Generator (12.5 Cummins) Won't Start!!!

[lwmcguire]

eBay has several Trombetta solenoids available that are rated continuous duty

I replaced mine with one from there site for less than 100

[Just For Fun]

1st: Thank you'll for your help and contribution to MY dilemma

2nd: Hopefully you'll have a really good sense of humor

3rd: And very sheepishly... OK, here's my typical routine for starting my 12.5 Onan generator: I push the "START" button on the dash counsel, bedroom panel or the genny itself. I hold it for say 2 sometimes as long as 4 seconds. Several times I've had to try this and then stop, wait 30 seconds and retry. This time I enlisted a neighbor - a frickin' genius with most things mechanical and electrical. Picture this: We're both standing over the generator and I'm explaining my dilemma as well as letting him read the thread on this forum. He asks "What did you hear?" I respond with "Watch this..." and with that proclamation, I push the "START" button on the generator itself. For some reason... I held it longer - about 10 seconds... … guess what happened????

Before I answer this let me explain that I am a very, very lucky individual which apparently gives rise to my life's longevity... so far. Well, and without further ado... … … the generator ROOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUURS to attention and functions beautifully. As it always had before.

Now please understand that its 53 degrees out side. NOT cold in many comparative climates. But, for some reason, this time it simple took longer for this puppy to start!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek :

Go figure.

[clyon51]

The procedure to start any genny it to depress the ‘stop’ (down) portion of the switch to prime and engage the glow plugs. My particular switch will lite up when it’s ready to start.

So, me thinks its possible the reason your starting procedure was the problem after long periods between starts.

[Ivylog]

The colder it is the longer it takes the glow plugs to get up to temperature and the longer before it will turn over...try and start. If it does not start right away, stop and try starting a second time which will let the glow plugs get hotter before turning over.

With my diesel PU when it’s really cold I’ll not even try and start when the “wait to start” light goes out. Turn the key off and back on and when it goes out the second time...starts every time.

[Ivylog]

Originally Posted by Just For Fun

I'll admit to NOT being that astute when it comes to electrical stuff. But... looking at what I have and the links you've graciously offered... … they just don't look the same. See pictures in the above posting.Thanks

One of the two smaller solenoids is for the salesman switch that disconnects the house 12V. Not sure what the second one disconnects. The BigBoy connects the engine and house battery banks together either by pushing the boost switch or when the engine is running and the engine batteries have been charged enough (13.6V) and then the “bird” decides to charge the house batteries too.

[Just For Fun]

Originally Posted by clyon51

The procedure to start any genny it to depress the ‘stop’ (down) portion of the switch to prime and engage the glow plugs. My particular switch will lite up when it’s ready to start.

So, me thinks its possible the reason your starting procedure was the problem after long periods between starts.

"...depress the ‘stop’ (down) portion of the switch to prime and engage the glow plugs." Yep. That's what my neighbor said. But when we tried that, there is no Glow Plug light and there is ZERO switch movement when depressing the STOP or downward portion of this switch.

[Just For Fun]

Originally Posted by Ivylog

The colder it is the longer it takes the glow plugs to get up to temperature and the longer before it will turn over...try and start. If it does not start right away, stop and try starting a second time which will let the glow plugs get hotter before turning over.

With my diesel PU when it’s really cold I’ll not even try and start when the “wait to start” light goes out. Turn the key off and back on and when it goes out the second time...starts every time.

Agreed. But it was 53 degrees!!! Not cold.

[Just For Fun]

Originally Posted by Ivylog

One of the two smaller solenoids is for the salesman switch that disconnects the house 12V. Not sure what the second one disconnects. The BigBoy connects the engine and house battery banks together either by pushing the boost switch or when the engine is running and the engine batteries have been charged enough (13.6V) and then the “bird” decides to charge the house batteries too.

Good to know.

But I'm still uncertain about which solenoid to use. The one "vito" suggested (Vito: Thanks you for this suggestion) looks nothing like the ones I have. And while I don't mind either spending the $200 something to replace or $40 something to repair, I first need to verify (based on my above offered pictures and part number) which one I need.

[vito.a]

The Intellitec Big Boy relay is in the second picture you posted.