Onan Marquis Generator - No Spark

[@locopilot1]

THIS IS HOW I FIXED MINE, IN THE CASE OF.... "I CAN'T START MY GENERATOR" It's has been two years since last time it was running, so I started by checking oil level full at gen dipstick (it won't start if low oil because of sensors) then I checked gasoline more than 1\4 tank in the RV (also safety sensors), sparkplug checked for good spark, also checked the manual reset circuit braker ( to be ON) at front motorhome engine compartment for 12v current to the generator to be able to start it, also cleaned the carburetor and even installed new one but same situation, then checked wires and found some has been chewed like gum by rats at the back of starting switch generator panel so I replaced them, at this time the generator started but stay running only by keep pushing the switch on all the time, so then finally I knew it was internal electrical problem from the engine itself, so I took the generator out from my RV to work in my garage, (I did this by myself with some tools and old Mayan tricks ) lol, it's really heavy for one person. I disassemble the unit at my garage and started by removing the cover, then the cooling fan or flywheel unit (it's 2 items in one) until finally I was at the gen rotor and brushes assembly area and this is what I found: one more wire chewed by filthy rats plus the stinky rat nest in the middle of the generator motor coil, I fixed the wire and sanded the commutator copper contacts where the brushes are sitting becouse they were real duty with old urine from the rats, and of course I got rid off the stinky nest, lol!!! Then I assembled everything back together and... bingo it's runing like a champion!!! For this project materials involved was about $60.00 including an aftermarket new carburetor and an harmonic balancer/steering wheel puller (available at any auto parts for $25.00) to pull the aluminum fan out and (flywheel). Just picture this: (Any gasoline engine run smooth if gasoline and DC current aren't interrupted) so following this important principle you'll always find the problem to be fixed. Also if you have a onan microlite 4000 like mine, don't run it for more than a minute without the cover because you'll cook the engine real fast, also keep the eye on the aluminium fan and your fingers after cranking it in case you missing one or two members...just kidding, lol!!! After testing the gen with the help of a gasoline container, a piece of hose and 12v battery, I did put the air cooling assembly back and the rest of components including the cover, then it was ready to be installed at my RV. Once the gen was installed back at my motorhome I started it to be tested for 120v electricity but not before flipping the AC circuit switch (on) at the gen starting control panel (sometimes hiding under or around the panel) to be able to transfer power to my RV GFCI main outlet and electric panel as well, my motorhome it's equipped with GFCI so I reset it and tested for green led light indicating power is ready at my main breakers panel, so I turned my main breaker (on) along the others ones but no power was present at my breaker main switch (faulty main braker) so I flipped it many times, sometimes you can make it work again, mine did work, lol!!! I'm happy because everything works now including the refrigerator for cold drinks and AC for this crazy summer, lol! Later I'll buy me a new main braker, for now this is a resurrected generator story that needed to be shared. If this can help eaven one person to save time and $$$ it'll make me more happy, thanks for reading!

[@FoxADV]

Thank you for you comprehensive report. I'm sure it will help others. It is a heavy beast huh? My RV got wrecked by thieves so I never got to finishing my repairs. I've pinned your comment so others will see it! Good luck!

[@BuzzKill67]

Thanks for the manual link.....

[@FoxADV]

You’re welcome 😊

[@integrityrc7356]

Hey great video. Can you still get that ignition module? I can’t get one.

[@mr.doityourselfandsave4369]

Thank you for sharing but have the quick question is necessary to lower the generator to change the coils ? Thanks again.

[@FoxADV]

Hi. I'm not close to the rig right now but I'd say yes, you would need to lower the generator.

[@mr.doityourselfandsave4369]

Thank you for take your time to answer my question appreciate it.

[@FoxADV]

@@mr.doityourselfandsave4369 Always welcome!

[@cruusher3675]

I took the carb apart and sprayed it down really good. Starts right up now.

[@FoxADV]

That's a result!

[@jerryesters3050]

Turns out for me after replacing the ignition module i discovered the rotor which is plastic had broken and is common !! This issue isnt shared on you tube nor online which is needed to svae people from buyying parts they dont need :) Heres how you figure out you need a rotor 1. no spark while spinning over .once you pull the module you can spin the moptor by hand and look in the hole to see if the rotor is broken and if it is heres the fix .2. lower the gen and disconnect the wires and fuel lines 2. remover the bottom pan and flip on its side .3. remove the carb breather and brushes .4. seperate the stator housing from the engine using a 7/16th bolt 11.inches long which presses the staot off how ever i managed to break it loose by prying 2 screwdrivers on each side and popping the housing with a rubber mallet .5. replace the rotor and reinstall the stator and the generator . problem solved for 45 dollars .ty

[@FoxADV]

Jerry. This is very useful. I'm going to paste your reply into the description and pin it to the top so that others won't get caught out like this. Thank you so much for your very comprehensive comment!

[@isiahhenry7221]

X

[@johnleblanc4553]

I believe it's my pickup module but the one you have is the exact same one as mine can't find a replacement the one's they have the plate the module is attached to is so much shorter don't know if this makes a difference?

[@jerryesters3050]

@@johnleblanc4553 john i think i answered this question years ago ? Are you still working on it ???

[@cruusher3675]

Can i ask you if you ever found the problem with having no spark on your Onan 5500? Ours is practically identical to yours and having same issues.

[@FoxADV]

Still 99% sure it's the sensor, but I have not replaced the part yet to be sure.

[@FoxADV]

Link to the service manual for you: www.dropbox.com/s/mw46vmuo8uglw76/Onan%20BGM%20NHM%20Marquis%20Service%20manual.pdf?dl=0 Page 30 and 123 for the test procedures. Let me know how you get on!

[@michaelryan1900]

Try to follow the way you had things hooked up to do the test for the ignition. Hooked up positive to that red I see your tables coming down from your meter but it doesn't show what's touching where it's very confusing

[@michaelryan1900]

Cables not tables