Help ! generator won't start

[MiRV]

Just started boon docking in Acadia NP and my generator won't start even though house batteries read 12.3V.

If I "jump start" the house batteries from the chassis battery the generator starts. Also checked VDC reading at Generator and it reads 12.3V. Confused because chassis battery reads 12.3V as well but the jumper start works to start generator!

House batteries are dated Dec 12!!! All levels are good in battery fluids.

Also, battery monitor installed with coach reads All Full on batteries but 13 hours of NO use (only fantom pulls -- gas detector, frig, etc). I didn't even use any lights last night and it wouldn't start this morning. All I get is a clicking and it tries to start but everything resets--has detector.

I think bad batteries with their age but being in Acadia NZ...nothing close to check batteries.

Any ideas or ill have to drive to Ellsworth ME to have the batteries checked and/or buy new batteries!

Thanks

[MiRV]

Thanks for the info/advice on the cables! Greatly appreciate the knowledge and ideas 🙂

[ksg5000]

MiRV wrote:

Just curious how a loose wire at the generator would be a problem since the use of the RV engine started causes the generator to start right up! Since the wires are the sam as the ones from the house batteries? Also, if it was a loose ground wire, wouldn't this cause the difficult start all of the time?

As I try to run down the issue, I'm trying to understand why it's an issue to start the generator off the house batteries (x2 batteries) and not when I use the engine started practice?

This has me scratching my head…

Think of it as trying to complete a circuit --- if anything is loose or corroded in the circuit then it's going to impede. The impediment might be overcome by putting another battery online. Cleaning and tightening every connection in the circuit will make a positive difference .. and "every connection" includes the grounds, generator, and battery connection.

[Gjac]

I sounds like you have voltage at the batteries but that does not mean that enough amps are getting through to turn over the starter. I would remove and clean all cables terminals. Also wiggle the cables and see it you have a loose or corroded cable inside the terminal end if you see green on the wire the wire itself could be corroded inside the terminal.

[MiRV]

ksg5000 wrote:
I would check the battery wire to the generator and make sure it's tight/clean. Also - check the ground wires to the chassis as they tend to corrode and impede battery performance (your battery and generator have ground wires to chassis). Starting the engine before starting generator is pretty common and I do as std practice - makes even more sense if the only reason your running the generator is to charge the coach battery.

Just curious how a loose wire at the generator would be a problem since the use of the RV engine started causes the generator to start right up! Since the wires are the sam as the ones from the house batteries? Also, if it was a loose ground wire, wouldn't this cause the difficult start all of the time?

As I try to run down the issue, I'm trying to understand why it's an issue to start the generator off the house batteries (x2 batteries) and not when I use the engine started practice?

This has me scratching my head…

[ksg5000]

I would check the battery wire to the generator and make sure it's tight/clean. Also - check the ground wires to the chassis as they tend to corrode and impede battery performance (your battery and generator have ground wires to chassis). Starting the engine before starting generator is pretty common and I do as std practice - makes even more sense if the only reason your running the generator is to charge the coach battery.

[MiRV]

Well, I thought this would all be cleared up after having the house batteries tested today. However, both house batteries PASSED with flying colors.

Below is the results from the battery tests.
Battery 1
Rated: 405CCA
Measured: 451CCA
Voltage: 12.88

Battery 2:

Rated: 405CCA
Measured: 466CCA
Voltage: 12.86

Recap: Began boondocking about 10 days ago. 1st night ran lights (sparingly) and Endless Breeze Fan for about 8 hours with according to the fan specs it draws about 3 amps max. The next morning we drove the RV to another boondocking site and used nothing since we had a problem starting the generator at the new site but did get it started and ran for 2 hours. The next morning the generator would not start on it's own and I had to start the RV to provide enough juice to get the generator started. Each day I would run the generator in the morning for about 1 1/2 hours and 2 hours in the evening. Starting the generator in both situations required the assistance of the engine starting process. Time between generator starts: morning to evening was about 7 hours and evening to morning was 13 hours.

I read the voltage of the house batteries at 12.7 volts after charging the batteries.

Since I can't figure out why the batteries are not holding a charge, I need some assistance. BTW: All battery cables are clean!

[MiRV]

@ksg5000, thanks! That's how I am now starting the generator for now. I checked all of the batteries for corrosion and they are clean. Thanks so much for the help/responses 🙂

[ksg5000]

Starting generator takes alot of juice. Few things might help - start the RV engine before starting the generator (that puts both chassis and house batteries online at same time) - also clean/tighten battery terminals and the battery terminal to the generator - also make sure the battery and generator ground wires to the chassis are clean (they tend to corrode as RV ages).

[wa8yxm]

Do the house lights work? (I'm guessing no)

Salesman switch (Battery disconnect) is in the OFF position, house batteries are not connected.. That is my first guess.

[garry_owen]

sounds like a bad connection

clean and check all your terminals and then try

[MiRV]

Thanks for info and I'll charge some more with the generator. As for checking batteries I've been told to do it after charging you wait a few minutes put a load on (turn on lights) and take reading? Is that the best way to check battery level with a volt meter?

Thanks again and very much appreciate the chart!

[RoyB]

Here is a handy little chart showing approximate charge state of the batteries that might be helpful for you.



We work very hard to not ever let our batteries get below 12.0VDC before being re-charged again...

Roy Ken

[2oldman]

12.3 is not fully charged, but, it sounds like the combination of the two sets of batts provides enough current.

I don't know what YEAR your Dec 12 is, but I'm pretty sure with a full charge it would work.

[darsben]

12.3 = Batteries almost discharged. Charge batteries and then take a reading