Onan generator problems (help)!

Question

My 04 class a has a Onan micro quite 4000 in it and on a recent trip I learned my batteries were bad. The genset would crank and crank but not start. After jumping from the coach battery it would run but continued to be problematic. Finally I realized the bats weren't holding enough amps or volts to run. By this time I burned out the solenoid and replaced it. When I replaced it and hooked up a car battery after removing the junk deep cells I tried to start it again and got smoke from my controller board model 300-5046. I hooked up the solenoid according to the directions it came with but a think it could be wrong. I swore the three wires were originally hooked to the S the I and the positive coming OUT of the solenoid originally but the new schematic shows the positive wire before the solenoid. This is the only way it would crank so I hooked it up and got smoke. The control board is most likely bad now (yes?) and the replacement is like $350. I don't want to blow up a new one and can't find a used old one. Can someone please advise. Thanks so much.
Jeff

son_of_norway · Answer

Sometimes putting up a picture might help us help you get something like a solenoid wired correctly. Once you have figured out the wiring you can try flightsystems.com for a better deal on a control board. The only caveat would be that Onan dealers might get cranky about working on your genny in the future if they see you have one.

By the way, welcome to the forums! Good luck with your repairs.

Miles

generator_jim · Answer

There are at least five different ONAN solenoids. They have different internal wiring connections. If a "standard" ford solenoid is installed, the circuit board could be presented with a 12 volt "ground".

Remove the original solenoid and check the ONAN number stanped on the back of the mounting strap. Most auto parts places have a cross reference list.

JimL

kpackpackkelley · Answer

Lookup flight systems on the net and call they can rebuild your board or send you a new one with a better warranty and less money. As Jim said make sure you have the right solenoid before you put a new board in.

jmori33 · Answer

Thanks for the help. I took the old solenoid out and took it in to Advanced auto. They just matched it up by looks. They look the same except for posts vrs lugs.  I didn't realize there are internal differences.

edatlanta · Answer

Before I take any wiring apart, I use my smart phone and take a picture.  It solves a lot of problems when putting everything back.

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Onan generator problems (help)!

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