high because it almost welds the wire to the post!

It seems as if there are two issues going on, a bad ground somewhere, and a broken fuse/wire to ignition.

We are out of ideas unless you count setting it on fire and calling it a day !! Just kidding

 

I have the same motor home, it sounds like you have a direct short somewhere and you have popped one or both of the fusible links. They are orange, one on each side of the engine, up by the solenoids on the rad panel. If the orange wire is all crinkly and burned thats the problem. Remove the battery before you start a fire and then look for the burned wires, and or shorted wires.

 

Thanks for your suggestion. I will check! Do you have a wiring diagram for the secondary battery compartment? I'm thinking this could be part of the problem too.

 

No I don't, I suspect you are correct that the secondary battery compartment could be the issue. My fusible link on that side was burned out and replaced by the previous owner with a house hold 30 amp fuse. Needless to say I not putting a battery in there till its sorted out.