When I push start switch on the unit, I hear the fuel pump and a click from the solenoid but no action from the generator. Here is what I've tried so far:-Tested batteries, showing 12.8+ and I've got 3 deep cycles.-Ran the engine and tried starting with engine running. -Half a tank of gas.-Found that the 30 amp breaker switch was off. Turned it on but still doing same thing.-The last couple times out, it was having a hard time starting, and I usually had to run the engine to get it started.

HARD TIME STARTING?Cranked over very slowly but running engine helped?Cranked over at normal speed but engine did not catch?The first answer above is a dead giveaway the starter motor itself has a problem. Time to jumper the terminals on the starter manually and check starter cranking speed and amperage draw.

Are you sure power is getting through the start solenoid to the starter.

There is no cranking at all currently. The last time it didn't start when I was out camping, I remember a couple slow cranks and then it went to the state it is currently in, where no cranking is happening. Texas, can you give instructions on a simple test to determine if power is getting through to the starter? I assume it's fairly easy with a volt meter but electrical testing doesn't come easy for me.

Take the door off. On the left side you will see a big black solenoid with two large terminals on it. One will have battery power all the time. That side is where the battery hooks up. It may have BATT printed on it. The other side supplies power to the starter. It should have power when you try to start it. If it does not you have a bad solenoid. If it does have power the starter is bad.If you need a service manual. Go to smokstak Onan section post a full model and serial number. With an email address. You will receive a manual for free.

Volts seem to be fine coming in and when I hit the start switch the cable going out of the solenoid registers similar voltage. My meter is jumping around quite a bit but it seems to be close to 13 on both sides.So now I should look at starter replacement?

Generator Not Cranking - Onan Microlite 4000 | Good Sam Community

TEXAS
Explorer
Nov 03, 2014
You will have to drop it. To get the top off. That is why I no longer work on them.
fischer
Explorer
Nov 04, 2014
One more thing to check is a good ground. You need battery and ground for everything to work properly.
DaHose
Explorer
Nov 04, 2014
Look around on yours and be absolutely sure it has a separate starter motor. Mine does not. I have an Onan 4000 and I discovered that it has a crazy start solenoid setup.

The crazy solenoid uses the generator as the starter motor, then when it's spinning I release the start button. That converts it back into a generator. At first I pushed the button to start the genny and heard the fuel pump running, but there was no cranking. I tested all the electrical and narrowed it down the starter solenoid. I found a NOS part for $25 dollars and the genny started on the second try.

Jose
TEXAS
Explorer
Nov 04, 2014
Jose What you have is called an exciter cranked generator.Two sections. DC section for starting. AC section for the voltage output. The Microlite has a starter just like a car does.
brisath
Explorer
Nov 05, 2014
Thanks DaHose but I have confirmed it does have a starter as Texas indicates. It is just in the back out of reach. I'm going to double check connections first though and make sure everything is clean and grounded properly then I'll work on dropping it.

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Generator Not Cranking - Onan Microlite 4000

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