Can't turn on my generator

V

vt97john

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 22, 2018
Messages
64
Fluid Motion Model
C-288 C
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2910J213
Vessel Name
TBD
Hello,

I'm trying for the first time to use the generator on my 2013 R29. There are no lights or other signs of life on the generator control panel inside the cabin nor on the generator's control panel itself (on the side of the generator). Any idea what I could be missing? I've tried toggling the switches on both panels and also tried different positions on the main electrical rotary switch and nothing seems to bring power to the generator. I'm currently connected to shore power as well. House power is on. Tried putting engine and thruster power on too just to see, and no luck.

Thanks.
 
I don’t know how Ranger wires their generators, but on my current boat, you cannot start the generator if the shore power is on...

Also, Is your generator start battery in good shape, charged up and connected?
 
Hi John,

I would start by checking voltage at the battery and work your way towards the generator. I believe on your model we wired the generator to the house battery. The generator itself should also have a couple breakers on it that you'll want to check.

Shoot me a call in the office with any questions.

Thank you,

-Tim
 
On our 2015 R-29S the thruster switch(es) must be turned on.
 
Hi,

What is the make and model of your generator?

On my Cutwater I have the MASE i27 model. There are two toggle switches on the generator itself that I must turn on. Then I can go to my generator panel in the cabin and start the generator. Please be sure the sea cock for the generator is open.

My generator is wired to the engine start battery. You should be able to see voltage for all your batteries at the power panel. There might a little toggle switch you move to see voltage in the various batteries. Of course, you can use a mutli meter directly on the batteries too.

-martin
 
So I figured out that the generator does have power running to it. I measure around 10-12V at terminals. And I realized that if I hold down the start button longer on generator or remote panel it does actually engage the generator. But instead of turning over (ie starting the generator) it just makes a rapid clicking sound. Any ideas?
 
That sounds like a solenoid closing and opening due to low voltage. Check the voltage present during the clicking sound. The battery meter in the cabin could be one way, set it to the battery being used to start the generator and watch it while the clicking is happening.
 
Agree with Tugnawee. That clicking sound generally indicates a low battery. You should see 12.4 volts or higher on a fully charged battery in good condition.

If you have a charger you could try to bring it up to full strength.

-martin
 
The batteries are connected to charger on shore power. Thinking I might need load test on the suspect battery.
 
John,

I don’t know what generator you have, however on the Mase 2.7 the procedure for starting is to first turn on the remote panel (normal power icon on the remote panel). Then press and hold the start button (“I” on the remote panel) until the generator begins to crank. The reason the generator does not crank immediately is the glow plug needs to be preheated. Once preheated the generator will begin to crank and then start.

On my boat the generator Is hard wired to the thruster battery. No battery switch needs to be turned on, just go to the panel and turn the panel on and then press and hold the start button.

From what you describe it sounds like your battery may have a low charge or a poor connection which does not allow the starting relay to engage. I would take a multi meter and measure the voltage at the battery terminals. Depending on the battery type the voltage for fully charged state should be 12.6 to 12.8.
 
On my RT-25SC, the generator is located on the port-side of the cockpit, and next to the generator is a on-off switch connected to the generator that must be turned on in order to start the generator. Is this switch turned on (assuming you have the same set-up on your RT)?
 
Fst415,

As pointed out by Martin above the Mase 2.7 does have a circuit breaker and an emergency stop switch on the generator itself.
 
Can anyone recommend a good reasonably priced battery multi-meter that I can order online? The dinky $5 unit I bought an an auto shop isn't cutting it.
 
vt97john":1o40bg3l said:
Can anyone recommend a good reasonably priced battery multi-meter that I can order online? The dinky $5 unit I bought an an auto shop isn't cutting it.
Click to expand...

In general, I don't buy anything from Harbor Freight that my life depends on, but they have some good deals on routine things. I recently bought this multimeter from them and there's a 20% off coupon you can get at their site. You can only get the meter in the store, however, not online. The meter has been great so far and has all of the ranges/capabilities I can envision for home/car/boat use. https://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-di ... 98674.html
 
I have that multi meter, it's a good one. John you say you might need to do a load test on the battery and you currently have that capability. That's what you are doing when you set the meter in the cabin on the battery being used to try to start the gen and watch what the meter reads while trying to start the gen. The gen is the load in this load test. The voltage reading while attempting the start is what is important, not voltage present as the battery is just sitting there doing nothing. Do the same to your starting battery while you're at it, all good information to have.

What the voltage should be during start attempt is subject to many opinions, I don't have one, others more knowledgeable will chime in. My overall battery opinion is if any battery with over four years of service gives the slightest hiccup you replace it. My other battery opinion is if all batteries are of the same vintage you replace them all. The goal here is not to have any more of than what's going to happen anyway in the way of voyages interrupted, canceled, delayed etc.
 
Thanks for the advice guys, definitely helpful to my learning curve. Will post the final findings when I can ... so future newbies might benefit.


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