Posted 2013-12-16 12:33 PM (#156265) Subject: Problems with bendix and starter on Generac generator
Member
Posts: 21
Location: AR
Its a long story and I'm so frustrated so I will do my best to keep this short and try to get the terminology correct.
Bottom line, my husband who is usually very mechanically inclined and works on generators and engines of all types and sizes is unable to fix our generac generator and I need to know if there's a whiz bang generator repairman he can talk to.
The repair place said it was the bendix and that they couldn't get a bendix. Well I looked up online and found that you can't buy the bendix you had to get the whole starter. So we got a new starter but (and these are my words, the best that I can explain it) its as if the bendix isn't reaching the other thingamajib to engage. My husband has tried different shims and its as if one is too high and too low. The generator tries to start but however it is connected, the bendix doesn't turn.Whatever grabs the bendix isn't grabbing. That's my interpretation of the explanation.
So if only there was a generac genius, he might be able to explain how to fix it to my husband.
(I found the Generac generator troubleshooting guide online and printed it off for my husband. Part of it mentions checking the voltage and when I mentioned that to my husband I got a real disgusted "I know what I'm doing" look.)
Funny thing how people want ipads, and new boots and tack for Christmas. I just want my LQ trailer's generator and fridge to work (the latter has an appt with an RV guy who doesn't do generators).
Posted 2013-12-16 7:32 PM (#156269 - in reply to #156265) Subject: RE: Problems with bendix and starter on Generac generator
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
My suggestion is to get an Onan or Honda. I have heard Generac has quit the RV generator as they couldn't build one that would last. I have had numerous friends switch to Onan or a Honda and sell their Generac for parts.We have a large RV/Conversion dealer in town that was Generac certified and they will not work on them anymore due durability and support issues.
Posted 2013-12-16 10:24 PM (#156275 - in reply to #156265) Subject: RE: Problems with bendix and starter on Generac generator
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
For a starter's bendix to work, it has to have enough voltage to both turn the starter and drive a load. Regardless of his expression, you offered a valid bit of trouble shooting to your husband.
The bendix has to exactly engage the motor's ring gear to operate properly. If it's too short on the engagement, the bendix and ring gears can be stripped, when you may have no proper meshing of the gears. If the starter is in too far, it can bind and not be able to reliably turn the motor, or disengage from the flywheel. The placement of the starter on the flywheel housing, has to be accurate, to ensure the proper distance the starter's gear has to travel, to properly meet the ring gear. The measurement of the gear's travel, is usually spelled out in the enclosed instruction sheet given with the starter.
The starter can be easily bench tested with a battery and jumper cables. When both leads are applied, the starter should immediately start to spin, and the bendix gear should quickly move away from the starter. If neither or only one happens, the starter is bad.
Posted 2013-12-17 1:48 PM (#156277 - in reply to #156265) Subject: RE: Problems with bendix and starter on Generac generator
Veteran
Posts: 259 Location: Topeka Ks
I guess since I’ve been called a whiz bang I will chime in. It sounds to me like the mount is not right or you were given the incorrect part. Set them side by side and make sure they are the same. Check the mounting orientation, direction of the nose housing and overall length. If all that is good, then I would bench test the new starter to see if starter drive was extending all the way. The solenoid may be binding not allowing it to work properly. There are several posts on the web for bench testing a starter.Just some thoughts!Jim
Posted 2013-12-17 8:17 PM (#156279 - in reply to #156265) Subject: RE: Problems with bendix and starter on Generac generator
Member
Posts: 21
Location: AR
Thank you both, I am printing this info and putting it on the table so when he sees it I don't have to see his expression. Little as I know about all this, it sounds very sensible and factual to me.
Again, thanks
Posted 2013-12-29 3:07 PM (#156466 - in reply to #156279) Subject: RE: Problems with bendix and starter on Generac generator
Member
Posts: 21
Location: AR
Okay, we got 2 new deep cycle marine batteries, and if my husband "messes" with the generator he can get it started. He thinks there are some messed up teeth on the ring gear. He said it appears he'd have to tear the entire generator apart in order to replace that part. Has anyone had to replace a generac ring gear?Also, if we replaced the generator, (roof mount) is it a simple matter of pulling the old one off and hooking up the new one?
Posted 2013-12-29 8:07 PM (#156481 - in reply to #156265) Subject: RE: Problems with bendix and starter on Generac generator
Veteran
Posts: 259 Location: Topeka Ks
I have not worked on a Generac but wouldn't think it would be to crazy hard. I would pull the unit off the roof and work on it on the bench. You can connect the fuel and battery then you can start it up and check things out. As for swapping units you will likely have to drill new mounting hole and extend the electrical wiring. Good luck Jg
Posted 2013-12-30 7:13 AM (#156489 - in reply to #156484) Subject: RE: Problems with bendix and starter on Generac generator
Member
Posts: 21
Location: AR
Where is the controller and what does it control? I cannot begin to explain the high level of frustration this Generac generator has caused. Our closest repair person is three hours away, - there was/is one 2 hours away but my husband knows more about generators than he does; sad.
Posted 2013-12-30 9:08 AM (#156491 - in reply to #156265) Subject: RE: Problems with bendix and starter on Generac generator
Veteran
Posts: 259 Location: Topeka Ks
It is usually the case the repair facility is hours away and the guy that is close doesn't know much. I did a quick search on the web to see if the flywheel is between the engine and generator and it looks like you may not have to split the unit to replace the flywheel depending on the model. RV gensets have to be exercised monthly to remain reliable. If you don’t use it you lose it and sometimes even if you do. Write down the model number and serial number and spend an evening researching information on your generator. Look for the parts manual, service manual, do some “how to’s” replace the flywheel, adjust the carb, replace the fuel pump. Look on generator specific forums there will be some fixers, so be as specific as possible model, s/n what it is doing, a video and pictures help. Expect the information to be fragmented and you will have to piece it together for your fix. With your repair shop 6 hours away you can spend some time on this and the next repair you will be ahead of the curve. Almost forgot the controller. It is the switch panel inside the house where you use to start and shut down the generator. The controller is unit specific. On late model units the controller is also used to troubleshoot the electrical system. The codes will be in the service manual. Good luck! Jg
Problems with bendix and starter on Generac generator
