Generator problems

[Eyetattoo]

I have a Guardian RV Generator that won't turn over. I replaced the batteries today because I think my old ones were dead. Even with the new batteries hooked up and plugged in to the house the generator won't turn over. It primes but when I hit start the starter clicks but nothing else. In fact if I hold the start button for a few seconds it will puts off a funny smell. Any ideas of what's going on?

[nayther]

Eyetattoo wrote:

allcool wrote:
As others have said, make sure engine is not seized before buying a starter.

"Remove the intake screen at the front of the engine to gain
access to the flywheel nut. Use a large socket and socket
wrench to rotate the nut and hence the engine in a clockwise
direction." Confirm it spins... Otherwise a starter is not going to help if engine is seized.

Is the intake screen behind the air filter?

This would be the cooling air intake screen. You need to get to the crankshaft nut to see if the engine turns over freely.

[Eyetattoo]

allcool wrote:
As others have said, make sure engine is not seized before buying a starter.

"Remove the intake screen at the front of the engine to gain
access to the flywheel nut. Use a large socket and socket
wrench to rotate the nut and hence the engine in a clockwise
direction." Confirm it spins... Otherwise a starter is not going to help if engine is seized.

Is the intake screen behind the air filter?

[allcool]

As others have said, make sure engine is not seized before buying a starter.

"Remove the intake screen at the front of the engine to gain
access to the flywheel nut. Use a large socket and socket
wrench to rotate the nut and hence the engine in a clockwise
direction." Confirm it spins... Otherwise a starter is not going to help if engine is seized.

[Eyetattoo]

dedmiston wrote:
Any chance your batteries aren't fully charged? Try jumper cables from your truck and see if it will turn over.

Batteries show 13.7 volts on my solar charger so there should be more than enough to turn it over? It's also plugged into the house as well.

[Eyetattoo]

nayther wrote:

Eyetattoo wrote:
So I pulled the generator out (what a pain in the a$$) the solonoid is sending power to the starter so I'm thinking it's the starter. I was able to spin the pinion by hand but it doesn't move when I try to start it. What do you guys think?

Assuming the engine turns over by hand/wrench replace the starter

I was able to freely spin the starter bendix. I have to work on pulling the starter off to try and turn the motor. Dang bolt are seized so I have to get some PB blaster. I ordered a new starter and solenoid from Amazon so if either is bad I have them on hand.

[dedmiston]

Any chance your batteries aren't fully charged? Try jumper cables from your truck and see if it will turn over.

[nayther]

Eyetattoo wrote:
So I pulled the generator out (what a pain in the a$$) the solonoid is sending power to the starter so I'm thinking it's the starter. I was able to spin the pinion by hand but it doesn't move when I try to start it. What do you guys think?

Assuming the engine turns over by hand/wrench replace the starter

[Eyetattoo]

So I pulled the generator out (what a pain in the a$$) the solonoid is sending power to the starter so I'm thinking it's the starter. I was able to spin the pinion by hand but it doesn't move when I try to start it. What do you guys think?

[Eyetattoo]

Wild Card wrote:
Starter motor is probably stuck

Is there a easy way to get it unstuck?

[Eyetattoo]

naturist wrote:
When did you last run it? Is it possible the engine is seized due to rust in the cylinders? If you hold the power on a stalled electric motor (aka a starter) of course it will smell funny as the insulation burns up.

The last time it was used was a few months ago. It's always been tough to start the first time but has always cranked.

[naturist]

When did you last run it? Is it possible the engine is seized due to rust in the cylinders? If you hold the power on a stalled electric motor (aka a starter) of course it will smell funny as the insulation burns up.

[Artum_Snowbird]

It could possibly be that the brushes that ride on the commutator are worn down. When they wear down, the brush pressure on the commutator isn't sufficient to provide a good contact, and they just sit and burn instead of creating force to rotate. If you are so inclined, you can check and find out the length of new brushes versus what you have, if not, take it to an electrical starter/generator alternator place.

[Wild_Card]

Starter motor is probably stuck