Community Forums

BobRobi · 08-14-2019, 08:37 AM

I have a Onan Emerald 1 Generator in a 1987 Fleetwood Tioga. Generator model no: 4.0 BGE-1R/26100E (very difficult to read name plate data). The Generator turns over with spark plugs removed, but tries unsuccessfully to turn over with plugs installed. The Generator is currently removed from the Motorhome. I suspect the Starter, but don't really know. Any thoughts? Also I can't find a free download of a Service or Owner's Manual. Thank you in advance!

BobinChina03 · 08-14-2019, 07:17 PM

Did you try to call Cummins?

Call Us:
USA: 1-800-CUMMINS™ (1-800-286-6467)

This link came up when I googled the model no. Have never used it, but mght be wirth a shot.

TRM1 · 08-14-2019, 08:10 PM

Battery is known good? Is it new enough to flash codes? Our 4k onan does, you can google the service manual.

avfordguy · 08-14-2019, 10:19 PM

Older emeralds take a lot of amps while cranking, check batteries

avfordguy · 08-14-2019, 10:21 PM

Older emeralds do not display codes

BobRobi · 08-15-2019, 05:15 AM

New, fully charged 585 CCA battery - removed from the motorhome.

avfordguy · 08-17-2019, 11:21 AM

Any progress?

BobRobi · 08-18-2019, 05:27 AM

No progress. Turns over nicely without plugs, but nothing with plugs installed. Removed starter, connected battery - seems fine. Also removed fuel pump - appears to be toast (no noise). Thanks!

avfordguy · 08-18-2019, 05:17 PM

Check battery cables for internal corrosion

avfordguy · 08-18-2019, 05:23 PM

Check this out at Amazon.com
Airtex E11007 Electric Fuel Pump... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008KV4IIG...p_mob_ap_share

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobRobi

No progress. Turns over nicely without plugs, but nothing with plugs installed. Removed starter, connected battery - seems fine. Also removed fuel pump - appears to be toast (no noise). Thanks!

youracman · 08-18-2019, 08:44 PM

Bob- One quick and dirty test (you may have already done.)

I don't have an Emerald, but on my Onan 4K there is enough room to carefully attach a jumper cable (like from the fully charged 585 CCA battery you mentioned) to the "downstream" side of the solenoid. Connecting the ground lead of the jumper cable to a good ground point on the engine should spin the starter (with the plugs in and the plug wires off.) If it does, the solenoid could have bad contacts; if not, your suspicion regarding the starter is likely "spot on" IMHO.

If there isn't enough room to get a jumper cable on the outlet terminal of the solenoid as above, one could always attach it to the inlet terminal and measure the voltage drop across the solenoid while attempting to crank the genny to get an idea if the solenoid is OK or not; i.e., measure the inlet to gnd then the outlet to gnd (while attempting to crank) ........should be nearly identical.

Good luck with the fix.

BobRobi · 08-19-2019, 05:24 AM

Found an Onan Fuel Pump on ebay. Appears identical to mine. Same cost as the Airtex on Amazon. The Generator is removed from the Motorhome. I, therefore, have excellent access to the lug on the starter, which bypasses battery cable and solenoid issues. Going to try to have the starter tested. Many thanks for the replies.

L.C.Gray · 08-19-2019, 09:46 AM

I had exact same symptoms on an Onan Emerald 6.5. Would spin like crazy with plugs out wouldn't bump over TDC with plugs in. Tried everything else, a fresh starter cured it. Sourced it off eBay, reasonably priced.

BobRobi · 08-20-2019, 12:44 PM

Pretty sure it's the starter. I am putting this project on the back burner for now. Got the Motorhome for FREE. That should indicate that I have no shortage of projects. Hope to be rolling by Spring. Thank you all for the guidance.