Cheryl_B
USA
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I went to look at a 2000 Winnebago Adventurer 37G today and while it was plugged into the home's electricity, he tried to start the generator to show me that it worked. It wouldn't start but while he held the button down, the lights inside the rig were flickering.
We checked fuses and such but found nothing wrong, but now the generator won't start at all, even when shore power is disconnected. Generator makes zero sounds.
Can you guys help me figure out what this could be? I bought said rig and there is a mobile RV mechanic that is going to take a look at it and I'd really rather not incur that cost. (Frankly, he should be the one paying that but we'll see what it ends up running.)
I wish I could remember what the generator was. I think it was a "green" something or other and was 5000 watts. Hope you can help me figure this out. Really hope no real damage was done.
1985 Class C Chevy Rockwood, 27'
Fulltiming since June, 2016. Flying solo but I'm never alone.
Fear not the unknown, but the fear itself.
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA
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Make sure the battery disconnects are on. Suggest cycling to off then back on.
Could be bad battery(ies) or just need charged.
Green genset would indicate Onan, probably 5500.
Bud
USAF Retired
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2003 Chev Ice Road Tracker
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craig7h
Branson MO area
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I would first off like said make sure the battery disconnects are in the correct position. When you pushed the switch to start the gen. did you hear it try and start or was there no sound at all?
Start the engine and while its running try starting the gen. I could be wrong on this but I think the gen. gets started with the engine batteries not the house.
You may also want to go over to the Winnebago Owners forum for some good info also. https://www.winnieowners.com/forums
* This post was
edited 03/26/23 04:04am by craig7h *
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wolfe10
Florida
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Yup, a battery or connection issue between house battery and generator.
The lights dim because battery voltage drops when trying to start the generator.
I would start by checking battery voltage at the battery "at rest" and then while cranking the generator.
Brett Wolfe
Ex: 2003 Alpine 38'FDDS
Ex: 1997 Safari 35'
Ex: 1993 Foretravel U240
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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Have the batteries load checked, free at auto stores. Plus fuse, disconnect, wiring, etc.
Also an issue like that suggests poor maintenance and you should check everything after this issue is fixed.
2009 Holiday Rambler 42' Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
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Bob
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wa8yxm
Davison Michigan (East of Flint)
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The lights flickered because the lights inside are 12 volt and the generator starter motor draws CONSIDERABLE amprage so it "Drew down" the house system voltage.
As to why it did not start: Multiple possible reasons
First the fuel supply. Generally the generator can not use the last 25% (1/4th) of the fuel in the tank (Makes sure you have enough to get to ye old gas station) If the batteries are NOT connected there might not be enough oomph in the converter to crank it fast enough.
Operator error
Bad problem with generator needing $$$$ to fix.
Home was where I park it. but alas the.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
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atsrmf
Indio
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It sounds like the fuel pump is either defective or not getting voltage. This is assuming that there's enough gas in the tank to draw fuel out.
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wolfe10
Florida
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Cheryl_B wrote: It wouldn't start but while he held the button down, the lights inside the rig were flickering.
Need to know why it would not start:
Generator motor would not turn over at all.
Generator motor would not turn over fast enough to start.
Generator motor tuned over at normal speed, but would not start.
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Cheryl_B
USA
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Thanks, everyone. Actually he texted me after I got home and he said it started when he tried it again after I left. I'm going to have him let me hear it start when I talk to him next. I want to hear it with my own ears. I don't need shenanigans. I wish I could trust people who seem trustworthy but the fact of the matter is that even the most unlikely people will bend the truth to suit their needs.
As far as the batteries and gasoline supply, the batteries are all new and there was enough gas in the tank to take it for a test drive. He told me that it started right up when he tried it that morning so that's why I want to hear him start it when I'm on the phone with him.
While we're on the subject of generators, I noticed this one has a summer/winter lever. What does that do? He didn't know.
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA
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Lever is a rough choke adjustment.
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