Forum Discussion

draboo's avatar
draboo
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013

Onan 4BGE Starting Issue in '93 Fleetwood Flair

The generator starts and runs fine. There is the dilemma: It will not start unless the engine in the RV is running. It just clicks like the solonoid is shot, or the connections are dirty. I replaced the control board, checked the starter, and cleaned every stinkin' electrical connection I can find.

Even after the RV's engine is running, it takes a few pushes of the button inside the cab to get it to fire. It clicks the first few times I hit the start button, but eventually it will start.

I m guessing the RV engine should not need to be running to start the generator?

Thanks,eh?

Brad

In transit, presently in Myrtle Beach,SC
Class A
  • sssooo's avatar
    sssooo
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2013
    you need a marine type battery and also check the ground from battery to the chassie,the ground can cause a lot of headaches
  • draboo's avatar
    draboo
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2013
    UPDATE!!

    The battery was shot. I replaced it and checked the volts while running and while plugged in to shore power and everything is great.

    I have to start diagnosing things in order. If I would have load checked the batteries and checked the charging system, I would have saved myself lots of headaches. Plus springing for a POS chinese Onan starter I did not need.

    Lifes lesson #86,958 learned the hard way.:)
  • garry1p's avatar
    garry1p
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2013
    The coach battery is charged by the converter when on shore power or generator.

    The engine alternator should charge all batteries when running.

    Yep you could do that, the down side is running down the engine & coach battery if you forget to remove the jumper when parked.
  • draboo's avatar
    draboo
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2013
    The new coach battery is not getting a charge. I jumped the coach battery with the engine battery and the genny fired right up without starting the engine.
    As a temp fix, couldn't I run a wire between the positive terminals of the batteries so both would charge at the same time?
    Seems like there is something in the wiring/or the little control board under the hood that isn't charging the coach battery. I've yet to have any trouble with the engine battery.
  • garry1p's avatar
    garry1p
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2013
    It may be a good battery but a bad connection at the battery.
  • draboo's avatar
    draboo
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2013
    The house battery is brand spankin' new 850CCA from NAPA. I changed the converter from the old stock "HUMMMMMMMERRRR" to an updated one that charges the battery at one of 3 different rates depending on the need. It has a light that lets you know which voltage rate it's being charged at.

    I ll check the battery's condition ASAP!

    Thanks for the suggestions,eh?

    Brad
  • racer99's avatar
    racer99
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2013
    Draboo We had the same problem last winter heading to Florida-I unhooked the 2 6volt batteries and bought a cheap 12v battery and that worked fine for us the whole 74 days we were gone-when back home I had my 6 volt batteries checked and one had a dead cell even though it was only a year old-I assume you have a bad battery cell-I would also check the inverter or converter to see if it is putting out juice when plugged into shore power --we found a blown fuse--hope this helps--Rich
    pauperspride.blogspot.com
  • copeland343's avatar
    copeland343
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2013
    Sounds like the house battery is low or bad and the engine is charging it enough to get you started. Check house battery/batteries for proper voltage. Battery Voltage Approximate
    12v 6v State-of charge
    12.70 / 6.35 100%
    12.45 / 6.23 75%
    12.24 / 6.12 50%
    12.06 / 6.03 25%
    11.89 / 5.95 0%

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