N14 Base Engine Troubleshooting and Repair Manual – Engine Will Not Crank or Cranks Slowly (Electric Starter)

Symptom Tree  t078

This is symptom tree t078
Cause Correction

Battery voltage is low

Check the batteries and the unswitched battery supply circuit. Refer to Procedure 013-009 or Procedure 019-087 in the Troubleshooting and Repair Manual CELECT™ Plus Systems, Bulletin 3666130, or Troubleshooting and Repair Manual CELECT™ Systems, Bulletin 3666084 and the OEM service manual.

 

Battery cables or connections are loose, broken, or corroded (excessive resistance)

Check the battery cables and connections. Refer to Procedure 013-009.

 

Engine-driven units are engaged

Disengage engine-driven units.

 

Lubricating oil temperature is below specificationProcedure 013-009

Install an oil pan heater, or drain the oil and fill the system with warm oil.

 

Lubricating oil does not meet specifications for operating conditions

Change the oil and filters. Refer to Procedure 007-013.

 

Crankshaft rotation is impaired

Check the crankshaft for ease of rotation. Refer to Procedure 001-016.

 

Battery capacity is below specification

Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Replace the batteries if necessary.

 

Batteries are cold

Check the battery heater. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Battery cables are not the correct gauge or length

Replace the battery cables with larger gauge or shorter length cables. Refer to Electrical System Specifications in Section 13.

 

Starting circuit component is malfunctioning

Check the starting circuit components. Refer to the OEM service manual.

 

Starting motor pinion or ring gear is damaged

Remove the starting motor, and inspect the gear. Refer to Procedure 013-020 and the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Hot stall (hot start) in engine

Engine is hot and experiencing vapor lock. Refer to the OEM service manual.

 

Hydraulic lock in a cylinder

Remove the injectors and rotate the crankshaft. Look for the source of fluid in the cylinder. Refer to Procedures 006-026 and 001-016.

 

Internal engine damage

Analyze the oil and inspect the filters to locate an area of probable damage. Inspect for damaged crankshaft, pistons, and liners. Refer to Procedure 007-083.

 
Last Modified:  29-Mar-2005