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Devildog86's avatar
Devildog86
Explorer III
Oct 09, 2024

No start power to Onan 5500 generator

Ok, going through last minute checks and went to crank up generator to allow to run for a bit. Prior to departure to Western NC this Saturday. Nothing, no power to start! My Rig is a 04 Kodiak Gulfstream Endura and the generator has ran fine just a couple of months ago for nearly a week while we were camping @ races. I've been through all 3 fuse boxes & 1 main breaker box. Doubled checked all batteries/cables/connection's.  I'm looking for suggestions! Much Appreciated..

  • way2roll's avatar
    way2roll
    Navigator II
    Oct 09, 2024

    You said it ran fine a couple of months ago, do you exercise it regularly? it's recommended- especially with ethanol gas, to run it monthly under load to keep the fuel lines and carb from varnishing. That said, no power to start sounds like a battery issue, not a fuel supply issue. Are your batts fully charged? Battery disconnect off?  Can you jump it to test it? Is it getting spark? 

    • Devildog86's avatar
      Devildog86
      Explorer III
      Oct 09, 2024

      Thanks for the reply! Yes, I jumped generator directly with jumper cables and separate battery,  cranked right up! Will not continue to run if I remove jumper cables! Something is stopping the power from getting back to the generator. 

       

      • way2roll's avatar
        way2roll
        Navigator II
        Oct 09, 2024

        Then I think you have your answer. Sounds like your house batts are dead. Onan generators require a good battery to keep the fuel shut off solenoid open, and the control board powered up. 

    • Devildog86's avatar
      Devildog86
      Explorer III
      Oct 10, 2024

      Hey there Waytoroll,

      Yes batteries are at full charge and I did jump start it directly.  Fired right up! Generator will not remain running if I remove jumper cable., telling me it has something to do with the Rigs electrical makeup? Nothing wrong with Generator! I appreciate all your posts! I've found a Company called Atlantic Emergency Services, who has offered to step up & assist with diagnosis of this issue. Because we have got to get on the road to Lansing, NC! Again Much Appreciated! Semper Fi,  Mac & Elizabeth 

  • MNtundraRet's avatar
    MNtundraRet
    Navigator
    Oct 10, 2024
    Devildog86 wrote:

    Ok, going through last minute checks and went to crank up generator to allow to run for a bit. Prior to departure to Western NC this Saturday. Nothing, no power to start! My Rig is a 04 Kodiak Gulfstream Endura and the generator has ran fine just a couple of months ago for nearly a week while we were camping @ races. I've been through all 3 fuse boxes & 1 main breaker box. Doubled checked all batteries/cables/connection's.  I'm looking for suggestions! Much Appreciated..

    I would check for a loose ground wire. It's possible a mouse chewed through a wire somewhere in the wall.

     

  • joebedford's avatar
    joebedford
    Nomad II
    Oct 10, 2024

    My Onan 5500 is wired directly to the battery. No switches, fuses or breakers in the way.

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