Community Forums

Mbrown61 · 01-27-2018, 12:22 PM

I have a 2004 Holiday Rambler Monaco on which neither the generator or the engine will start. I'm thinking there is a fuel issue as this is all i can think of that is common to both. Am i missing something? Any troubleshooting tips would be greatly appreciated!

BFlinn181 · 01-27-2018, 01:33 PM

I'd think bad gas first. How long has it been sitting, and how old is the gas in the tank? You could try starting the generator and the engine using a gas can and a fuel line to see if the engine(s) will run. If so, you'll know the tank will have to be drained and possibly cleaned out. Then a complete flush and cleaning of the fuel system would be in order.

Bahamaniac · 01-27-2018, 01:40 PM

Need more information please. Is it cranking and just not firing? Have you checked for spark? Can you hear the fuel pump operating?

Crasher · 01-27-2018, 02:44 PM

There is both a gas and diesel in that year. Which do you have?

tropical36 · 01-27-2018, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crasher

There is both a gas and diesel in that year. Which do you have?

Yeah, bunches of them and confused as to what an HR Monaco is, as well.

Soppy · 01-27-2018, 03:52 PM

How much gas is in the tank? If less than a 1/4 the generator will not get fuel . If you got a propane generator , make sure the propane is turned on.

Hartrepair · 01-27-2018, 04:04 PM

I'd be glad to help, but with so very little information...I can't.
This utter lack of description reminds me of my children when they would say, "Dad my car is freaking out! I would propose we call a priest, and have it exorcised. Or we shoot it, because clearly there is NO hope now. I tried to explain also, that a car does not "turn on". Piston engines do, however go thru a moment of cranking. This is usually caused by the turning of a key. Often an electrical current is rushed to the starter motor. During the cranking process, fuel is delivered to the engine as is spark, in the case of gasoline engines. Diesels might need glow plugs to be heated...

Mbrown61 · 01-27-2018, 04:08 PM

It cranks but doesn't start, the generator does the same. Haven't checked for spark and not sure what the fuel pump sounds like. When I listened for the fuel pump all I heard was the air compressor, at least I think it was that.

Mbrown61 · 01-27-2018, 04:13 PM

Diesel. Both generator and engine crank but don't start. I don't get a WTS light either but the grid heater circuit is good.

BFlinn181 · 01-27-2018, 04:13 PM

As all the previous posters have said, we need more information. You mention spark, so I assume gas powered, but the mention of an air compressor is puzzling. Is it a Ford or Workhorse chassis, what engine, etc.?

Mbrown61 · 01-27-2018, 04:15 PM

It hasn't been sitting long, just a few months and I'm pretty sure the gas is ok

Mbrown61 · 01-27-2018, 04:20 PM

I'm thinking what I am hearing is an air compressor but I'm not 100% sure. The sound seems to be coming from somewhere near the front passenger side.

Mbrown61 · 01-27-2018, 04:21 PM

The engine is a Cummins diesel, I'm not sure about the generator but it ous diesel.

BFlinn181 · 01-27-2018, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mbrown61

It cranks but doesn't start, the generator does the same. Haven't checked for spark and not sure what the fuel pump sounds like. When I listened for the fuel pump all I heard was the air compressor, at least I think it was that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mbrown61

Diesel. Both generator and engine crank but don't start. I don't get a WTS light either but the grid heater circuit is good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mbrown61

It hasn't been sitting long, just a few months and I'm pretty sure the gas is ok

If it's a diesel, there's no spark to check. The air compressor is engine driven, if it's not running, the air compressor isn't running, unless someone installed an auxiliary air compressor. Maybe you're hearing a vacuum pump for HVAC controls.

Then you say the gas is ok. I'm confused. A WTS (wait to start?) light is usually in diesels with glow plugs, maybe a grid heater, but I've not seen one except in glow plug equipped engines. The grid heater comes on instantly and heats air drawn into the engine, so you don't need to wait for it. If you tell us what engine, we might be able to give more helpful tips.

If the fuel filter has been changed, you could have air in the fuel lines, which can be very hard to get purged from the lines. Some diesels have priming pumps, but until we know more, can't help you further.

Cummins had 8.3 ISC and 5.9 ISB engines in RVs in 2004. You might have a year earlier chassis, so check carefully as to what you have. Cummins also makes Onan generators and installed many diesel units. The generator should have identifying labels on it.