2005 Safari Panther Generator not starting

[Signman]

Vito - based on your posts, I pulled one glow plug out to see what it looks like. I haven't tested it yet, but plan to just get 3 new plugs. I believe this is the same plug you described. The markings on the plug were NGK Y720U 0463 and is 3 inches long.
I do have a question about the threads on the plug. There are 3/4" of threads on the plug but only screwed in 7/16". How do I know when to stop?
Chargerman - Yes, the coach is always plugged in. I still haven't ruled out the possibility that the new batteries I installed mayalso be a part of the problem. Thanks

[Chargerman]

Considering that you indeed keep it plugged in it might also be a good idea to check the voltage at the batteries while plugged in to assure that they are being charged

[vito.a]

Originally Posted by Signman

There are 3/4" of threads on the plug but only screwed in 7/16". How do I know when to stop?

It will tighten up as it bottoms in the chamber.
The cylinder head is aluminum, so I used some anti-seize on the threads.

[Signman]

Just replaced the glow plugs with 3 new NGK 5392 Y720U1. Went inside the coach to start the generator. Held the switch for a second or two with nothing, then a click. Tried it again with the same result. Went back outside to see all kind of smoke coming out from the generator cover. Took the top and side covers off to see if there were any flames or whatever was going on. The wire that connects to the first glow plug had the insulation melted off. Checked the metal piece that connects all 3 plugs together. It looks like I didn't get that piece pushed up far enough on the plugs and may have been touching something that caused a short.
Hopefully, I only have to replace the melted wire that connects to the first plug.
Any ideas appreciated.

[vito.a]

Scary! That is a fairly high current circuit so it's important it doesn't short out.

[Chargerman]

My suggestion...get it to a qualified Onan repair facility before you end up costing yourself a ton of money

Good luck!

[Wadell]

In my O4 Windsor, the generator is started from the house batteries. When batteries are low, would crank super slow. Also, house lights dim etc.

IF that is the case with your coach, the charging solenoid could have closed letting the slide move in and start the generator. Another idea would try the boost switch to start the genny...

[Signman]

Sorry for not updating this thread for awhile. Had to wait a month to get into dealership for repair. After they had the coach for a week, we got an e-mail saying that they hadn't done anything - too busy. When I called in, they said that they could get it done in a day or two. Told them that I would come and pick it up because we needed the coach.
Found a generator repair service that will come to us in early June. Will post the outcome of that service.

[Signman]

Finally got the coach to the battery people. It turned out that the batteries where bad. They replaced the batteries and it has started fine ever since.
Sorry for the long delay on replying.

[Signman]

Follow-up on the generator problem. I was able to get a local generator repair person to come to our place and repair the wiring to the glow plugs. He had researched the whole wiring for the generator and had located the entire wiring harness for almost $500. Upon see the actual problem, he was able to just run 2 new wires and saved us many dollars. I also just had him come back and change the oil and oil fliter, fuel filter, thermostat, belt and change out the coolant. He is very thorough and reasonable prices. If you are in central Ohio and have a need, here is his info, Chris Tice 220-201-4612, genguyllc@gmail.com

[Outbound]

Congrats on getting repairs completed, time to go have fun.