berkshire generator wont start

[kingwood390bh]

On my 2010 390bh, while in storage, my house batteries drained. I attempted to start the generator and it would not turn over(not surprising). I plugged in the unit, left it for 2 weeks, came back to start the generator, and still nothing. I figured with full charge the generator would turn over. Are there any simple steps to troubleshoot this issue? I'm a recent graduate from gas to diesel and I never had a dead battery on my 2008 Damon.

[wnytaxman]

Did you have all the battery disconnects turned back on? We leave ours in storage and leave it plugged in, but the battery disconnects turned off. Before I start it back up I turn all the disconnects back on. You may need to attach a trickle charger to the batteries to get the generator going again.

[accumack]

you may need to hold the starter switch down for about 10 seconds you'll hear a clicking noise then it will turnover and start donot crank for for more than 10 to 15 seconds it will burn out your starter. hope this helps.

[kingwood390bh]

I held down the starter and got a faint click click click. Even with the unit plugged in it may not have charged the batteries enough. They appear to be jell type(no water). I will try to find a 6volt charger. Also, I just found the battery cut off switch in the battery bay. That may have lead to the parasitic drag. I have books ten inches tall to learn about all of the systems. Thanks a bunch

[NO3putt]

Thought I had the same problem, check thebattery level and nothing until I figured out while some service at the dealer, they had turned off the master switch by the door. surprize, everyting worked once the unit is turned on. sometimes we all over look the little things. best of luck and happy camping.

[jim44646]

Originally Posted by kingwood390bh

I held down the starter and got a faint click click click. Even with the unit plugged in it may not have charged the batteries enough. They appear to be jell type(no water). I will try to find a 6volt charger. Also, I just found the battery cut off switch in the battery bay. That may have lead to the parasitic drag. I have books ten inches tall to learn about all of the systems. Thanks a bunch

If it is a gel type battery make sure the charger u use is capable of charging gel batteries. Could ruin your battery.

[kingwood390bh]

Thanks. I will look into the battery charger issue. I had hoped by plugging the unit in, the batteries would be fully charged. I found the cummings generator book and am working my way through it.

[jim44646]

The charger I have will charge Std. AGM or Gel. 6 or 12 volt

[kingwood390bh]

What brand and model charger do you have? Is it one that you can leave plugged in without worry of over charging. When I store my unit, I may not see it for months.
Thanks

[jim44646]

It's a Schumacher XC10 10/6/2-Amp Battery Charger. $40.00 at Walmart. You can leave it on as a tender. It electronicly monitors battery. Next model up XCS15 has a LED read out monitor, Is's $50.00

Jim

[kingwood390bh]

Thanks. I am going to buy one.

[accumack]

someone over at i rv2 had your same problem. here's a link.
generator doesn't start with clicking noise - iRV2 Forums

[kingwood390bh]

Thanks for the link. I'll try it.

[kingwood390bh]

Thanks to all. I have learned alot. The clicking noise preceeds the engine cranking. Once I found that out , the starter engaged normally in about 10 seconds. After charging, using my new Schumacher charger, I reduce the parasitic drain by disconnecting my house batteries using the switch located in the battery compartment. My next step is to understand the inverter.