Generator won't Start

[GKU]

Just purchased this DP new a couple of months ago and I have a lot to learn. When I try and start the generator you hear "Click-Click-Click" sounds like the battery is dead. This is where my problem is, I can't find the generator battery. It is not in the front where the generator is. I have two battery's in the rear that I think are for the engine and 4 house battery's. The generator did work about 3-weeks ago-started right up.

I have a 2014 Tiffin RED 340-Cummings, 8k generator.

Can someone point this new DP driver in the right direction?

[koda55]

Glad you got it running.

[Lobstah]

Glad you figured it out, and glad it was an easy problem.

And yes, when you do a walk through on a new coach, especially if you are new to motorhomes, it's like drinking from the fire hose.

If you have a smartphone or a small video recorder, USE IT 🙂 Video everything the dealer explains. That way you can go back and view it at any time.

Jim

[GKU]

Thank all for your help. The generator is running.

The problem was my diesel inexperience, all I had to do was hold down the start switch for about 45 seconds and it started. Some of you suggested that, but I only held it down for 20 or so seconds.

I am still taking it in for some other minor problems and while I am there, I am going to have someone go over everything with me again. The first time, it was so much information to remember.

Again, thanks for your help this was another problem solved by this forum.

[Canadian_Rainbi]

koda55 wrote:
I have the Onan 8 thousand generator. At times it has taken 45 to 60 seconds for the generator glow plug to get hot enough to start the generator. All it does is click till it starts. How long have you held the start switch? Try holding it to start for up to one minute and see if it will start. Sounds like what you describe is normal procedure.

After it sits it takes sometime for it to start.

Our Onan 7500 Quiet Diesel clicks for at least 10-20 seconds down here in Mexico at 80 - 90 degrees. Much longer when it is cold.

[koda55]

I have the Onan 8 thousand generator. At times it has taken 45 to 60 seconds for the generator glow plug to get hot enough to start the generator. All it does is click till it starts. How long have you held the start switch? Try holding it to start for up to one minute and see if it will start. Sounds like what you describe is normal procedure.

After it sits it takes sometime for it to start.

[tropical36]

badboy368 wrote:
fuel pump is my guess :h

OP says that the genset engine won't even turn over for trying to start.

[Flanz]

Quote "I have an appointment in 2 weeks I will get back to everyone as to what the problem was."


Since your under warranty THIS is the best thing to do. Everyone loves to "guess" at a problem. And that's exactly what it is a GUESS. If you start to tinker with the coach/genny under warranty you MAY put your warranty in jeopardy.

Since this is a 2014 MH and your not 100% about the total operation of the systems, then I think your making the best decision. Now, what I would do while I was there is work on getting someone to take you thru the coach and explain as much as possible about all operations if this hasn't been done. If this has been done, then get a refresh on things you don't understand. Even spending a few dollars to have this done COULD same you even more down the road.

Remember, nobody on this forum is an expert and we all have learned about our on coaches over time. If this is your first MH, then take sometime to read the manuals and ask your dealer questions.

-paul

[badboy368]

fuel pump is my guess :h

[gkime]

I have a 2001 four winds mh I had the same problem had a mechanic
come over and look at it replaced the solenoid and starter runs fine now

[tropical36]

GKU wrote:
Thank you all very much for the help. I have tried all you suggestions.
Started the coach and tried to start the genset..no luck
Held down the starter switch for at least a count to 20-30..no luck
All 4 house batteries test OK as well as the Chassis batteries
Check voltage at the genset..nl luck

I short I have tried everything, I have an appointment in 2 weeks I will get back to everyone as to what the problem was.

Thank you all for your help

The solenoid on the genset could be bad, I guess and would take a voltage reading there and on both main terminals, when trying to crank it. Whatever you find, do keep in touch, as you say.

[GKU]

Thank you all very much for the help. I have tried all you suggestions.
Started the coach and tried to start the genset..no luck
Held down the starter switch for at least a count to 20-30..no luck
All 4 house batteries test OK as well as the Chassis batteries
Check voltage at the genset..nl luck

I short I have tried everything, I have an appointment in 2 weeks I will get back to everyone as to what the problem was.

Thank you all for your help

[JimM68]

My onan quiet diesel has a preheater. In cold weather like this, you just hold the button, it will eventually crank and fire.

Holding the button the other way runs a primer pump, I need that iafter I let the coach tank get below 1/4 and run the genny out of fuel, the next start after I fuel up I have to prime.

Never remember which is up and which is down. If I'm holding the button the "start way" it will flash while it is preheating. Takes some time when it's really cold.

[wolfe10]

Charlie+Em wrote:
The generator on my Class C will not start if there is less that 1/4 tank of gas in the rig. Might check that.

But, if out of fuel (generator pickup above level of fuel in tank), it would turn over, but not start.

OP's just clicks, doesn't turn over.

[Charlie_Em]

The generator on my Class C will not start if there is less that 1/4 tank of gas in the rig. Might check that.