Community Forums

Graydude · 04-12-2018, 11:38 AM

I have a Onan 4kw microlite generator in my 1998 fleetwood. My issue is there is a delay in the generator turning over after I press the start button. The delay can be as much as 5 to 7 seconds. I have the same voltage at the house battery in the engine as I do at the generator solenoid. I don't think it's a priming function as the gen is to old to have that feature. It does not make a difference if I use the aux switch as well. Still turns over slowly. Cables appear clean. I have a Volt meter on the dash and it goes down to 10 volts when I energize the gen start. Seems like a big voltage drop for a small engine with fully charged batteries. DO starters wear out?

Thanks in advance

96 Wideglide · 04-12-2018, 11:43 AM

Is this a diesel gen?

Graydude · 04-12-2018, 11:50 AM

No it is gas.

**Lt Dan** · 04-12-2018, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graydude

DO starters wear out?

Yes, starters do wear out and starter solenoid contacts get burned to the point they don't pass amperage very well.

Zigzag03 · 04-12-2018, 02:52 PM

In these day of "smart" generators, there is often a delay between the push of the start button and the generator cranking. This is in the software. But my 2003 Onan is not so configured, has no software, and cranks when you push the switch. Is it possible this has been repowered? If not, then you need to be standing by the unit while someone hits the button, and listen to what happens. A click might indicate a weak solenoid or a tired starter. If no noise, add the switch and wiring between to above. Do you hold the switch until cranking commences or do you have to keep hitting it?

twinboat · 04-12-2018, 03:01 PM

If your generator is drawing down good batteries to 10 volts, there is a good chance the starter is bad.

A bad connection or arcing solenoid contacts, wouldn't draw the volts down to 10.

The only other thing, could be partially seized bearings in the generator end.

Can you turn the engine by hand somehow ?

Zigzag03 · 04-12-2018, 03:03 PM

Is it any different if the coach is running and the charging system is in play?

Graydude · 04-12-2018, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Can you turn the engine by hand somehow ?

I can pull the spark plug out and see if that makes a difference.

Graydude · 04-12-2018, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zigzag03

Is it any different if the coach is running and the charging system is in play?

No difference if the motor is running or not

Shawn6596 · 04-12-2018, 07:17 PM

I would agree with starter is starting to give up. You could always take it off and take it to a parts store and have it tested.

Baron Pilot · 04-14-2018, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graydude

I have a Onan 4kw microlite generator in my 1998 fleetwood. My issue is there is a delay in the generator turning over after I press the start button. The delay can be as much as 5 to 7 seconds. I have the same voltage at the house battery in the engine as I do at the generator solenoid. I don't think it's a priming function as the gen is to old to have that feature. It does not make a difference if I use the aux switch as well. Still turns over slowly. Cables appear clean. I have a Volt meter on the dash and it goes down to 10 volts when I energize the gen start. Seems like a big voltage drop for a small engine with fully charged batteries. DO starters wear out?

Thanks in advance

They sure do!!!!!

Graydude · 05-11-2018, 02:22 PM

Genset is working great now. Replaced the starter. Apparently the windings went bad. Kinda sad for a genset with only 570 hours on it. 3.5 hours of tech labor and I supplied an OEM starter that I paid $107.00 for on Amazon. Thanks for all the comments!