Onan Starter Quit

Question

Hey All:A couple of questions about my on-board propane powered Onan genset in my 1995 Lance... it is the Microlite 2800 series.There is a remote start rocker switch on the control panel in the camper, and a start rocker switch on the genset itself, in the compartment.I was trying to start it today after changing out an empty propane cylinder. After several starts and stops as the air was purged, the start switch stopped working. I tried the one in the camper... no worky either. I checked the circuit breakers, and replaced the 5-amp fuse on the genset control panel. I am not finding any other fuses on the panels, under the cabinets, or on the converter that would account for this. Battery is fully charged.The generator was working fine yesterday, as I checked it when I pulled the unit out of storage, until the right tank ran out. After switching tanks over, it fired right up.Any thoughts as to what else I can check? Even if there was a propane delivery problem, the starter should cycle, unless that circuit has gone bad somehow, or the starter-motor itself has failed. Any other ideas on what to check?Does anyone know how complicated this repair might be, if it's the starter motor itself?FWIW, we normally use our Honda 2000, as this Onan has proved remarkably unreliable. If Honda made a replacement that would run on propane, and fit into the space this Onan takes, I'd buy it tomorrow.Any thoughts much appreciated. Thanks,Don

westend · Answer

Is there power at the switch? Is there power at the starter? How are you determining the battery is fully charged? There may be a fuse or fusible link between the switch and the starter.

Using jumper cables to turn the starter will eliminate the starter as the cause.

handbasket · Answer

I think yours is actually a 2500, not a 2800? Anyhoo, if I'm reading it right, it's started off the camper 'house' battery, the camper has been in storage for some time, and you started it several times. I'd start with suspecting the battery.

Unfortunately judging by my three gas 2800 Microlites, there's no way to get to the starter or solenoid with a meter or jumpers short of pulling the top off of the box. That usually means the generator has to come out.

Jim, "Even if the voices aren't real, they have some pretty good ideas."

2gordons · Answer

Correct- 2500 on LP.Yes, the unit had been in storage. House battery was not in the unit, it was kept on a smart trickle-charger in the basement over the winter. I did start and run the generator yesterday when I de-winterized the camper. When it died on me, it was because the propane tank emptied. It re-started easily on the 2nd tank when I opened it up.Question: If I put the camper on shore-power, I can still start the generator, correct? The genset starter would then have full-juice to draw from? If it starts on shore-power, then my problem is clearly the battery not having the amps to crank the starter, even though it shows almost a full charge on the panel. I wasn't in a position to put a meter on it today, but it still have juice enough to operate the lift jacks...If it still won't crank on shore-power, it's probably the starter?I'm not keen on pulling the genset out right now, as we have a trip upcoming... I suspect you are correct that I will need to yank it to get access to the wiring/starter. It all looks pretty inaccessible.My dealer wants $200+ just to look at an Onan and diagnose anything. Trying to avoid sinking that into a generator I really don't use. But, it just annoys me to have something that doesn't work the way it ought to. My OCD is flaring, I guess. LOL. Thanks!

handbasket · Answer

If your TC is wired like my older class B's were, yes, plugging it in should give you better starting voltage (Tiger CX starts the Onan off the engine battery). If it starts that way, the issue is most likely either the battery or a loose or corroded wire, or bad 12V ground.

It took me about 2-3 hours to pull the Onan in the Tiger, working alone on a hot humid day. Mine's in a compartment mount, held in by 4 bolts in the bottom. My compartment door frame had to come off to have a big enough opening to pull it.

All the wiring and fuel plumbing is at the back, in the left corner as you face the access panel. Three AC wires, one 12V start, one harness plug for remote start, one fuel connection. Getting those unhooked & re-hooked was the biggest hassle.

I used a 2 X 10 plank as a ramp to get it to the ground. IIRC, the sticker on the side says it weighs 125 lbs.

Jim, "Will adding an exhaust brake make my Onan quieter?"

2gordons · Answer

Update:Fired up the Honda gennie and tried to start the Onan. No dice... Both starting switches are dead. So, I guess I am assuming it is something in the starting circuit, or the actual starter motor itself.I guess I'll be pulling the unit out after our next trip to try and get to the bottom of it. Any other thoughts or advice on the project appreciated. Thanks!Don

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Onan Starter Quit

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