Community Forums

Crop Duster · 10-13-2018, 09:02 PM

First trip in our new coach to the grandkids for a shakedown run. For the last 3 weeks we’ve been getting it setup the way we like it. Serviced the generator and noticed the positive battery cable on the back was corroded so I cut it off and crimped on a new one. After changing oil and air filter it started right up. But today it just clicks. Even with main engine running. I’ve searched the forum and this seems to be a problem with CC. When we get home I’m going to slide up under the generator with volt meter and check voltage while DW pushes start button. My thinking is either a loose connection somewhere or a bad starter. We sure would appreciate any ideas on this. Thanks, barryb

WinnieView · 10-13-2018, 11:46 PM

Voltage level of the batteries at rest and with a draw is probably the key.

Rsponsford · 10-14-2018, 12:02 AM

Starter solenoid should also be checked.

twinboat · 10-14-2018, 05:25 AM

Did you use the proper gauge terminal for the cable and crimp tool ? Classic bad connection symptom.

Always look where the last guy worked.

Crop Duster · 10-14-2018, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Did you use the proper gauge terminal for the cable and crimp tool ? Classic bad connection symptom.

Always look where the last guy worked.

Yes, used copper terminal and big crimping tool with 2 foot handles. Confident I have a good connection there. I never have got it to start without the main engine running until I changed the terminal. Back to original but worse. Connections all good at 105 amp circuit breaker. Suspect loose wire or corrosion inside generator frame. I need to re-look at wiring to solenoid/starter.

Has anyone put another battery up front? Maybe put it in the front left bay? It seems like a long way for the power to come from to start the generator.

Rsponsford · 10-14-2018, 09:49 AM

You can add a designated battery but you would need to also add a battery isolator so it can charge along with the house batteries without depleting the house batteries. The generator doesn’t have an alternator so the generator battery gets charged from the converter/charger same as the house batteries. The generator battery would also charge while plugged into shore power along with the house batteries. When CC installed a designated battery for the generator they used a group 27 marine battery which holds a charge better between long periods of non-use. You would also probably also want to add a boost setup with a switch and solenoid. Overall it’s a nice setup to have but takes a little work and planning to get it right. It may or may not address the problem you’re facing so I wouldn’t do it as a solution, but only as feature you wanted to add anyway.

Crop Duster · 10-15-2018, 02:58 PM

Feeling a little foolish. Apparently, the clicking I’ve been hearing was not the solenoid chattering. It was the fuel pump. I had to hold the starter button down for 15-30 seconds and then it just started. So glad I don’t have to remove and install new starter. I was not looking forward to that.

My propane powered 6300 Onan is nothing like this. You simply push starter button and it starts.

deandec · 10-16-2018, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crop Duster

Feeling a little foolish. Apparently, the clicking I’ve been hearing was not the solenoid chattering. It was the fuel pump. I had to hold the starter button down for 15-30 seconds and then it just started. So glad I don’t have to remove and install new starter. I was not looking forward to that.

My propane powered 6300 Onan is nothing like this. You simply push starter button and it starts.

Actually the chattering you hear may be the pre-start heat function (which is a separate toggle on my rig).

TTD · 10-27-2018, 10:37 AM

I was coming in here to post this info and then saw this thread.

My generator had been working flawlessly all summer and I decided to exercise it yesterday... and got the "clicking" sound.

Apparently, even just 40 to 50 degree temps is cold enough that it needs time to get heated up.

I was very happy to find out the fix is simply to hold the button down longer.

BrianGlenn · 10-27-2018, 11:27 AM

Diesel engine glow plug cycle time - monitors coolant temp and will delay start until glow plugs run for a predetermined/programmed time.

My start button is lighted and flashes while glow plugs cycle.

I pretty well always push my BOOST button and gen start at the same time. They are side by side in my entry door overhead cabinet (2007 Allure).

Brian

TTD · 10-27-2018, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianGlenn

I pretty well always push my BOOST button and gen start at the same time. They are side by side in my entry door overhead cabinet (2007 Allure).
Brian

Mine are also together ... mind if I ask what is the logic in always pressing both? (assuming batteries are all charged)

BrianGlenn · 10-27-2018, 02:24 PM

Correct. Not needed when both batteries are fully charged. However I usually start generator when coach batteries are under 12V and start batteries are fully charged. Say after a day of dry camping and inverter was running coffee pot, satellite tv, charging phones Etc.

Brian