starting my genset

[ferd3]

I'm new to RVing and have alot to learn. So far it's been fun and challenging.

I have a 2006 Damon Challenger with a 5.5 KW Onan genset.

When I try to start it, if it does not start immediately, and I release the start button (either on the dash inside the MH or at the genset), then if I try again immediately it will not do anything. If I wait about 30-45 minutes and try again it will try to start. What would cause it not to engage the starter immediately after the first try?

Any help is appreciated.

Ferd Koehn

[Good man]

ferd3,
Assuming that you have a toggle switch which has a center resting position, a spring loaded momentary contact in one direction to start, and an opposing momentary contact position opposite the starting position to "kill", here is your starting procedure:
When cranking the Onan genny, be sure you are holding the "momentary contact" starter toggle in the cranking position long enough for the genset to get fully started and "latch" the ignition circuit in the "on" position... this is usually about 3 to 5 seconds after it gets started, then release it gently to come to rest in the center "run" position.
If you are releasing the toggle as soon as the genset starts to run, very often it will simply stall out. It may be doing so because the spring on the cranking side is stronger than the spring on the "kill" side... hence, do not allow the switch to "snap" back to center by suddenly releasing it.
I am not sure if there is a time-out to explain the non-start you are experiencing. Mine does not do that.
It sounds as if you have a weak battery or loose or corroded connections on the starter solenoid which is causing the additional problems.
I suggest you clean everything up, make sure your battery is fully charged and use the starting procedure I outlined above.
Hope this helps... be sure and let us know so that everyone reading this can get to sleep tonight!... Just kidding, but it is good for everyone to learn if you discover a new trick or two.
Take care,
Jim

[kennersonf]

I have the same genset and it is fuel injected. If you have the toggle switch Jim mentioned you can prime the genset by holding the bottom in the off position for approximately 5 seconds until you see the red light under the switch come on. At this point the genset is being primed with gasoline. Hold the switch for a couple seconds with the light illuminated. Now try to start the genset. I have to do this quite often when it is cold outside or I haven't started it for some time.

[Martind4]

We have the 7.5 kw diesel so I don't know if this will help. On ours, when it fails to start, a green indicator light will flash several times, pause and then flash again. That flashing code, when looked up in the user manual will tell me why it failed to start.

[ferd3]

I want to appologize for not responding to your posts of help with my problem. We took a short weekend trip to East Texas, leaving Friday morning and returning Sunday evening (May 1).

Each one of you helped me with my problem.

Good Man - I was not holding the starter toggle long enough.
kennersonf - I was not aware of the red light indicating - primed
Martind4 - when trying to start with the toggle on the dash inside the MH, I do get the flashing light you referred to. The flashing code was 43, indicating "microproscessor ROM error during self test". Hmmmm??

Since my orginal post, I have started the genset successfully several times. In looking back, the times I've had the trouble is when I did not start it for several months, did not prime before attempting to start, and making sure to hold the starter toggle in the cranking position long enough.

Thanks to all for your help.

Ferd Koehn
'06 Damon Challenger

[wa8yxm]

I find that for me it works best if I do the prime bit, then just "Tap" the start (Like one revolution of the crank shaft) then pause like 30 seconds, then Press to start.

If you press and hold, the starter overheats.