Cummins VT370M fuel/shut down solenoid

[SeaEric]

The boat is a 1970 Hatteras 53 Classic MY with the original (optional power) Cummins VT370's. This is the 785 cubic inch V-8, not the 903 although the fuel/shutdown solenoid configuration may indeed be the same. This is (obviously) a 32 volt boat, with 32 volt start engines.

This morning, which was survey, seatrial day of course, the port engine would not start. She spun over like gangbusters, no start. We quickly figured that a lack of fuel was the issue. This was confirmed by a mechanic who pronounced the fuel shut off solenoid as being deceased. For some reason, he keeps insisting that this solenoid is a 12 volt piece of equipment, and that the voltage to the supply wires is 32 volts. As I understand it, the solenoid is an electro-magnet type deal that snaps open or closed to admit fuel, or shut it off to stop the motor. Is it possible that it can operate on a range of voltage? Mechanic thinks there is some sort of electrical device that drops the voltage from 32v to 12v for this device. I say hogwash. It operates as intended, on 32v. Or, perhaps this part is available in 12v and 32v.

So my question is: Who is confused? The highly trained, seasoned professional mechanic - or the idiot yacht broker (me) ?

 

[Boatsb]

Have the mechanic replace it and if it does not work it's on him.

 

[SeaEric]

The problem is that he voiced his concern to the buyer. Mechanic thinks that there's a "screwed up wiring problem" and that the 12v solenoid may work for a while, but will fail very soon. Given his already expressed concern, he is unlikely to stand behind the repair.

 

[bigbill]

whats the chance that someone replaced the original 32v shutdown with a 12v(by mistake, or the only one he could find) check the other engine and see what is on it.

 

[Canuck Dennis]

The fact that the mechanic did not do a comparison, tells the story of his qualifications, could possibly lose a sale because of his lack of training...seems almost predictable today..

 

[Avenger]

There's a knob on the front of the solenoid that will allow you to maually override the solenoid and get the engine started. Then you have to uscrew it to shut the engine off. This allows you to a) do your seatrial b) prove that the solenoid is, in fact, the problem.

I've seen the solenoids in 12 and 24V, but off the top of my head don't remember seeing them in 32V. However, if you can wait until Monday when I'm at work I'll see if 32V is available.

Oh, BTW, did anybody stick a voltmeter on the leads to see what the system is supplying to the solenoid.

 

[SeaEric]

There's a knob on the front of the solenoid that will allow you to maually override the solenoid and get the engine started. Then you have to uscrew it to shut the engine off. This allows you to a) do your seatrial b) prove that the solenoid is, in fact, the problem.

I've seen the solenoids in 12 and 24V, but off the top of my head don't remember seeing them in 32V. However, if you can wait until Monday when I'm at work I'll see if 32V is available.

Oh, BTW, did anybody stick a voltmeter on the leads to see what the system is supplying to the solenoid.

Unfortunately, the threads seem stripped on the knob - we did try that and did get her to run briefly. Mech did put a volt meter on the leads and she has 32v there.

If you can check if a 32v version of this exists, that would be wonderful. Thanks in advance!

 

[SeaEric]

The fact that the mechanic did not do a comparison, tells the story of his qualifications, could possibly lose a sale because of his lack of training...seems almost predictable today..

He says both engines have the same solenoid, both have 32v coming to them as tested.

 

[Canuck Dennis]

RPM and diesel Pro both show solenoids available, rpm do not "detail" voltage, diesel pro shows 12&24v

 

[Boatnut]

Can't you get the part from Cummins, insure the buyer it has been properly repaired with an OEM part to reassure the customer it has been properly addressed?

A 12 or 24 volt unit may work but not for very long. These parts a voltage specific.

 

[Avenger]

32V complete shutdown assy. P/N BM69988, coil only P/N 134077. Doesn't seem to be available aftermarket so you're probably stuck with the stealer,... uhhh.... dealer.

 

[SeaEric]

32V complete shutdown assy. P/N BM69988, coil only P/N 134077. Doesn't seem to be available aftermarket so you're probably stuck with the stealer,... uhhh.... dealer.

Thanks!

 

[krush]

Is the solenoid just operate for shutdown? If that is the case, the lifespan of a 24V unit running at 32V may be surprisingly long.

 

[scary]

Try Drake Controls, they may have what your looking for. Cummins will be close to $500 with shipping.

Drake Controls West
7050 Village Dr
Suite A
Buena Park, CA 90621
909-599-9000 PH
714-562-1077 fax

 

[Avenger]

Thanks!

U R welcome.

Is the solenoid just operate for shutdown? If that is the case, the lifespan of a 24V unit running at 32V may be surprisingly long.

They're energize to run. There may be ETSO solenoids for them, but I've never seen one. They did offer a cable-operated version though.

 

[SeaEric]

Its now fixed and running. Shut down assembly part was $141.90 plus a few $ more for bits and pieces. Labor was around $200. which was for 2 trips to the boat - one to diagnose and one trip to install. The mechanic also cleaned up the connections, put new ends on the wires and shrink wrapped the connections. I thought this was quite reasonable.

Thanks everyone for your help.