1998 Onan MicroLite 4000 Weak SPARK
I have a 1998 Onan MicroLite 4000 Model No: 4.0 KY-FA/26100H that wont start. She turns over, a little hesitant to turn over but does. It has spark but it is very weak, I believe so weak the fuel p...
Forum Discussion
My Onan starter uses somewhere in the neighborhood of 100A when cranking. That's a very rough value at best, but might be a starting point.
What is the voltage of the house battery while you try and fail to start the generator from it alone? What is the voltage at the starter solenoid of the generator (to the generator chassis) when you do the same? If the battery voltage stays reasonable (12+ volts) but the voltage at the generator is low, then plain as day you have a poor connection somewhere between the two. Check that the grounds are all solid, and the terminals on all the cables are tight and secure, and that the cables (particularly at the battery) haven't corroded out from inside the terminals. If the generator starter current goes through a disconnect solenoid, it would not hurt to see what sort of voltage drop is across the solenoid's contacts when cranking; it may need refurbishment or replacement. (It also strikes me as a less than desirable design to route the power that way, but whatever.)
If the voltage of the house battery is drooping a lot, you have a bad or discharged house battery, your belief to the contrary notwithstanding.
What is the voltage of the house battery while you try and fail to start the generator from it alone? What is the voltage at the starter solenoid of the generator (to the generator chassis) when you do the same? If the battery voltage stays reasonable (12+ volts) but the voltage at the generator is low, then plain as day you have a poor connection somewhere between the two. Check that the grounds are all solid, and the terminals on all the cables are tight and secure, and that the cables (particularly at the battery) haven't corroded out from inside the terminals. If the generator starter current goes through a disconnect solenoid, it would not hurt to see what sort of voltage drop is across the solenoid's contacts when cranking; it may need refurbishment or replacement. (It also strikes me as a less than desirable design to route the power that way, but whatever.)
If the voltage of the house battery is drooping a lot, you have a bad or discharged house battery, your belief to the contrary notwithstanding.
