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Topic: Gen does not start. (Read 699 times) previous topic - next topic

Gen does not start.

Unusual one for us,  Leaving Big Bear Lake today and went to start the gen and nothing.  No click.

Preheat works.  I can hear it clicking.  All batteries are 100% charged.  Bedroom and dash and start on gen do nothing.

Circuit breaker somewhere? 

Thanks in advance. 

Re: Gen does not start.

Reply #1 –
The buttons on the generator panel are circuit breakers.

Re: Gen does not start.

Reply #2 –
  If your starter make no attempt, that might be the first place to look - are you getting current to it?

 You might also check your oil level AND coolant level.

Re: Gen does not start.

Reply #3 –
The buttons on the gen itself are 110v breakers.  Two 45's and one smaller one for the cooling fans.

None of the circuit breakers I can find in the center compartment behind the white fiberglass panel appear tripped. 

How does the gen start work?  Switches including the on generator start switch go to a relay somewhere?

Re: Gen does not start.

Reply #4 –
Staters have brushes and sometimes they will stick in their holders. Check for power to the starter, across the solenoid and if you have that, hit the starter button, and smack the starter with a hammer, and it might shake the brushes loose in their spring loaded holders and crank. Be sure the oil, temp., and what ever sensors are not telling it to not start.

wantabe

Re: Gen does not start.

Reply #5 –
As stated above, is she getting power?
Not only to the actual starter motor but to the solenoid?
When I had a similar issue, first thing I did was test the voltage all around the gen set.  Turned out my starter was fried, that's why I heard the "thunking" I did.  Yours sounds more basic.

Re: Gen does not start.

Reply #6 –
Not sure about yours but mine has a couple of 5 and 10 amp Buss fuses in the control panel. 

When my genset wouldn't start I pulled them out and sprayed a little WD40 on them, and she started right up.

Re: Gen does not start.

Reply #7 –
Also fuses right above the "start/stop" rocker.
Black gadget with a pull out handle on it.
Mines an Onan

Re: Gen does not start.

Reply #8 –
Moby,

A COMPLETELY different generator than you have.  Doubt there are three parts in common.

Re: Gen does not start.

Reply #9 –
Does anyone know if the preheat power and the starter motor power are the same lead?  Do they split at the gen? 

Re: Gen does not start.

Reply #10 –
When you flip the start switch it starts a sequence in the controller first the heat and fuel pump then starter. The controller sends the wire to the starter.

Re: Gen does not start.

Reply #11 –
Not on my unit.  Separate preheat manual switch.  I can hear it clicking so it works.

Re: Gen does not start.

Reply #12 –
Sorry I thought all the 40 ft. 320's had the Powertech 10 KW like mine. I have one switch it starts the fuel pump which I can hear clicking and the heater which is silent then after a pause the generator starter motor engages.
 

Re: Gen does not start.

Reply #14 –
Hmmm.... can you "jump" the solenoid?