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Old 02-08-2022, 12:20 PM   #1
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Generator Clicking 2004 Coachmen Concord

Hey I am new to the forum and a new rv owner. Purchased a 2004 Coachmen Concord in October 2021. We decide to remodel the inside before taking a trip. We had started the Onan generator 30 to 40 times while we were working on the inside. We took our frst trip New Years weekend. Started the generator when we fiisrt got there to set things up. The next morning when we tried starting the genertor it would just click and the lights would dim. The coach battery was new, but i went ahead and replaced it anyway. Since then I have installed a new complete power center. I am looking for some help!
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Old 02-08-2022, 12:57 PM   #2
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Hey I am new to the forum and a new rv owner. Purchased a 2004 Coachmen Concord in October 2021. We decide to remodel the inside before taking a trip. We had started the Onan generator 30 to 40 times while we were working on the inside. We took our frst trip New Years weekend. Started the generator when we fiisrt got there to set things up. The next morning when we tried starting the genertor it would just click and the lights would dim. The coach battery was new, but i went ahead and replaced it anyway. Since then I have installed a new complete power center. I am looking for some help!

Welcome to the forum. Post your question under the sub thread Coachman. Lots of knowledgeable folks there to help ya. Later RJD
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Old 02-08-2022, 01:12 PM   #3
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Moved to the Coachmen Motorhomes sub-forum.
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Old 02-12-2022, 12:18 AM   #4
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Most gasoline generators will not use the last 1/4 tank of gasoline in order to prevent you from being stranded. How much gasoline is in the tank?
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Old 02-12-2022, 06:34 AM   #5
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Calvin, yup that be my answer also. about the 1/4 tank fuel. Wonder if unit has a Mom switch, i think thats what they call it, uses both house/coach batteries to start gen/eng.
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Old 02-12-2022, 07:51 AM   #6
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Bad starter??
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Old 02-12-2022, 08:16 AM   #7
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Usually a click is a relay clicking. Of course after the relay clicks it is supposed to be sending a signal downstream to what it is controlling say a starter motor. Find the relay. Measure voltage into relay and then out of relay.

Starter motors for these small motors are usually centrifugal motors which means first the motor spins and then it engages. That is different from a car starter which usually uses a plunger to engage and then spin.

If you have 12Volts to starter motor pull it out. You can hook it up across your battery and see if it spins. Mostly the motors don't fail but the mechanics do which could include just putting oil on the shaft. A return spring can be broken a retaining clip can be broken or even the motor could be bad. I would bet the motor is just all gunked up or that the relay is bad.
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Old 02-12-2022, 09:56 AM   #8
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Thanks for the advice. I was able to get the generator to turn over by putting a socket on the crankshaft and turning the crankshaft. Now the generator will turn over but will not run. I changed the spark plug but that did not help. The only I can get the generator to run is with starting fluid, but it will only run for a few seconds.
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Old 02-12-2022, 10:05 AM   #9
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The only I can get the generator to run is with starting fluid, but it will only run for a few seconds.
The fact that you are able to start it and it runs on the starting fluid leads me to believe the battery power is getting to it but it's not getting gas. Have you verified gas flow out of the fuel pump?
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Old 02-12-2022, 10:38 AM   #10
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Thanks for the advice. I was able to get the generator to turn over by putting a socket on the crankshaft and turning the crankshaft. Now the generator will turn over but will not run. I changed the spark plug but that did not help. The only I can get the generator to run is with starting fluid, but it will only run for a few seconds.
Post #4 asked about how much fuel you have in the tank of your motorhome and you haven’t responded. Your symptoms still indicate it’s a question that needs an answer, especially when you state it runs on a small supply of starting fluid.
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Old 02-12-2022, 10:46 AM   #11
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The mice are a hole in the fuel line in my old rv. Same symptops, would run fine if you stuck the fuel line in a can of gas.
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Old 02-13-2022, 12:22 AM   #12
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Post #4 asked about how much fuel you have in the tank of your motorhome and you haven’t responded. Your symptoms still indicate it’s a question that needs an answer, especially when you state it runs on a small supply of starting fluid.
Apparently he enjoys trying the more difficult things first.
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Old 02-13-2022, 12:56 PM   #13
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Check oil level and read fault code output if any
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Old 02-13-2022, 03:58 PM   #14
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The fact that you are able to start it and it runs on the starting fluid leads me to believe the battery power is getting to it but it's not getting gas. Have you verified gas flow out of the fuel pump?
I know there is gas going into the carburetor
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Old 02-13-2022, 03:59 PM   #15
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Post #4 asked about how much fuel you have in the tank of your motorhome and you haven’t responded. Your symptoms still indicate it’s a question that needs an answer, especially when you state it runs on a small supply of starting fluid.
Full tank of gas
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Old 02-13-2022, 04:01 PM   #16
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Is this the 5500 model ?
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Old 02-14-2022, 03:37 PM   #17
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It is a 4000
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Old 02-14-2022, 03:57 PM   #18
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Fuel filters and a general clean? Small, hard working gas engines like gensets can be sensitive to fouling.
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Old 02-14-2022, 04:31 PM   #19
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Irish 55 - get your model number and down load the service manual. May help
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Old 02-15-2022, 12:13 PM   #20
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Thanks
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