Diesel Onan 8k Wont Start -2007 Meridian 36g

[Rjmossyoak]

Hello, we are at the Midwest Nationals this weekend. We are having to run off of house batteries and generator because no shore power here. We ran generator for awhile yesterday morning and when we got back it wouldn't start. It would go through the clicks are heating glow plugs but starter would never engage. We tried everything and could never get no results. We plugged into a friend's generator last night and everything is charged and still the same thing. House batteries are only a year old and we also had a new one that we stuck in to try and nothing. Any ideas much appreciated.

[Morich]

First quickie to see if low battery is a problem? Try starting the Rv engine as that connects the chassis battery and alternator to coach and assures good voltage.
Second thought would be to check the battery cables from the coach to the solenoid on the generator. The click often means you are getting enough power to that solenoid to pull the contacts (click?) but not enough to turn the engine to start cranking.
Depending on what year and if the cables have been changed there may be a "code" for tape on the cables for ID?

If you tell us which RV, there may be drawings to show the route and where connections might be on that cable.

[creativepart]

Like any engine there are a few "simple" things. But it sounds like the battery is good enough to do everything but engage the starter.

That points to the starter solenoid. It could be bad or just "stuck." Do you have access to it? Onan likes to tuck things away. I've always heard stories of people rapping the solenoid with a metal wrench and temporarily fixing the issue. But I've never had to do so.

Most important is the heavy duty wiring connecting the batteries to the solenoid. And making sure that they are totally sound and making a good connection.

After that, it may be time for an Onan Tech to take a look.