Onan generator does not start
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Hi all,
After two successful runs of the Onan generator, it does not start anymore. The start button in the pantry doesn’t show a light anymore, which it did before. 12V are supplied to the generator, so it should have power to start. We suppose are switch or are fuse which are preventing the generator to start, but haven’t found anything. Anyone had a similar issue or an idea to solve it? Regards, Roland SM 150 Aventura
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Bill Kinney
Roland,
Two days after we moved aboard our SM, we could not start the Onan, just as you described. The gear was new to us and we had not to opportunity to learn its tricks yet, so we contacted the previous owner, and asked him... He knew right away what the issue was: On the front of the Onan control panel in the engine room is a standard white toggle circuit breaker. it is in a place that anyone working or moving in the engine room can easily bump it, and it immediately flips to "OFF" and nothing works. In the next few years that has happened at least a half dozen times. If that's not it, then there are others, but if they fail it would be for a reason that would need to be investigated before replacing them. Do you have the MDKD model? Bill Kinney SM160, Harmonie Le Marin, Martinique
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Check out the wire with a spade connector that goes to the electronic fuel pump. Also, inspect the inline fuse to the starter hiding behind the unit.
-------- Original message -------- From: Bill Kinney <cruisingconsulting@...> Date: 2022-06-15 11:06 a.m. (GMT-05:00) To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Onan generator does not start Two days after we moved aboard our SM, we could not start the Onan, just as you described. The gear was new to us and we had not to opportunity to learn its tricks yet, so we contacted the previous owner, and asked him... He knew right away what the issue was: On the front of the Onan control panel in the engine room is a standard white toggle circuit breaker. it is in a place that anyone working or moving in the engine room can easily bump it, and it immediately flips to "OFF" and nothing works. In the next few years that has happened at least a half dozen times. If that's not it, then there are others, but if they fail it would be for a reason that would need to be investigated before replacing them. Do you have the MDKD model? Bill Kinney SM160, Harmonie Le Marin, Martinique
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Hi Bill and Ian
Thanks for the hint. We’ve checked this circuit breaker already, and it’s on. It seems that the control unit doesn’t have 12v, although 12v are supplied to the generator.
So, we try to find a the fuse, which should be there according to the electrical schema (as Ian suggested also).
We cannot find this inline fuse, even when opening the control unit.
Where exactly is the inline fuse? Do you have a photo which shows its location?
We have the Onan MDKDP model, but our manuals are for MDKD.
Regards,
Roland
SM 150, Aventura
currently Reggio di Calabria
On 15 Jun 2022, at 17:44, Ian Townsend <smlocalola@...> wrote:
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I don't have a photo. It's on the port side of the generator, low down. Hard to find. Trace back from the starter.
-------- Original message -------- From: Roland Mueller <rolimueller@...> Date: 2022-06-16 2:26 a.m. (GMT-05:00) To: main@amelyachtowners.groups.io Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Onan generator does not start Hi Bill and Ian
Thanks for the hint. We’ve checked this circuit breaker already, and it’s on. It seems that the control unit doesn’t have 12v, although 12v are supplied to the generator.
So, we try to find a the fuse, which should be there according to the electrical schema (as Ian suggested also).
We cannot find this inline fuse, even when opening the control unit.
Where exactly is the inline fuse? Do you have a photo which shows its location?
We have the Onan MDKDP model, but our manuals are for MDKD.
Regards,
Roland
SM 150, Aventura
currently Reggio di Calabria
On 15 Jun 2022, at 17:44, Ian Townsend <smlocalola@...> wrote:
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Roland, I want to remind you and Ian of what I say too often. Just because 1 SM has something installed, doesn't mean they all do. I do not believe the fuse that Ian has is Onan or Amel installed. We do not know the Onan model installed in your Amel because you did not state the model number of the Onan. It could be original or may have been replaced. Assuming that it is original which is probably MDKC/MDKD, there are two control panel breakers. This is the first thing to check.  What you can probably do: The next things you can check are the connections of the 12v cables including the battery, the connection block on the side of the Onan, and all of the connections on each of the solenoids used for starting, positive and negative. I suggest that you remove each connection, clean completely and use CorrosionX on the connection, then tighten completely:     At this point, if you have not solved the issue, I suggest that you get an Onan technician onboard. There could be many possible issues including a weak battery, computer PCB, relays, solenoids, etc. Good luck
On Thu, Jun 16, 2022 at 5:27 AM Ian Townsend <smlocalola@...> wrote:
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Bill,
Thanks for the hints.
