Hadn't started my generator in awhile and forgot to unplug from the shore power when trying to start it. Now it just screeches :-(
I had tried to start it without the shore power plugged in, and it seemed like my batteries were too low to help it start, so I pulled it into the shop and plugged it in to charge everything up. Forgot to unplug. It did sound normal the first time I tried.
Would be really happy if pressing that red reset button would fix it, but I'm feeling so frazzled that I don't want to try anything before asking for some suggestions. Thanks in advance.
Posted 2015-12-18 9:18 PM (#165618 - in reply to #165617) Subject: RE: Tried to start generator w/shore plugged in...
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
The ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) should handle the change, but under load, it will put a strain on it. Check to see if any breakers are tripped Make sure there is no heavy load items turned on when starting the generator Is the screech the solenoid trying to engage the starter on your generator's motor?
Posted 2015-12-18 9:23 PM (#165619 - in reply to #165617) Subject: RE: Tried to start generator w/shore plugged in...
Regular
Posts: 90
I don't know what the sound is, I've never heard it make that sound before, I'll check fuses in the morning. I'm afraid of making anything worse! Thanks for the reply.
Posted 2015-12-19 12:34 AM (#165621 - in reply to #165619) Subject: RE: Tried to start generator w/shore plugged in...
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Thinking about it...the screech may be the starter bendex that has been shredded...you didn't identify the generator type...but I believe Onan's have a nylon/plastic starter gear and if you have an Onan generator that maybe the screech you are hearing...not a bad repair...just make sure you get all the shards out when you do get it repaired...
Posted 2015-12-19 10:33 AM (#165623 - in reply to #165617) Subject: RE: Tried to start generator w/shore plugged in...
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Some of the older generators had a one unit starter/generator that was belt driven. If an initial load was attempted before the gen was up to speed, it could cause the belt to slip. This would initiate a squealing noise similar to an automotive, loose power steering belt. The noise could also be an indicator of a bearing going bad.
Posted 2015-12-19 12:01 PM (#165625 - in reply to #165617) Subject: RE: Tried to start generator w/shore plugged in...
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448 Location: Los Angeles, Ca.
I don't think Onan makes a 3000 rv generator. Easier to diagnose with correct info... Does generator crank (like your car ) or does is just squeal when trying to start and won' turn the engine? Was this a factory install or done by a handyman. The electrical problem may be as simple as a reset switch and probably just coincidental to the squealing..is there an Automatic Transfer Switch installed?
Posted 2015-12-19 3:51 PM (#165627 - in reply to #165617) Subject: RE: Tried to start generator w/shore plugged in...
Regular
Posts: 90
Well I don't think it's the 5000, next one down. It was professionally installed when my trailer was new. I just had it serviced, changed oil and the fuel filter. Service tech can look next week...I was thinking that having it plugged in to the shore power did something ...which is on me. I'll let you know what I find. Thank you for the replies.
Posted 2015-12-19 5:06 PM (#165629 - in reply to #165617) Subject: RE: Tried to start generator w/shore plugged in...
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448 Location: Los Angeles, Ca.
Automatic transfer switch disengages shorepower before energizing circuits with the generator. If it only makes the squealing when trying to start but the engine won't turn.....probably like Paul said....starter gear. Let us know. It is probably an Onan Microquiet.....4000 if gasoline powered, 3600 if propane. Good Luck
Posted 2015-12-30 5:08 PM (#165695 - in reply to #165621) Subject: RE: Tried to start generator w/shore plugged in...
Regular
Posts: 90
Plastic starter gear shredded. Have one ordered and will go from there. Another puzzling thing to me, is the Prime/Start switch in my trailer. I assumed that when I pressed Prime, that the little fuel pump would come on to send gas up to my generator. Since I had someone hear to listen for it, I tested this. It does not come on when I press prime, but does when I press start. Is that right?
Posted 2015-12-30 7:12 PM (#165696 - in reply to #165695) Subject: RE: Tried to start generator w/shore plugged in...
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by brendaclemens on 2015-12-30 8:08 PM
Plastic starter gear shredded. Have one ordered and will go from there. Another puzzling thing to me, is the Prime/Start switch in my trailer. I assumed that when I pressed Prime, that the little fuel pump would come on to send gas up to my generator. Since I had someone hear to listen for it, I tested this. It does not come on when I press prime, but does when I press start. Is that right?
Is this your switch setup? https://www.equinerv.com/faq/1547 Click on the Priming the popular Onan...et cetera :) The Prime Button is the same Button you use to Start/Stop the Generator. Pushing down on "Stop" will start the Priming of the Generator. Sometimes it's noted on the Button as 'Stop/Prime. As seen in these photos, it does not say Stop/Prime, only Stop. But the function is still there. When you push down on the Stop Side of the Switch, the small Light comes on showing you that Priming has begun. Hold it down for the count of 10 to 30 seconds. Push the Start side of the Switch down for a count of about 10. If it does not start, prime it again. It may take 2 or 3 times if it hasn't been started that day or if it's cold outside.
Posted 2015-12-30 7:21 PM (#165697 - in reply to #165696) Subject: RE: Tried to start generator w/shore plugged in...
Regular
Posts: 90
Yes, that is how mine works. I just thought that the little fuel pump was suppose to turn on when I pressed the stop/prime direction. Mine isn't, but it does turn on when I press in the start direction.
Posted 2015-12-30 11:26 PM (#165699 - in reply to #165697) Subject: RE: Tried to start generator w/shore plugged in...
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by brendaclemens on 2015-12-30 10:21 PM
Yes, that is how mine works. I just thought that the little fuel pump was suppose to turn on when I pressed the stop/prime direction. Mine isn't, but it does turn on when I press in the start direction.
Did you hold it down for the count of 10 to 30 seconds?
Tried to start generator w/shore plugged in...
