Generator won’t turn over

[glsponchos]

We have a 2010 Allegro Bus 43qrp. It has a Cummins Onan RV QD 10000 generator The gen has always been a little suspect when starting. Always seems to have barely enough power to turn over. Many times I have to engage the Aux power switch (merge chassis batteries) to get it started. Yesterday it did the same thing only after a few tries it won’t turn over at all. I can hear the solenoid clicking The house batteries are new and fully charged. The chassis batteries are a few years old, but are turning the engine over fine. I thought the gen sourced its power from the house batteries Anybody know for sure ? Any other ideas as to why no apparent juice ?

[DrBob1953]

Just a guess on my part, but if it's clicking seems to me it could be the starter or solenoid, are the battery cables corroded? not sure where the power comes from but check the voltage at the generator. Just stabbing in the dark on this but it's what I would look for.

[ziomeks]

I have a 2010 Phaeton QTH with the QD10000. Yes, the house batteries ARE used to start the generator. YES, house batteries made a poor choice for starting any engine as they are normally deep discharge types and they have a tendency to not be quick discharge type. I agree with the last post, check the starter cables for corrosion. It doesn't take much to hinder the start function. Start the engine and that will close the crossover relay (AUX Start switch). Hold the generator "OFF" switch for ~20 sec as this starts the fuel pump for priming. Press the start switch for normal start function. Keep us informed.

[vsheetz]

2011 Phaeton here. With the 10k genny. Which readily starts reliably. Agree its house batteries and all good advise here previously. Good luck.

[luvlabs]

The clicking you are hearing is likely part of the generator start process. Think of it as glow plugs warming up and engine priming - especially happens in cold or cool weather. Keep your finger on the GEN start switch until the generator fires.

[Cooperhawk]

Originally Posted by luvlabs

The clicking you are hearing is likely part of the generator start process. Think of it as glow plugs warming up and engine priming - especially happens in cold or cool weather. Keep your finger on the GEN start switch until the generator fires.

Exactly, but if it still is slow to turn over check the ground strap to the frame. Nine times out of ten that is the problem as they corrode.

[kgchampagne]

In my case, with the same symptoms, I was able to isolate the problem to a corroded cable !8" long from battery to post. The ground cable was dropping about 2 volts, but I replaced the positive side as well so I don't really know which was the problem. There is such a long distance between the battery and generator's starter that any corrosion or ground issue seems to have an amplified effect.

[glsponchos]

Update - I checked the voltage at the poles on back on generator, and confirmed same voltage as house batteries. I also confirmed with Tiffin that the gen powers from house batteries. I had a guy look at it. He said the clicking I hear is the fuel pump. He also said that that the starter wasn’t receiving its signal to start turning over. He, as many of the mobile techs, was covered up and didn’t want to tear into the unit. Also said it would need to be dropped to do further work. Trying to get I to a dealer but tough. Guess a lot of folks are dewinterizing Any other thoughts. Sure would be nice if there was a relay or breaker in line I could check.

[YC1]

Originally Posted by glsponchos

Update - I checked the voltage at the poles on back on generator, and confirmed same voltage as house batteries. I also confirmed with Tiffin that the gen powers from house batteries. I had a guy look at it. He said the clicking I hear is the fuel pump. He also said that that the starter wasn’t receiving its signal to start turning over. He, as many of the mobile techs, was covered up and didn’t want to tear into the unit. Also said it would need to be dropped to do further work. Trying to get I to a dealer but tough. Guess a lot of folks are dewinterizing Any other thoughts. Sure would be nice if there was a relay or breaker in line I could check.

Did you check the voltage while having someone trying to start the generator?????

Just taking a voltage measurement without a load is useless information. Seeing the same voltage at the generator is suspect if done under load it should be a volt or so lower.

Make a shiny spot on the frame for your meter ground lead and then measure each wire coming to the generator while trying to start it. IF you see voltage on the negative lead of the wire your ground is faulty. If you see a low voltage on the positive wire you need to chase that connection.

[Baron Pilot]

Originally Posted by YC1

Did you check the voltage while having someone trying to start the generator?????



Just taking a voltage measurement without a load is useless information. Seeing the same voltage at the generator is suspect if done under load it should be a volt or so lower.



Make a shiny spot on the frame for your meter ground lead and then measure each wire coming to the generator while trying to start it. IF you see voltage on the negative lead of the wire your ground is faulty. If you see a low voltage on the positive wire you need to chase that connection.

Definately a starter problem on the generator!
May need a new starter!
Not a big problem to replace one!

[Graydude]

Thanks gents. I will take a reading while it is cranking as well.

[Quincy]

Most people skip the first step or two when troubleshooting IMHO. Start with the obvious and easiest to address first. Clean and tighten all the battery cables even if they look ok and then see what happens. Do not ignore the negative terminals and ground contact points they are just as important as the positive and often overlooked.

When you know all is well with the cables move to the next most obvious and next easiest to do step and so on.

Good luck and keep us posted please.