Our Onan generator is model 6.5MDKOP, Serial No 1943230900, Spec 174C:
Your picture of the solenoid looks different to ours:
The generator is likely the original given the high number of operating hours.
The fault reset breaker and the DC control breaker are in proper position, the generator cannot get started either directly at the control panel nor by the remote switch in the pantry.
There is no 12V voltage at the control unit, and that would lead me to this mysterious fuse. In the electrical drawings of the generator, the 30A fuse is shown. But we cannot find it.
Of course, there could be other reasons like a faulty PCB, but the visual inspection of it doesn't show anything unusual.
Do you know an Onan technician in Genua/Italy? I've been rerouted from Onan UK to Onan Italy (+39 025 165 581), but this number seems unattended.
We are definitely at the end of our knowledge to solve the issue.
Regards,
Roland
SM 150 Aventura
Genua/Italy
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> on behalf of CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...>
Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2022 6:29 PM To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io Notification <main@amelyachtowners.groups.io> Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Onan generator does not start
Roland,
I want to remind you and Ian of what I say too often. Just because 1 SM has something installed, doesn't mean they all do. I do not believe the fuse that Ian has is Onan or Amel installed.
We do not know the Onan model installed in your Amel because you did not state the model number of the Onan. It could be original or may have been replaced.
Assuming that it is original which is probably MDKC/MDKD, there are two control panel breakers. This is the first thing to check.
What you can probably do: The next things you can check are the connections of the 12v cables including the battery, the connection block on the side of the Onan, and all of the connections on each of the solenoids used for starting, positive and negative.
I suggest that you remove each connection, clean completely and use CorrosionX on the connection, then tighten completely:
   
At this point, if you have not solved the issue, I suggest that you get an Onan technician onboard. There could be many possible issues including a weak battery, computer PCB, relays, solenoids, etc.
Good luck
On Thu, Jun 16, 2022 at 5:27 AM Ian Townsend <smlocalola@...> wrote:
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If original, it is very old and you will suffer from parts availability. I do not have anyone to recommend, but I am sure that there are good generator mechanics nearby. Bill
On Tue, Jun 21, 2022 at 11:43 AM Roland Mueller <rolimueller@...> wrote:
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Patrick McAneny
Years ago a few hours before departing for a trip to the Caribbean I discovered my Onan would not start . I had a mechanic come aboard and the first thing he did was to find and replace an inline fuse ,that I did not know existed. It is behind the engine on the port side close to the front . It may go to the starter . If you cannot find it let me know and I will go out to my boat and take some pictures.
Hope this helps, Pat SM Shenanigans
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Pat, Please explain "behind the engine on the port side close to the front."
Years ago a few hours before departing for a trip to the Caribbean I discovered my Onan would not start . I had a mechanic come aboard and the first thing he did was to find and replace an inline fuse ,that I did not know existed. It is behind the engine on the port side close to the front . It may go to the starter . If you cannot find it let me know and I will go out to my boat and take some pictures.
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Pat,
Thanks. Some pictures would be excellent.
Regards,
Roland
SM 150 Aventura
Genua, Italy
On 21 Jun 2022, at 20:58, CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:
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Patrick McAneny
Bill, That may be a bit confusing ,when I say behind the engine ,I assume, so mean if you are standing between the two engines facing the Onan it would be behind the engine ,on the port side of the engine and I would say about a foot aft of the front of the engine. It is a inline fuse,if it blown the engine will not turn over. This fuse may not be on other SMs ,I don't know about that. I will take a picture .
Pat SM Shenanigans Sassafras River , Md.
