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Topic: Generator no Start (Read 724 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator no Start

2000, 12K PowerTech Generator does not start.  When start button is pressed, the preheat light comes on and fuel pump can be heard chattering.  After a few seconds the preheat light comes on and no start.  Chattering from fuel pump continues until I turn off main.  During normal startup, does the fuel pump build pressure and stop until more fuel is needed or does it run continuously as long as engine is running?  Just thinking if fuel pump doesn't build pressure if that prevents starting?  Any thoughts?
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4

Re: Generator no Start

Reply #1 –
Are you saying the starter motor never turns over?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Generator no Start

Reply #2 –
Do you have more than 1/4 tank of fuel?  Can't pull fuel when main fuel tank is below 1/4

Good luck,
Don
Don and Cheri
Aiken, SC
2005 U270 36ft.

Re: Generator no Start

Reply #3 –
Craneman, yes, the engine never turns over.  No clicking or noise from start solenoid or starter. I'm not sure where the start solenoid is.  Don, yes, there is over 3/4 tank of fuel.  Checked fuel flow at output of engine fuel filter and good flow.  Replaced the start relay, no change.  Over my head maybe so may need service call. 
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4

Re: Generator no Start

Reply #4 –
Might be a problem with the ES52 do a "ES52" search and see if anything shows up similar to your problem.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Generator no Start

Reply #5 –
To add to craneman's thoughts:

If you can get to the ES52 module and take it loose turn it over and look for the 2 small black relays. Swap them out one for the other and see if your problem changes.

Miike

Here is what you are looking for.
Generator intermitten self shut down
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Generator no Start

Reply #6 –
I replaced both relays on the ES52.  No change.  Do you know where the starter solenoid is?  I would like to find out if the start solenoid is getting power. 
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4

Re: Generator no Start

Reply #7 –
I believe the starter solenoid is on the starter and you need to pull the generator out and take the bottom
belting cover off and you will find it.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Generator no Start

Reply #8 –
Could it be a problem with the latching relay?
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH

Re: Generator no Start

Reply #9 –
Bill, I had never ending problems with my generator which resulted in a lot of research and I ended up making a sketch while I still remembered it. 
If you look at the right side of the "box" in the sketch you will see three relays (pre-heat, run, and start).  The start relay is at the top.
Hopefully, this will help locate it.
I had presented this sketch to the forum years ago to see if there were any errors or corrections needed.  My generator has worked well since then so I think it is correct.  Good luck.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Generator no Start

Reply #10 –
I ordered a latching relay that should arrive about end of the month.  Also, thanks Sven for the wiring diagram. 
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4

Re: Generator no Start

Reply #11 –
oldguy, do you mean pull gen out on the slides or pulling completely out of coach? I can slide it out and get under it but do not have means to pull completely out of coach. 
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4

Re: Generator no Start

Reply #13 –
Quote from: T and M Long –
Bill I don't know if you have seen this it might be useful.

As is the original info which is in the wiki and the media section

The selected media item is not currently available.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Generator no Start

Reply #14 –
I think his generator is in a quiet box, so not able to access the starter without removing some of the sheet metal. That can be done by sliding it out as far as it will go and crawling behind it.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins
 

Re: Generator no Start

Reply #15 –
Issue resolved.  On my schematic, the blue wire that goes from the control box (on my schematic labeled PT ECU 63) to the starter had come loose from the starter.  Easy fix but much labor getting to it.  Thanks so much for all the tips and advice.  I learned a lot about my generator. 
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4