Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Generator will not crank. (Read 1180 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Generator will not crank.

Reply #25 –
Did you have the same no-start symptoms when using the one switch on the generator itself VS the in-coach switch???
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Generator will not crank.

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Moby –
Ok.
I give up.
Managed to do some voltage testing.
13.6 positive lead to generator body, 13.6 positive lead to chassis.
<<<<<<<<13.5 when cranking.>>>>>>>>
At a camp tonight, went to show a neighbor what was going on, and she starts right up.
Go figure.

I thought it wouldn't crank.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Generator will not crank.

Reply #27 –
Quote from: Dakota Slim –
I thought it wouldn't crank.

My bad.  Attempting to crank.
Did get it to crank right over and start.  Ran for 1/2 hour, let it cool down (removed load) and shut down.
Attempted to start again and no cranky.
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Generator will not crank.

Reply #28 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Did you have the same no-start symptoms when using the one switch on the generator itself VS the in-coach switch???

All three switches gave same symptoms, but could not measure voltage.
Since it ran this evening, I'm going with the motor is not seized, Brett.
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Generator will not crank.

Reply #29 –
Sounds like a bad connection or a faulty starter motor
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 will not crank.

Reply #30 –
 Put a test light on the starter solenoid, check for good volts , bright light.  FWIW I have a 25 ft test light wire, so I can sit in the seat and check functions /watch the pretty light.

Re: Generator will not crank.

Reply #31 –

A power probe makes trouble shooting a lot easier. They come with a 25' cord and a 25' extension, battery clips and lighter adaptor. The model I use also has a volt meter built in.

Amazon.com: Power Probe PP3LS01 Power Probe III Circuit Tester with PPLS01...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
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 will not crank.

Reply #32 –
Quote from: red tractor –
Sounds like a bad connection or a faulty starter motor
I apologise, its been a while since I've updated this post.  Life gets in the way sometimes.
Red Tractor wins.  It is indeed a bad starter motor.  At the shop now getting it taken care of so we can head south to watch the Sun get gobbled up.
As always, thanks for the great suggestions.
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad