I am having problems starting my coach. Each time I turn the key to start the motor nothing happens. But if I turn and hold it for 3 to 5 seconds, it starts. Is this somewhat normal or is something bad going on?

Sounds to me like all of your cable ends need to be cleaned....probably resistance when you first turn the key but when you hold it for a few seconds the cables warm up and overcome it. Hard on the batteries and maybe the starter and eventually it probably won't start at all.

Yeah... I thought of that too. The old batteries were 5 years old and about worn out so I bought new ones, cleaned up the cables and put on new terminals. I still get the same thing. After holding the key in the start position for about 5 seconds, it fires right up. I also get a constant 13.9 volts at the starter front post with and without the key in the ignition. Is there suppose to be a constant 13.9 volt at the starter while sitting idle, no key in the ignition?

That's fully-charged, normal voltage.

Sounds like a marginal connection somewhere. The length of time indicates such. One of the connections should be getting hot. I'm going to assume that if you shut it off as soon as it starts, the restart fires right away.

Some HD starters have a grounding strap. I had a similar problem on our GM4106 back in the 90's. Finally crawled under the bus to remove the starter and discovered the additional cable. Cleaned up the chassis end and we were back in business.

I agree with Gary that you should check the grounds. I had starting issues similar to yours, but ignored them until I fried a starter. A starter, because of the way its coils are wound, will try to draw more and more current to rotate. Current is what fries wires.

Fred, Did you get your coolant leakage problem fixed? The posting on this page.

I cleaned up the ground and hot cables at the starter and fumbled around with the ignition switch wires while inspecting them. I wanted to check the ignition relay but cannot locate it. Anyway, after doing the above, the motor fired right up. I will try starting again tomorrow morning and hope this problem is solved. I just got the coach back on Tuesday after having the head gasket replaced and much work done to the exhaust system. They also replaced a cracked belt tensioner, serviced the generator, changed the oil, and greased the chassis. All came to $2535. They actually gave me a thumb drive with photos of the things they did. So far I am pleased.

Fred, Will you please the Reliable Repair Shop here for our members?