Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fuel solenoid

[dbartos]

I had taken my truck to the dealer last week to have the engine checked ( I wanted to know if the turbo was working right. ) they called me later that morning and said that the fuel shutoff solenoid was bad and needed to be replaced before they could check the turbo. They wanted over $600. 00 just to replace the solenoid. I told them I would pass for now. It sounded to me like they just wanted to sell me a repair that I didn’t need. The solenoid seems to work fine to me. The truck starts good and shuts off fine. The problem is low fuel mileage. Can someone tell me why the fuel solenoid has 2 position and does it alow more fuel flow when running or when starting?

 

[Todd T]

it only has one position unless you consider off a position



did they have trouble with it not starting or something? even so dont buy one from the dealer. go to Cummins for any parts you need.



just turn the key on enough to bump the starter and then leave it on, get out and check to make sure it is pulling up all the way. that's it.

 

[shendren]

you should ask more questions. i. e. "why is my solenoid bad?" probably needs a $20 rubber boot!

 

[Deezul1]

2 positions, off, on. there is an actuation coil and a holding coil in the solenoid. It takes lotsa power to pull the thing into the run position but very little to hold it there. It only actuates when the key is in the start position so bumping the starter is the only way to get it to pull in. If this doesnt happen and there is a failure to light off then leave the key on and go reach under the solenoid and push up on the arm and it should latch in and stay and the truck will start fine. These solenoids are very rugged and dont often go bad, usually its the relay with burnt contacts that are the problem and Radio Shack has a generic relay that fits right in that costs $6. 00 PT#275-226.

 

[LarryB]

Here is a link to a wiring diagram that might make it a little clearer. Fuel shut down is on the upper right side.

Larry

 

[shendren]

i'll bet that cleared it right up for him larry !

 

[LarryB]

:-laf

 

[QRTRHRS]

dbartos,



Seeing you have a 95' with a fair number of miles, do you know if the starter contacts were ever replaced? Easy job to do. Worn contacts contribute to selenoid problems. I know this first hand. Lots of threads about this to read.

 

[CumminsPower98]

You guys always talk about being able to replace the solenoid boot but I have had no luck. I called up Cummins Intermountain in SLC and they said I could not get the boot alone. I even gave them the part number that someone on this board gave me and it didn't come up on their system. Anyone know where I can one?



Thanks,

Mark

 

[shendren]

solenoid boot (part number SA4153) - $19. 95 They are available at all Cummins Rocky Mountain locations.

 

[Runaway Ron]

I replaced my boot last spring. I tried the Rocky Mountain locations and even with the part # they said it was not their item. So I looked on some old threads and found Jefferson Diesel Specialists who have the boot. The price is $32. 45. The phone # is (504)340-5162 ask for John.

It was easy to change. The plunger on the solenoid has a shaft with a ball joint on the end which goes into the plunger. The snap ring which holds the ball into the socket was worn out on my solenoid. When it came out, my engine would would not start. When I figured out what was the problem was (from reading the posts about the solenoid) I found out that the boot was also shot. I asked around about anyone having the snap ring to no avail. Even tried the bearing shops. I finally found one that worked at Lowes Home Improvement. Its the type that looks like a horse shoe and has three bumps on the inside. Put the ball into the socket then pop the snap ring into place. Its been working great! Ron

 

[CumminsPower98]

Thanks for the phone number and name, I will give them a call.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Actually there are three positions (or is it four) for fuel shut off solenoid.



When you turn igniton to run position (hold coil) the rod moves aprox 1/8" to 1/"4 inch upward. ( I don't know if any fuel can pass thru to injector/afc housing in this position. )

When you turn ignition to start postion(start coil) the rod moves all the way up.



Most likely relays/wiring/connections will act up before fuel shut off solenoid acts up.

I believe rod can be adjusted if moving to far up or not enough.



If you have "better half"( or anyone you can volunteer) have her turn the ignition while you watch the rod move.



Of course when ignition is turned to off postion rod should drop

all the way down.

1. ready position(pre fueling) 2. start position(start coil) 3. two hold positions (1. low position,2. high position) 4. off/pre fuel.