generator temperature dependent

soricobob · 01-20-2011, 05:27 AM

I first noticed that my generator was dead (no noise, no attempt to turn over) on a cold morning when we were leaving Reno a few years ago. As we drove south to Vegas I attempted to start it on several occasions (to no avail). After we parked and hooked up in Vegas it started (I didn't need it then but was curious). Since we usually travel only in the summer, or spring, it has never happened again. I keep it stored in a facility which has cover/electric, and only start the generator once in a while. I tried to start it last week, when the temperature was in the 40's-dead! Yesterday, it was in the 70's-no problem, started right up. Since it is not fuel level related, and the only thing that seems to be a common factor is cold, may I ask: anyone else have similar problems, and anyone have any ideas?

GaryKD · 01-20-2011, 07:15 AM

Hi soricobob,
Could the preheat cycle be broken?

soricobob · 01-20-2011, 07:47 AM

I never knew there was one, but will have Scott look when I take it to La Mesa in April.

**"007"** · 01-20-2011, 07:55 AM

Some Gen's had a summer winter adjustment on air filter housing don't know if it applies to yours.

Norm4015 · 01-20-2011, 07:10 PM

Since it is dead, dead, dead - I think it is a bad electrical connection. Metal expands and shrinks due to the temperature and it is losing a good connection.

Iron Man · 01-20-2011, 09:07 PM

Since it would not turn over...
I would check the electrical connections at the starter
which switch did you try to start from and did you use the same switch when it started
marginal chassis batteries and the long cable run to generator
On a 2004 Essex I had a bad chassis battery and generator would barley turn over but I could start the motor then alternator would charge the batteries and then I could start generator.

soricobob · 01-21-2011, 07:15 AM

I have always used the dashboard switch. I sure appreciate all these ideas, and will bring them to Scott when I take the coach in for service in April.

**"007"** · 01-21-2011, 07:47 AM

Not knowing what MFG of Gen some of the Onan's would collect moisture on back of control panel that would require the board to be flipped down and use some contact spray to clean.
Maybe could apply to other makes also.

soricobob · 05-10-2011, 02:48 PM

Just heard from Newmar regarding this issue: press down on "stop" side of switch for several minutes before pressing "on"- that acts as pre-heat for glow plug!