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Old 06-18-2017, 04:26 PM   #1
ocho
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I'm perplexed

I know..awful big word..especially after I've had a couple. Anyhoo..I've got an issue that i can't figure out. It's proly so simple I'm not seeing it. About 6 months i lost the ability to start the generator from inside. I have a 2012 raptor 300mp. However it would start at the generator. About 3 months ago i lost that ability. Here's the weird part. If i hook up a portable jumper battery to large terminals of the house battery, which starts the generator, and it'll start from either place.

I know my battery is good. It's tests spot on with a load tester. It's an optima blue top.

So today i got to thinking. Instead of having the generator hooked up to the small terminals I'd cut both positive and negative cables..put on automotive type terminal ends and hook it up to the anode posts of the battery. After all that's where i hook the jumper battery to. Didn't work. It'll prime from inside but it just clicks like the battery is low. What is going on?
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Old 06-19-2017, 10:53 AM   #2
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bad connection somewhere between battery and starter, or ground.
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Old 06-19-2017, 11:39 AM   #3
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Sounds like your coach battery(s) need a boost, here try this connect your truck to the Raptor , let truck run a little and then try starting the generator preferably from the inside. If it kicks over, drive down and get a new coach battery. Do you have one or two batteries installed? Can not explain why it would not start from inside but would from outside, unless bad switch but then when jumped would start from either place
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Old 06-19-2017, 05:12 PM   #4
ocho
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Then why would it start from either place with a jumper battery? If there was a bad ground or switch it wouldn't start regardless of how many batteries i had hooked up. That's what's so confusing
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Old 06-19-2017, 05:14 PM   #5
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I leave the rv plugged in 24/7. The battery has a full charge and passes a load test. It's only when i hook up the portable jumper it'll start from either switch. Inside or outside. Ugh
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Old 06-19-2017, 05:57 PM   #6
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When you say it passes a load test, how was that test conducted? I think there's still not enough "umph" from your coach battery. With the degraded coach battery, it now takes a combined battery package to provide the amps that the starter needs.
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Old 06-19-2017, 07:05 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ocho View Post
I leave the rv plugged in 24/7. The battery has a full charge and passes a load test. It's only when i hook up the portable jumper it'll start from either switch. Inside or outside. Ugh
Have you checked your battery fluid level.

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Old 06-20-2017, 04:22 AM   #8
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Have you checked your battery fluid level.

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I'm not sure the Optima batteries can be checked.

I'm wondering if the fact that it is a deep cycle RV type battery if the cranking amp ability isn't enough for starting the generator. The Optima Blue lists the CCA at 800 which sounds like enough, but it is different than with traditional batteries which are designed for high output for starting purposes. When you say it tests good, what is good? Maybe a dual purpose battery like the Yellow Top is the better battery for your situation. I don't know what is required to start your generator, but it sounds to me like that's where the problem is.
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Old 06-20-2017, 04:52 AM   #9
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I'm not sure the Optima batteries can be checked.

I'm wondering if the fact that it is a deep cycle RV type battery if the cranking amp ability isn't enough for starting the generator. The Optima Blue lists the CCA at 800 which sounds like enough, but it is different than with traditional batteries which are designed for high output for starting purposes. When you say it tests good, what is good? Maybe a dual purpose battery like the Yellow Top is the better battery for your situation. I don't know what is required to start your generator, but it sounds to me like that's where the problem is.
All good points. This is likely the culprit. The blue top IS more for long term low amp usage. I'll look into this more
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Old 06-20-2017, 04:57 AM   #10
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When i say load tested good I'm referring to an older test i use to use. I have an older load tester the when hooked up a switch is moved and the battery is put under a load. Quickest way to see if a battery is good under load. This optima tests perfect.
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Old 06-20-2017, 05:25 AM   #11
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I'm not sure the Optima batteries can be checked.
Oops, missed that. Thanks.

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Old 06-20-2017, 05:28 AM   #12
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I'll first start out by saying I'm not a big fan of the current Optima batteries since Johnson Controls took them over a few years back. Their longevity and CCA output have suffered.

OK, you say that you hear 'clicking' when the start button is pushed. That means one of several things, with the easiest to check are all connections, especially ground. Is your ground close to that battery and have you checked it for rust, paint under that bolt or for looseness?

Next, that battery - here is a good primer on how to do checks: Battery Service - Autoshop 101(you may need to copy and paste).

Then, that clicking solenoid or relay - are you sure that it's actually engaging properly. That is, the core or moving contact(s) actually connecting with the stationary contact(s). If using a jumper and it starts while directly connected to that relay or even the existing battery, it may provide enough extra amperage to pull that set of contacts together. If this is the case, then really question the battery cranking ampacity, cable size (they need to be at least 4 awg with heavier better) and the connections.

Always remember when chasing problems that RV manufacturers don't always use the best materials, do much in the way of quality control or employ the most stable work force to assemble them and screwups happen
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Old 06-20-2017, 06:27 AM   #13
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keep in mind your just starting a little generator, not a car engine. I ran a blue top optima in my old truck for 10 years and never had a problem with cranking amps. If it load tested good, look elsewhere. I troubleshoot battery issues on forklifts all day and usually just find bad connections.
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Old 06-20-2017, 09:05 AM   #14
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Start with the easiest thing, put a different battery in it. Even if you just pull one from your car to eliminate everything else. You can chase connections and grounding issues all day long and end up back at a bad battery.
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