Onan starting problem!

[ralph d. edelbach]

Since I'd like to have my Onan 4KV running just in case there is a
problem New Year's eve, I need a bit of help.

I put a new starter on it a year or so ago and it was running very well
as far as I could tell at that time. Haven't really used it since then.
When I tried to start it recently from inside the coach and also at the
unit using a fully-charged battery, it just made a clicking sound.
Couldn't tell whether it was the solenoid or something else though.

Before I start taking things apart, is there anything I should check
based on expereience anyone has had? The contacts might be dirty so
that is where I'll start unless someone gives me a better place. I'm
going to go through my extensive file on the Onan this weekend but
thought someone might be able to give me the secret info and save me
some time, stress and may even $$$. Many thanks in advance.

Ralph Edelbach, Ringoes, NJ
'73 Glacier

 

[jim bounds1]

Ralph,

Just for grins, move the flywheel by hand a little. If the genny has been
sitting for some time, it may be stuck in place and a gentle nudge might
free it up. It's probobly not that though.

Take a jumper cable and touch the main terminal of the starter to the + on
the battery to see if it spins. If so, check the + cables to the genny.
If not, check the - cables. Check the - by reconnecting the jumpers
between chassis ground & the case of the generator.

If you still have goose egg, I would have to say the starter has let you
down again.

Hope this helps,

Jim Bounds
- -----------------

>Since I'd like to have my Onan 4KV running just in case there is a
>problem New Year's eve, I need a bit of help.
>
>I put a new starter on it a year or so ago and it was running very well
>as far as I could tell at that time. Haven't really used it since then.
>When I tried to start it recently from inside the coach and also at the
>unit using a fully-charged battery, it just made a clicking sound.
>Couldn't tell whether it was the solenoid or something else though.
>
>Before I start taking things apart, is there anything I should check
>based on expereience anyone has had? The contacts might be dirty so
>that is where I'll start unless someone gives me a better place. I'm
>going to go through my extensive file on the Onan this weekend but
>thought someone might be able to give me the secret info and save me
>some time, stress and may even $$$. Many thanks in advance.
>
>Ralph Edelbach, Ringoes, NJ
>'73 Glacier
>
>
>
Jim Bounds/Co-op Motor Works Orlando www.gmccoop.com

 

[eieioh]

Ralph,

I had similar symptoms with my Onan. Cleaned the ground connections and it
then started and ran fine. Test by grounding it with a jumper cable.

Bill Macdonald
77 Kingsley

Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 07:26:45 -0500
From: Ralph Edelbach
Subject: GMC: Onan starting problem!

Since I'd like to have my Onan 4KV running just in case there is a
problem New Year's eve, I need a bit of help.

I put a new starter on it a year or so ago and it was running very well
as far as I could tell at that time. Haven't really used it since then.
When I tried to start it recently from inside the coach and also at the
unit using a fully-charged battery, it just made a clicking sound.
Couldn't tell whether it was the solenoid or something else though.