Generator goes click click

[InPursuit]

not varoom like it should

Onan Emerald 4KW 861hrs <-- if it matters

For the last month or so... I've had to turn the truck ign to on to get enough juice flowing to fire up

and it has had a tendency to want to not stay on...
sometimes I'd jam something in behind the start sw to keep it running
(I know bad)

ideas?
I'm near Sarasota FL now and willing to supply beer for the best answer
(best = simple and cheap)

[Good man]

Quote:

Originally Posted by InPursuit not varoom like it should Onan Emerald 4KW 861hrs <-- if it matters For the last month or so... I've had to turn the truck ign to on to get enough juice flowing to fire up and it has had a tendency to want to not stay on... sometimes I'd jam something in behind the start sw to keep it running (I know bad) ideas? I'm near Sarasota FL now and willing to supply beer for the best answer (best = simple and cheap)

Bryan,
Not a beer drinker, but any kind of chocolate will suffice

What you are describing sounds like the cranking battery for the genset is not delivering enough starting amps and the solenoid is "complaining" (click, click, click). Does your genset have a separate battery, soley for the generator? If it is very weak, it will not support cranking or continued ignition.

Jamming the starter switch will most likely result in keeping the starter engaged while the genset revs up to speed... Not good.

1. Check for battery water levels (refill with distilled water, but leave room for expansion)
2. Check for corrosion on battery connections. Remove and clean the clamp and post with emery paper to shinny state. Re-tighten clamps.
3. Determine battery charging status. Check for tripped breakers on the converter or inverter.
4. Check all connections to genset solenoid and all grounding connections.

Above all else, be very careful with electricity and working under coach.
Good luck,
Jim

[InPursuit]

Hey Jim,
Thanks for the quick reply.

I didn't want to cloud the suggestions(not my first time to the rodeo) but I too suspected the battery/voltage is the basic issue. Been running this thing hard.

I think that since it's well passed time for the new deep cell I've been putting off buying I'll be starting with that.

Funny thing about RV's... they're sorta like teenage girls. They can be a bit annoying and in your face but will mellow right out when you sprinkle a few Franklins around.

[Good man]

Bryan,
That last paragraph is a pretty good summation of the temperament of these "ladies" on wheels! I prefer the ones with some age on them... like their human counterparts, they are seasoned and accomplished, graceful and evermore beautifu.
Good luck with your genset.
Jim

[painter007]

I had a problem like that and it turned out to be the battery connection at the genset.the cable from the back goes to a isolated connction on the back side of the genset and it was corroded.took it apart ,cleaned it and put a little grease on it and it worked great.

[InPursuit]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Good man Jamming the starter switch will most likely result in keeping the starter engaged while the genset revs up to speed... Not good.

Too often no one follows up with the outcome...

FYI: Cummins-Onan sells the starter motor for $128us
(one of the two "ground" brush leads was bad)

Anyone who wants to know how much a crankshaft or connecting rods cost...
ya'll drop me a note.