Been meaning to ask

[Wrascal]

Ref my dash mounted Generator switches (2).

When first purchased the dealer said to press the bottom switch for a few seconds then press/hold the start button until running.

When I depress the bottom switch I hear a clicking noise; is that perhaps a fuel pump?

And is the press/hold start button operating some glow-plugs before firing?

Is there a certain amount of time I need to perform these steps (cold wx vs hot wx). Just what is the correct sequence?

[Lt Dan]

The clicking sound you hear is the fuel pump priming. From everything I've read and what I do, that step is not necessary on a diesel generator. I just press and hold the top part of the switch until it starts. It primes and activates the heater until it's warm enough to start with a built in delay. On a gas generator you do have to prime before you start since there's no delay for warmup.

[Coarsegold]

On my gas unit I hold it down much longer if I have not run it for 30 days. If it is the same day or two just hold it for a few seconds before start up.

[brandss]

When we went for service a few months back we too were instructed to hold down the off position for a few seconds then start the genny. Had never done that before but when he did that it started within a few seconds where it would have been 3 or 4 times as long to start before. Not sure it really matters as long as it starts. Also mentioned it's more important in the winter.

[Wrascal]

Sorry for NOT being observant but the other day I manually started my GenSet - based on above statements.

I simply held down the start button (OAT 70*, about 10-12 seconds) and it started. I wasn't cognizant of sounds, just trying to exercise it. 20-30 min later I turned it off.