Onan Micro 4000 Generator Won't Start
Generator was working fine, but I turned it off and now it won't start. Seems like a low battery, but they're full. Almost thinking a wire fell off, but don't see anything obvious. The lights on th...
Forum Discussion
txnese- re: " I tested the output side of the solenoid and get 12v with starter cable disconnected, with starter connected I get 8 volts"
I assume you get the 8 volts while pressing the starter button. Please also let us know what voltage the other (power input) lug on the Onan starter solenoid reads while holding the start button down. If the 12 volts you measured at that lug was "open circuit" it does not guarantee you have a good copper path all the way to the battery; but a measurement under load tells a lot more.
Just data, FYI: My Onan service manual states that the minimum voltage allowable at the starter itself is 10 vdc. Of course "more is better"..... a lot better.
Also just some "real world" data: I actually pulled the plug wire and measured the starter current on my 4K Onan Microquiet a couple of years ago. It was 57 amps steady state. As DrewE mentioned, the inrush current is probably at least 100 amps.
Good luck with the fix.....keep us posted; we're all learnin'
ed s Currently: Denver, CO Formerly: Alvin, TX
I assume you get the 8 volts while pressing the starter button. Please also let us know what voltage the other (power input) lug on the Onan starter solenoid reads while holding the start button down. If the 12 volts you measured at that lug was "open circuit" it does not guarantee you have a good copper path all the way to the battery; but a measurement under load tells a lot more.
Just data, FYI: My Onan service manual states that the minimum voltage allowable at the starter itself is 10 vdc. Of course "more is better"..... a lot better.
Also just some "real world" data: I actually pulled the plug wire and measured the starter current on my 4K Onan Microquiet a couple of years ago. It was 57 amps steady state. As DrewE mentioned, the inrush current is probably at least 100 amps.
Good luck with the fix.....keep us posted; we're all learnin'
ed s Currently: Denver, CO Formerly: Alvin, TX
