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 wrote:
I did apply 12 volts to the cable. I have to say, I think I hear an attempt to turn, but nothing loud. I also forgot to mention that the solenoid clicks a lot. On a known good generator, the solenoid does not click loud (I don't prime it, so the it takes 15-20 seconds to start. Just did it for testing.) Interesting on the TDC, I was think about beating it with a hammer tomorrow, but maybe I'll look for a way to spin it. I'll do searching tonight as well. Thanks.
One more fairly easy test to help pass judgment on the starter: How about pulling your car/pickup up close to the MH for a known good 12v source; remove the solenoid-to-starter cable (again) and connect it to the red on a set of jumper cables, then connect the blk to the generator body itself for ground (not the MH frame?) As j-d says....you should get a pretty good spark when you connect the ground (with 100 amps or so inrush current.) If "no crank" it should be either the rare TDC problem or a starter problem, I'd "think".
BTW- I just have a hard time envisioning a 4-volt drop across a new solenoid; i.e., measuring 12v on the inlet side and (at the same time) 8v on the outlet side while attempting to crank.
Sounds like you are "zeroing in" on this problem. Good luck.
