Gen will not start unless coach is running - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: Gen will not start unless coach is running (/showthread.php?tid=9124)

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Gen will not start unless coach is running - rvguy - 10-11-2026

We just came back from a awesome 4200 mile, 2 month trip out northwest/west.  As usual few issues arose while out on the road. I started to notice that generator will crank and try to start but wont, unless the coach engine is running. fuel filters appear to have no air in them and shut down solenoid working as should.. Yanmar engine/kohler gen 20k. soon as I start the coach the gen will start right up and run perfectly. Is the a lift pump somewhere on the unit for the generator ?  any other ideas ??

We stayed at some pretty cool places along our journey and will share some the the campgrounds/casinoes we stayed at that will hold the big newell coach.

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RE: Gen will not start unless coach is running - Richard - 10-11-2026

Yes on fuel pump. Passenger side of engine.

Sounds like a low voltage situation. I woukd start be measuring dc voltage at gen with engine and gen OFF. Then crank and measure again. Low voltage could cause problems with either lift pump or hold in coil of shut off solenoid

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RE: Gen will not start unless coach is running - [email protected] - 10-11-2026

I was thinking the same as Richard. The other thing you can try is to put a jump pack on the generator starter and see if it starts and runs normally on the jump pack. But reading the voltage at the gen starter will tell you what is going on.

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