Generator not Turning over

[Harleyeg05]

I have a 2001 National RV Dolphin, Model 5373, it is 37' long w/the tag axle. The generator has always worked no issues. I went to a camp site locally to plug everything in and test it all. It all worked.
Now, the generator will not even turn over. Like it is not getting a spark.
It is a Generac PrimePact 55G.
I have gone around and checked all the fuses, and I also turned off all the major fuses and turned them back on. They were "Stiff" when I turned them back on, which is a good feeling. However, that "Stiff" feeling was not really there when I did it to the generator.
Any troubleshooting ideas?

[wolfe10]

Originally Posted by Harleyeg05

Now, the generator will not even turn over. Like it is not getting a spark.

Actually, "not turning over" is due to low voltage to the starter or bad STARTER.



Ya, motor could be locked up as well, but that is not even in the top 100 of causes for not turning over.


Absolutely nothing to do with spark.


If it turns over and doesn't start, then, yes either spark or fuel issue.

[Harleyeg05]

Originally Posted by wolfe10

Actually, "not turning over" is due to low voltage to the starter or bad STARTER.
Ya, motor could be locked up as well, but that is not even in the top 100 of causes for not turning over.
Absolutely nothing to do with spark.
If it turns over and doesn't start, then, yes either spark or fuel issue.

Thank you so much. I will see what I can do about the starter. I thought that as well, but was hoping for an easier fix, simple cost fix requiring no money. LOL

[THenne1713]

One owner found bad ground connection to GEN affecting starter, but on POS+ cable is the 100a+ breaker near battery. TEST LIGHT/ METER to see if voltage making it to GEN?

[Marty1096]

Do you hear ignitor, if so count to 15 using one onethouand 2 one thousand
It should start before 15 one thousand

[Maller01]

Check the connections to the generator from the battery and make sure all those are clean enough that it’s getting proper voltage. I had that issue on mine this summer.

[rarebear.nm]

I would also check voltage first. However, even when you have proper voltage there may not be enough current at the generator.


I learned this lesson sometime back when I had proper voltage at the coils on a relay but it would not close. Turned out a spade connector on the hot line to the coil terminals was not even crimped, just stayed in place by heatshrink.


Proper voltage does not mean the device will operate.

[153stars]

Have you tried to start it right from the genny control panel to listen for starter relay click. Most gennies have remote starter solenoid relay to carry high amps then starter simple spin to engage bendix ,not solenoid engage like starter gear most autos.

[SJ-Chris]

One time one of my generators (Onan 4000) suddenly stopped working and wouldn't turn over at all. When I pushed Start I could hear a "hum" as the generator wanted to do something, but nothing was happening. I spoke with my Onan mechanic master and he asked me to reach in on the left side to feel the fan blades and see if I could turn it by hand. (WARNING: Make sure you don't accidentally hit the Start button when doing this!). When I tried, it would not turn. He said normal operation was that I should be able to turn it by hand. Analysis: The engine had frozen. Likely cause was low oil.


Not sure if that helps but thought I'd throw that out there.


Good luck,
Chris

[wolfe10]

Originally Posted by Harleyeg05

Thank you so much. I will see what I can do about the starter. I thought that as well, but was hoping for an easier fix, simple cost fix requiring no money. LOL

Not the starter's fault if EITHER:


Insufficient voltage to the generator starter (check with your digital voltmeter when trying to crank). Remember, the issue could be on either positive or on ground circuit.


Start switch not working. Same symptoms when trying to start from inside the coach as from on-generator control?

[Harleyeg05]

First thank you all for your help and advice, truly. I read all of them and went out and packed a lunch and started my journey down the electrical rabbit hole. I checked all the connections first and then I checked the fuse again.... GUESS WHAT.......you guessed correctly. The Fuse Holder is not siting snug against the seat. I was playing with the cap, and it started to crank. So, the issue is the fuse holder and the Fuse Cap (Holder).
I looked at my owner's manuals, got the part number and ordered a replacement. It will be here on Monday. God bless Amazon.
THANK ALL OF YOU for your fast help and remarks. It helps those of us who do not know where to start. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

[wolfe10]

Thank YOU for properly troubleshooting instead of just "replacing parts"


Cheap fix and hopefully physiologically rewarding!

[THenne1713]

There is also possibility mud dauber nest on flywheel can lock the engine if hasn't run in a few days, but Check electrical issues FIRST?

[153stars]

Thanks on getting back but. Are you saying the twist cap fuse holder on main gen. control/switch panel failed.