onan won't crank

Chris Bryant wrote:
Just for fun, try using a 3/8" allen wrench to rotate the motor just a bit (there is a socket on the generator end to do this). I have had them stop at just the wrong spot.

Reach in the left side of the motor until you feel the cooling fins. Push/pull it until it turns. "Been there done that" a couple times..

You have two batteries in that C?

The Fleetwood C I know starts the Onan 4000 off the house battery.

Check your voltage at the solenoid of the generator's starter. Should be AT LEAST 12.5V

You are checking the big heavy Red wire on the solenoid. One will be 0V, that's the wrong one ;)

Do this WITHOUT the start pressed.

You could also jump across the solenoid if these voltages are good. From big red to big red. But remember, BIG power, sparks, motor may turn over, etc. If you're not comfortable with that, don't ;)

If it turns out to be the solenoid, do NOT buy a ford solenoid. Remove the solenoid from the genset, turn it over and read the ONAN number printed on the backside. Either order one from an ONAN dealer or take the old one and the number to your favorite auto parts store. They sometimes have a cross reference to their products.

JimL

Just for fun, try using a 3/8" allen wrench to rotate the motor just a bit (there is a socket on the generator end to do this). I have had them stop at just the wrong spot.

Sounds like the house battery soldiod is not engaged, or you haven't turned it back on yet.

Have you tried it with the C's big engine running? If whichever battery the Onan starts from is a bit weak, that can make a difference.

Jim, "Mo' coffee!"