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Topic: onan generator starting problems (Read 757 times) previous topic - next topic

onan generator starting problems

Hello,
I am a new owner of an old (1989) Foretravel Grand Villa 3300. John Deere chassis, Ford 460. It seems to be in great shape with many recent upgrades by prior owner. I have been trying to get familiar with the various systems by reading manuals and trail and error.  A generator start problem has me stumped. At first it would only start with either the dash switch or the one on the generator panel. Bedroom switch would not. It ran and made power OK. After a few days of working on battery connections and replacing solenoid for 460 engine, I tried the generator again. It started but would shut off when the switch was released to run position. I had cut the 120V main breaker off earlier. I read a post about this possibly causing the shut down. Now with the 120 V breakers all reset, when the start switch is touched it seems to be tripping a breaker on the 12 V side. The gen starter never turned. There was one click like a solenoid or breaker from the gen panel. This cut all 12V power to the coach side. I checked all the battery wire connections that I could get to and at some point the coach power came on. I do not think I did anything to reset a breaker unless turning the manual battery switch off and on does it. Anyway, the breaker apparently reset but tripped again when another gen start was attempted. Coach power was off again. Checking the wiring diagram I see a 80 amp breaker, but cannot locate it.  My questions are where is that breaker? And what could be causing the generator start switch to trip a breaker or is there something else going on?

Thanks for your help.

John
John

Re: onan generator starting problems

Reply #1 –
Because everything was working correctly before you worked on battery connections and replaced a solenoid, that is where you should begin trouble shooting. Use your schematics and make certain that alll  the connections are correct. It appears you have, or created a short in the generator start circuit. Retrace your steps and make certain everything is wired per the schematic and there are no shorted wires. That would be where I would start.

Roland

P.S. If you find that the issue was caused by your "puttering" don't feel bad. I know I am not the only one that has caused what I call "puttering problems."
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: onan generator starting problems

Reply #2 –
Not sure on your coach, but on two of ours, I have found resetable breakers.  They are mounted on one side of a bulkhead bay wall, with a finger access hole drilled thru the wall to be accessed from the next bay.  Both of mine have been high on the wall.  You might look for them where you have covered power connections that would require removing the nuts to remove the cover.

Do this of course after you retrace what you might have done.  Good luck with the problem and finding your 80 amp breaker.  Once I found mine, I made a wall label and stuck it near the hole.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: onan generator starting problems

Reply #3 –
John  ----  If possible, I would check with the previous owner and see if this is a new thing.  Some times that works and some times it doesn't.  May be worth a try.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'
 

Re: onan generator starting problems

Reply #4 –
Thanks all,

I will re-check wiring with schematic and try to find the breakers.

No contact with prior owner. It came through a small local dealer. I do have a lot of the maintenance records. They revealed ongoing issues with main engine starter and ignition bugs back to the 1990s. Nothing other than normal maintenance for generator since new unit was installed 285 hours ago.

John
John