B190 Enthusiasts

Does anyone know if there is a replaceable fuse on the back of the control board in an Onan microlite 2800 genset? My generator will not crank, just a couple of clicks then silence. Coach battery is strong and plenty of gas in clear fuel filter. The 5 amp fuse on the right side of the control panel checks ok with the multimeter. Thanks, Hubie

Have you tried a different battery?
I *just* had a similar experience. The gennie starter would click a few times, but zero "crank". My house battery said it was at 12.8, which is fine. Pulled my Hyundai next to the van and used jumper cables to connect to the gennie - started right up!
Had the battery tested - dead cells. If there are working cells, they'll measure the proper voltage - but because there are also dead cells, the battery won't be able to deliver the necessary current to get the gennie spinning.
Replaced the battery and all is well!

I had thought about the possibility of a bad battery, but I tested the battery under load and it checked ok. Nonetheless I will jump the coach battery with a known good battery. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Hubie

An easy way to test it (at least, this would work in the B190 I had) was simply to start the van engine, then try the generator, because the alternator provided enough power to run the generator starter.

Well I pulled my battery out, took it to Advance and got it checked for dead cells and everything else their machine checks for. The battery checks out 100% ok. Cleaned all terminals at battery to bright and silver. Still no crank. Back to square 1. Any thoughts/suggestions much appreciated. Hubie

Skater,
I tried starting the van engine, then tried to crank the gen, but once again the gen would not crank. After studying the Onan microlite 2800 service manual,I'm betting my problem is the control fuse F1 is open, or the relay K2 is defective or the starter is defective. Problem is I have not been able to locate the control fuse F1 or the K2 relay.
Hubie

Here's a pic from the Service Manual
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1ay8ojbf1dj3n ... l.PNG?dl=0
Parts 13 and 22?

Thanks slapthecat. Very helpful. Don"t think it's #22 fuse because I have a 98 with the new style 5 amp fuse on the right side. This fuse shows continuity when I test it with the multimeter. I'm betting it's #13 relay. Thanks again. I'll let you know.
Hubie

Probably shoulda mentioned...
Check out the http://www.smokstak.com/ forums. I was able to find the Service Manual and Parts Catalog for the first revision of the gennie - couldn't find it anywhere else. Lots of good Onan info there!

Slapthecat, Thanks for the link. That is extremely useful for onan and a lot of other stuff.

I don't seem to have the relay (#13 in your illustration from an earlier post). My microlite 2800 is apparently the newer one (mine is a 98 model B190) that does not have the glass fuses and the k2 relay behind the control panel. As I mentioned earlier, it has a 5 amp fuse on the right side of the control which is OK. I'm thinking the relay function may be incorporated into the control board in my unit so at this point my control board is suspect.
Hubie

Yep - that will be completely different than the pic I posted!
The letter at the very end of the Model number will tell you the "Spec", or Revision, of the gennie. Look for the parts catalog for your model and there should be a nice breakout diagram in there.
Also - check out http://www.flightsystems.com/. They have an Onan gennie Troubleshooting Guide that covers all Revs and has TONS of info. They've also been very good about answering questions via email!

Thanks for all the good information and leads. Hope to have this problem solved in the next 3-4 days.
Hubie

those generic fuse holders can fail. I had to replace mine. Fuse was good. Do a test across the contacts of the fuse holder with a good fuse.

Phil

Planck,
Thanks for reminding me to check the fuse holder. I had not thought of that. Will do tomorrow.
Hubie

The fuse holder checked ok. Ended up pulling the generator out and found a loose ground at the starter. Starter showed some wear on the bendix so I am replacing the starter and electric fuel pump (just because gen is out), changing the spark plug and adjusting the valves. Also replacing the rubber gas line. When I get it all buttoned up, hopefullky it will run like new.
Hubie