generator

wa8yxm wrote:
On my ONAN, if I go to the outside switch (So I can hear it) And press the STOP and hold it, after about 30 sconds the light comes on and there is a clicking sound click,click,click (the fuel pump has cut on)... Wait another 30 seconds and press START. and you hear one much louder click (The solenoid) and it starts.

If you hear the clicking sound which one associates with low battery in a car. Then there are two possible issues.

1: Same as the car (Bad battery)
2: Bad connection or wire.

Our gas onan clicks as well when priming. I heard the clicking coming from the fuel pump itself. It was not rhythmic.

On my ONAN, if I go to the outside switch (So I can hear it) And press the STOP and hold it, after about 30 sconds the light comes on and there is a clicking sound click,click,click (the fuel pump has cut on)... Wait another 30 seconds and press START. and you hear one much louder click (The solenoid) and it starts.

If you hear the clicking sound which one associates with low battery in a car. Then there are two possible issues.

1: Same as the car (Bad battery)
2: Bad connection or wire.

If this is a diesel, it sounds like it needs warming.

I would check the voltage at the battery at rest. If it is good 12.5 or more, I would then check the battery cables for corrosion that go back to the generator. What does you battery read?

oldmattb wrote:
On some diesel generators, the clicking is normal. It is the preheat system, and it may go on for a minute or so in cold weather, before the starter engages.

Matt B

Our Onan 7.5 KW Quiet diesel does that. Even in Mexico heat, for a few seconds. In the north, in the cold it goes on for longer.

Genset has a starter relay. It will sound like clicking if the battery is low.

On some diesel generators, the clicking is normal. It is the preheat system, and it may go on for a minute or so in cold weather, before the starter engages.

Matt B

gkime wrote:
I have a 2001 four winds motorhome when I go start the generator
I hear sort of a clicking noise I don,t think it,s the battery I think
it might be a solenoid can anybody help

Many times solenoids will "click" if there isnt enough voltage for them......check your battery

I know on my MH sometime I can hear the fuel pump for the generator before it cranks over? May that is what you are hearing. Is it something new you are hearing? Gary

Solenoid should be under the hood. There should be two there. Have someone push the button and find witch one is clicking then check to see if the power goes thru it when button is pushed