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Old 07-12-2018, 04:25 PM   #1
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Electrical problems I think

I have a Onan Generator that will not keep running when I let go the starter button. I have a Norcold refrigerator that comes on for a lil while and goes off again. I also have a water pump that will not come on. This all happen about the same time. Can anyone give me some advise? This is a 1996 Safari Sahara R.V.
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Old 07-12-2018, 05:27 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thetabe49 View Post
I have a Onan Generator that will not keep running when I let go the starter button. I have a NorCold refrigerator that comes on for a lil while and goes off again. I also have a water pump that will not come on. This all happen about the same time. Can anyone give me some advise? This is a 1996 Safari Sahara R.V.
Check your fuel pump....I just went thru this on mine...

Disconnect fuel line from carb and direct it into a small container. ...press prime and check your flow. ..should have steady stream


Not sure about your other problems
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Old 07-12-2018, 05:48 PM   #3
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It sounds like 3 unrelated issues. I'd almost start 3 different threads. But either way, I think you need to give more information.

Size of Onan, fuel type and source? Many coach generators will not run when the fuel tank is below 1/4-1/2 full.

water pump getting 12 volts at all? or no voltage at pump? Do you have a pump light on display board, if yes, on or off?

Norcold fridge does the same on propane and 120 volts? display on or off? Propane in tank and full, valve on?
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Old 07-12-2018, 05:52 PM   #4
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There are too many things that could be causing your issue. First thing I would do is google search a service manual for your model generator. Onan provides a fantastic troubleshooting guide in this manual.
Don't mix the issues with your appliances, you may or may not have an inverter with a transfer switch that can cause confusion. Focus on the generator, in fact open the main breaker of your generator and see if it starts and continues to run. If it does not, then you know it is the generator that has the issue, not some appliance or transfer switch.

Also check that you have a good ground on your water pump and refrigerator. Ground issues can cause weird things. Check your house battery posts make sure they are clean and the ground wire to the coach that it is clean and tight...
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Old 07-12-2018, 06:14 PM   #5
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Check the oil in the generator, Omen has a senser that will kill it even if it's only slightly low.
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Old 07-13-2018, 12:14 PM   #6
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Check your fuel pump....I just went thru this on mine...

Disconnect fuel line from carb and direct it into a small container. ...press prime and check your flow. ..should have steady stream


Not sure about your other problems
Sorry I forgot to say I have a propane generator. It does have a primer on the regulator. I tried that but no go. Thank you my friend.
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Old 07-13-2018, 12:17 PM   #7
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A possible common thread is 12v power. If your battery voltage is low that could keep all three from working properly.
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Old 07-13-2018, 12:22 PM   #8
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It sounds like 3 unrelated issues. I'd almost start 3 different threads. But either way, I think you need to give more information.

Size of Onan, fuel type and source? Many coach generators will not run when the fuel tank is below 1/4-1/2 full.

water pump getting 12 volts at all? or no voltage at pump? Do you have a pump light on display board, if yes, on or off?

Norcold fridge does the same on propane and 120 volts? display on or off? Propane in tank and full, valve on?
I have a propane generator. I push the primer button on the regulator . I hear the propane pass through. Let the starter button go and it stops.
--
On the fridge the display lights up . Few seconds later the temp light goes out. Auto light flash. Could it be the panel that is bad or bigger problem.
--
Water pump light come on at the display panel in coach. I will get to the pump today to check voltage at the pump.
--
Thank you so much for your time and troubles to try to help me.
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Old 07-13-2018, 01:17 PM   #9
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Does this all occur while you are connected to shore power or completely unplugged from shore power?
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Old 07-13-2018, 01:27 PM   #10
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While holding the start button down, the generator runs on 12volts supplied by the K1 start relay. When you release the start button the 12 volts comes from the board.
the board could be bad. The oil pressure switch could be shutting it down. (too much or too little oil.)
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Old 07-13-2018, 02:01 PM   #11
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I have a propane generator. I push the primer button on the regulator . I hear the propane pass through. Let the starter button go and it stops.
--
On the fridge the display lights up . Few seconds later the temp light goes out. Auto light flash. Could it be the panel that is bad or bigger problem.
--
Water pump light come on at the display panel in coach. I will get to the pump today to check voltage at the pump.
--
Thank you so much for your time and troubles to try to help me.
The only thing I can think of that is common to all 3 of your issues is the voltage of your batteries. I'd check those for proper voltage. Be sure the terminals are clean.
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Old 07-14-2018, 07:28 AM   #12
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The only thing I can think of that is common to all 3 of your issues is the voltage of your batteries. I'd check those for proper voltage. Be sure the terminals are clean.
The generator makes its own 12 volts once it starts. If there is enough voltage to start the generator, It should run on its own 12 power.
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Old 07-14-2018, 08:24 AM   #13
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The generator makes its own 12 volts once it starts. If there is enough voltage to start the generator, It should run on its own 12 power.
Not all generators make 12 volts on their own.
My Generac only makes 120 volts. If it don't, I believe it will shut down.
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Old 07-14-2018, 02:15 PM   #14
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Not all generators make 12 volts on their own.
My Generac only makes 120 volts. If it don't, I believe it will shut down.
I had one that blew a hole in the stator windings.
Still kept on trucking with no output, however and until I removed and replaced the stator.
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