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Eric Freedman
Roland, The solenoid looks like a Valeo solenoid Amel uses to ground the block on the propulsion engine. What makes it different from other isolated solenoids is that it has a rubber button on top to close the solenoid. Did you try pressing the rubber button and try to start the generator engine? . If it works then you can take the solenoid apart and clean the contacts. Also check the wiring connections.
If the engine works with the solenoid button depressed and you can’t fix it, you can get an isolated starter solenoid at any auto parts store. They run about $20- US.
The only difference is that the they do not have the rubber button. I keep one as a spare as it is used on my engine. Onan went to a regular solenoid as I previously mentioned on later model generators.
Fair Winds Eric Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io On Behalf Of CW Bill Rouse
If original, it is very old and you will suffer from parts availability.
I do not have anyone to recommend, but I am sure that there are good generator mechanics nearby.
Bill
On Tue, Jun 21, 2022 at 11:43 AM Roland Mueller <rolimueller@...> wrote:
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I found a similar blown fuse on Loca Lola's Onan this winter, it was tucked under the port side of the engine where I couldn't see it. I found it when I couldn't find any power to the start relay in the control box upper aft end of the engine where all the relays are. I think their vintage may be similar to Shenanigans. -- Kent & Iris KRISTY
SM243
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Pat,
Thanks. This more detailed description of the location of the fuse helped us to finally find it!!
After replacing the fuse, the Onan generator started well.
The inline fuse is very hidden and in our case white painted as the whole generator, so tricky to find, if you don’t know where to search.
Here the location of the inline fuse:
 This case is now solved and I appreciate the help and hints from you guys. Thanks a lot.
Regards,
Roland
SM 150 Aventura
Genua, Italy
On 21 Jun 2022, at 21:38, Patrick McAneny via groups.io <sailw32@...> wrote:
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Patrick McAneny
Roland & Bill, Had a look at the fuse. It was probably an add on, but someone also said they had a fuse. Picture is attached. the wire with the fuse is connected to the same terminal on the back of the solenoid that the power supply is. The wire appears to lead to the panel on the side of the engine that has the switches, which makes sense. I don't know if yours or any other SM has this fuse, but mine does and it blew and preventing the engine from starting. The mechanic went right to it as if he new it was there, fixed it in five minutes.
Hope this helps, Pat SM Shenanigans #123 
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Patrick McAneny
We are having trouble transferring the pics from my phone ,but as I described the fuse is right off the back of the solenoid , I never knew it was there ,and I am pretty sure it was not installed by Amel .
Pat
SM Shenanigans #123
-----Original Message-----
From: Patrick McAneny via groups.io <sailw32@...> To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io Sent: Wed, Jun 22, 2022 7:51 am Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Onan generator does not start Roland & Bill, Had a look at the fuse. It was probably an add on, but someone also said they had a fuse. Picture is attached. the wire with the fuse is connected to the same terminal on the back of the solenoid that the power supply is. The wire appears to lead to the panel on the side of the engine that has the switches, which makes sense. I don't know if yours or any other SM has this fuse, but mine does and it blew and preventing the engine from starting. The mechanic went right to it as if he new it was there, fixed it in five minutes.
Hope this helps, Pat SM Shenanigans #123
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First, this is a very old Onan. I looked at the MDK series installation manual for this Onan and discovered the DC wiring diagram shows a 30A fuse. I was a little surprised by this because I have not seen an inline fuse in Onan installations done in the last 20-25 years. Bill 
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Patrick McAneny
Roland , I am glad that solved your problem ,I think at some point the previous owner replaced the original fuse holder ,that is why I thought it may have been an add on unique to my boat ,apparently it may only be on older units. There is another Amel with the same problem ,I suggested he have a look for a fuse,his boat is a bit newer so may not have it. Glad it was a simply & cheap fix.
Pat SM Shenanigans Sassafras River , Md.
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Miles
I have an MDKAL generator that does not start. It turns over, but does not start. The fuel solenoid (I think) on the side of the engine turns on, the generator engine cranks, but there is no sign of life . Has anyone had this problem before? Is there a fuse somewhere that I don’t know about? Or what could be causing this?
I will be grateful for any suggestions. The boat is on a mooring and is missing the generator.
Miles
S/Y Ladybug, sm 216 , Newport, RI
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