Generator problems

[Stingray21]

Has anyone had a problem with generator not starting?
House Battery level was low after picking up from dealership for maintenance (12.8). Tried to use battery boost switch. No luck. They jump started the generator. We ran it for 2.8 hours.
Put it on trickle charge at storage lot. Been about 2 weeks now since we ran it.
House batteries now showing 13.9.
Generator just clicks once and no start. Help!

[shootist]

Many or most generators start on the chassis batteries, not the house batteries. And 12.8 is perfect resting voltage for a wet lead acid battery. So I would think your chassis batteries were low and your combiner relay is bad , contacts in it are burnt maybe.

[JeromeS13]

Some use chassis batteries, some use coach batteries. If both banks are relatively charged, you may want to check inline fuses and/or connections. Corrosion can be a problem, too.

[Persistent]

"Just clicks" usually means starter solenoid has enough voltage under light load, but starter not turning means not enough to run starter under heavy load.

Starter solenoid works when jump starting so it is OK. What did you connect to on the generator when Jump starting? What did you jump start from?

Possibilities:
12.8 volts is an excellent voltage. Maybe it was measured on the wrong battery bank.
Maybe it is the output of the converter. The converter usually is not enough to turn the starter.
Maybe there is a loose or corroded connection between the generator starter and the appropriate battery bank. It could be positive starter circuit. It could be negative or ground. I think this is the most likely due to behavior.

[Stingray21]

Originally Posted by Stingray21

Has anyone had a problem with generator not starting?
House Battery level was low after picking up from dealership for maintenance (12.8). Tried to use battery boost switch. No luck. They jump started the generator. We ran it for 2.8 hours.
Put it on trickle charge at storage lot. Been about 2 weeks now since we ran it.
House batteries now showing 13.9.
Generator just clicks once and no start. Help!

Update:
The dealership ended up sending out 2 technicians to our storage lot. They seemed to think the batteries needed to be ‘equalized’. After removing some panels in the storage bays, they found there was a fuse that had tripped.
Never even knew about it. We’re somewhat beginners in RV land and boy it’s been a learning year for sure. Thanks for the replies!!