MEP-804B cranks and starts sporadically

Barn-1 said:

I have been running this MEP once every week or two since I got it in August '23. From time to time it won't crank. The fuel pump runs but it will not turn over. I can try it a few days later and it will start. I am new to Steel Soldiers so forgive me if I have missed a thread that covers this. It will crank with the manual switch but will not with S1. After it won't crank the low oil pressure light comes on. Any help will be appreciated. I have the manual, but this is my first MEP, so go easy on me.

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Guyfang said:

The reason no one has written anything is because your thread is in the wrong place. I will move it.

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Guyfang said:

I have been running this MEP once every week or two since I got it in August '23. From time to time it won't crank. The fuel pump runs but it will not turn over. I can try it a few days later and it will start. I am new to Steel Soldiers so forgive me if I have missed a thread that covers this. It will crank with the manual switch but will not with S1. After it won't crank the low oil pressure light comes on. (This is normal. There is no engine oil pressure) Any help will be appreciated. I have the manual, but this is my first MEP, so go easy on me.

Open up the control panel and take a picture of the S1 start switch. Lets see what version you have.

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Guyfang said:

The S1 you have is what we call the Mark 2. It is a known problem child. This could very well be your problem. Look in the -24 TM for the test procedures for the switch.

Also make sure all the wires are tight on the switch.

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Barn-1 said:

Will do. The connections are good and tight, but I will test the switch this weekend. Thank You

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Scoobyshep said:

Check relay K15

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Guyfang said:

Sorry to hear that. We went through it 5 years ago. Was a long row to hoe. Family comes first. Always.

When you try and start it, and it will not crank over, check this. Find K2. Set your MM, (multi meter) on VDC. Put one lead on K2-X1. K2 is the crank relay. X1 is where the voltage goes into K2 to energise the crank relay. Put the other lead on a good ground. Bare metal. Have someone try and crank the engine over. What is the VDC reading on your MM? If you get 24VDC, (or about that) on the meter, (Still keeping S1 in the start position!!) remove the MM lead from X1 and put it on X2. What is on the meter?

If you are not sure where to put your leads on K2, here is a picture.

View attachment 924054

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