genset starting problem

[HD rver]

I'm having trouble starting the genset on our 2002 dip, I know I have about a half tank of fuel, but the fuel gage isn't working(bad ground) would that keep it from starting? I guess it could be the cold temps. I didn't have any trouble before the weather got cold. Could there be a block heater that I haven't found? Thks, Chuck & Cissie

[Mike Canter]

Can you tell us what genset this is and if it is gas or diesel.

[RVRon]

And, is it turning over or is it just dead?

[daveshan]

If it's an Onan Quiet Diesel check the main glow plug fuse. It's under the small access cover on the top of the generator.

Mine would take 4-5 tries at 60ºF when I bought it and by the time I got half way home and tried it at 30º it wouldn't go at all. New fuse and it starts first/2nd time at 10º

[Cayman09]

Just make sure you have enough fuel. No fuel gauge, about 1/2 tank. Is the MH level? Depending on the fuel pick up location, if the fuel is low (1/4 tank) it won't start.

I would try to fill it before...Of course, that's assuming the gen is trying to start.

[HD rver]

Thks guys, it is a Onan Quiet Diesel. When I try starting it just does the little klicking sound, but doesn't turn over. daveshan i'll check the fuses. Thks, Chuck & Cissy

[ahicks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD rver Thks guys, it is a Onan Quiet Diesel. When I try starting it just does the little klicking sound, but doesn't turn over. daveshan i'll check the fuses. Thks, Chuck & Cissy

Mine will click for a few seconds (priming/warming) prior to the starter engaging. Wondering if you're giving it enough time?

[johnsonjm209]

My gas Onan Generator would run about 3 seconds and then wouldn't start at all. I had the guy that services my home generator look at it. He had it forever but it was over his head.
I talked to my mechanic. He said it is a motor, he can fix it , bring it in. He fixed it and said it needed a new carburator. $200+ bucks and it's as good as new.

Don't know if this even relates to a diesel.

[Barlow46]

Are you plugged into shore power? Sounds like you may be losing your batteries.

[Rex]

Chuck, hold the bottom of the switch down. That will prime the generator engine. In cold weather it will take longer. If the clicking stops, it is fully primed but you don't have to wait that long.

Now hold the top of the switch down. You may still hear the clicking and that means it is still priming. Once it is primed sufficiently, the starter should turn it over. Once the starter starts to turn the engine over, it can overheat the starter if you just keep the switch down, but hold it long enough for the starter to spin the engine enough to start it. Then stop and repeat the process but make sure you wait a bit for the starter to cool down. Could take several trys.

[Mike Canter]

On my diesel Onan I just hold the start switch down and it will delay the starter motor turning automatically until the glow plugs come on and it is primed then I keep holding the switch until the light in the switch stops flashing and goes steady which means it is running. This can mean holding the switch for up to 15 seconds in cold weather. I have to agree that the other morning it was coldest that I have started it and I thought it was not going to turnover and I nearly let up on the start switch.

[2000 Damon]

If you never get more than just a clicking sound while holding the start switch down for 15 secs or so, odds are your coach batteries aren't charged enough to turn the gen set starter over. If you have an engine battery assist relay which allows the motor batteries and the coach batteries to join with the push of a switch on the dash, you can press and hold this switch while holding the start switch on the gen set. This will supply additional voltage from the engine's batteries to assist the start of the gen set. If the coach batteries are too low it may not work because the low coach batteries will drain the additional power.
Cheers

2000 Damon Escaper 8.3 L Cummins, allison Transmission and 7500 W Onan Diesel Gen set

[HD rver]

Well guys, I checked things out this morning and the house batts. were only showing about 3.9 v. I hooked back to shore power and have things charging with a small charger on the house batts. I'll have to see if they will take and hold a charge. Thks, Chuck & Cissy The gen set started

[daveshan]

Yep,
That will do it, when you said not starting I assumed it was at least turning over. With 3.9v I'm surprised you even got a click. Hope the house batteries come back OK.