Community Forums

GeorgeH · 08-09-2018, 12:31 PM

Tried to start 30A generator on 2004 Damon Daybreak MH.Turned over right away but would not start.Tried again but only got a buzzing sound from starter.It was suggested low batteries.Would like to know if attaching jumper cables to pos. & neg.posts on solenoid & fully charged battery will cause any damage.Also if this does not work can I assume a bad solenoid?Have tried starting from dash switch & gen.switch on outside.Lots of oil.Thank you.

Skip426 · 08-09-2018, 02:21 PM

Hooking up jumper cables properly to the gen set starting battery bank will not do any damage ( sorry I can't say which bank of batteries starts the gen set on your coach ), but holding the dash boost ( emergency start ) switch should have provided the power to the gen set .

So some testing there would be in order.
Assuming it's not a gen set starter issue.

Is this a LP gen set ? Or gasoline ? Fuel tank over 1/2 full ?

BFlinn181 · 08-09-2018, 02:59 PM

Skip426 has given good advice. In addition, check the oil level, it will prevent running if too low on oil. Also check that you smell gas after cranking a bit to see if gas is flowing from the fuel filter, pump, and carb. You can check spark by pulling a plug wire and hold it close to a ground with insulated pliers. If the generator hasn't been run for a while, it might be a gummed up fuel system, that's why regular running of the generator is so important in these times of ethanol mixed gas. If you can't run it at least monthly, drain the carb and use Sta-Bil in the gas, and add SeaFoam to keep the fuel system clean.

GeorgeH · 08-10-2018, 09:29 AM

The generator is gas powered.Almost 1/2 tank of gas; but we are hooked up solid until we leave to go to TX.in Oct. so cannot drive to gas station to top up..2 switches 1 on dash & 1 on gen.no response from either.Full oil.Cannot check for gas filter,sparkplug etc.as it will not turn over at all.Thanks for previous info.Will keep trying.

BFlinn181 · 08-10-2018, 10:15 AM

Using a multimeter, check that all batteries, both chassis and house groups, are charging when connected to shore power. (they should read 13.4v or more) On the dash should be a 'Boost' switch that will connect house and chassis groups together as if you used jumper cables. I'd also clean all battery connections, including ground connections. If they are all clean and testing out at full battery voltage at each connection, then check the connections at the generator. Before I'd suspect a bad solenoid, I'd want to verify that the solenoid is getting full voltage from the batteries.

mj25 · 04-14-2019, 05:08 PM

I'm having the same issue. I just got my rv out of storage. Couldn't get it to start. Turned over. I have just over a half tank of gas in my rv, but on a slight incline. Wonder if that is causing it to think it might not have enough fuel. I'll fill it up and try it again. It ran last year. Frustrating.

153stars · 04-14-2019, 05:18 PM

Most have starter solinoid after trying above advice bang on it ...you can short across pos. Lugs to engage starter bypassing internal HD contacts. AND Always check the grounds in any 12v sysyem when there is an issue.

Bahamaniac · 04-14-2019, 05:20 PM

When I bought mine it had sat for 5 years. I had to blow into the fuel line from generator fuel line with air to break up a plug in the fuel line. Good luck!

BFlinn181 · 04-14-2019, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mj25

I'm having the same issue. I just got my rv out of storage. Couldn't get it to start. Turned over. I have just over a half tank of gas in my rv, but on a slight incline. Wonder if that is causing it to think it might not have enough fuel. I'll fill it up and try it again. It ran last year. Frustrating.

Check all the suggestions in previous posts. (oil level, spark, gas smell at exhaust, etc) Almost all modern gasoline contains ethanol, which can cause the gas to go bad after a few months. In all my gas powered engines that I store for any period of time, I shut off the gas (you could use vice grips) and start the engine until it runs out all the gas. Gas left in the carb could gum up the small passages and jets. I also use Stabil in gas tanks that have to sit. Don't give up!