Community Forums

ManInBlack · 09-21-2017, 07:35 PM

I picked this up recently for a song (I think) and have been going through all the systems. The previous owner claims he never tried to start the generator in the three years he owned it. I've tried to get it running, but it won't even try to turn over. I'm not sure it has power to it. I've checked all the fuses and breakers I could find and they seem OK.

What's the next thing I should check? Thanks.

96Bounder1st · 09-21-2017, 07:44 PM

Glad to have you aboard.
Can you find an on line manual for your generator? With luck you may find a trouble shooting guide so you have some basis to test from.
If you can find the 12 volt connection to the generator see if you actually have power to it.

Enjoy your "new" coach. It wil give you hours of pleasure, sometimes camping, sometimes finding how to fix things successfully.

Terry

ManInBlack · 09-22-2017, 08:59 AM

Does the Gen use the same battery to start that the main engine does?

Jpony56hd · 09-22-2017, 06:45 PM

We have an 88 GS and I've gone a few rounds with the Generator. I've had problems with the spade wire ends coming of the switches at the dash, causing many hours of tail chasing. I finally went to Onan's web site and downloaded the factory manual for the generator. It has a troubleshooting section at the end But lacks a wiring diagram. It's been a while since I've had to mess with it, but I believe it gets it's power from the house batteries. You also have a switch panel (mine is at the entry way on the side of the sink cabinet ) to turn on the Chassis & Coach systems. I had tried to jumper start it at the generator but found out the dash switch activated a relay that needed to be in the circuit for everything to work right. Hope this helps.

ManInBlack · 09-22-2017, 08:49 PM

Well I've managed to find the manuals. The troubleshooting guide suggests I've got a bad connection to the battery. There's a lot of wiring around the dash that looks like it's been added in the last 32 years, so I'll go ahead and pull the switches to make sure the wires haven't come off there. Thanks for suggesting that, I don't think it would have occurred to me.

I believe my switch panel is turned on and all the fuses and breakers appear to be good. Hopefully I don't have to inspect the entire length of the wiring...

ManInBlack · 09-23-2017, 07:28 PM

Ok, I've found an exhaust leak where the headers meet the rest of the exhaust system. Poorly attempted repair by the previous owner. Is there a tape like product I can use to seal this off or do I need to go to a muffler shop to get it welded?

Jpony56hd · 09-30-2017, 05:14 PM

Have to have a picture of this before dispensing wisdom, as factory exhaust and aftermarket header leaks are straight forward and don't require tape.

ManInBlack · 09-30-2017, 05:17 PM

The PO had some repair section clamped on part of the pipe right behind the collector. I got a better look at it recently and figured out it's just the collector gasket, so no problem to fix. Thanks.

ManInBlack · 10-07-2017, 10:14 AM

Ok, I have electrical questions now. I've noticed when I have the starter battery connected there are fuses under the hood that get freaking hot and/or blow. They are labeled "Aux batt to monitor 6amp" and "Veh. Batt-monitor 6amp".

If I leave the starter battery connected something drains it by morning. When I disconnected these fuses cool down. Either way my house batteries do not seem to be taking a charge. Is there something inside the vehicle that I should be disconnecting that I'm not?

MSHappyCampers · 10-07-2017, 10:16 AM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Soppy · 10-07-2017, 11:57 AM

Your generator needs the coach batteries for starting . Start by disconnecting them and getting them fully charging with a battery charger. Make sure everything in your coach is turned off and reinstall the batteries . Then you could try the generator . You should also check the current draw by connecting an ampmeter in series with the pos cable. Should be less than 1 amp .

ManInBlack · 10-07-2017, 12:48 PM

Ok, quick update: the batteries were low on water, one much lower than the other. I topped them off and have a charger hooked up to the one than was lower now.

ManInBlack · 10-17-2017, 11:10 AM

Another update! I bought new house batteries. The furnace is working now, but the generator is still not. May have to look into the electronics on it...

First camping trip this weekend. Will have shore power available so no need for the Gen just yet.