Water Dog said:You shouldn't have 12 volts at the "S" terminal (small one) at the solenoid until you hit the start button....same as a car. If you do, the voltage is either coming through a faulty start button, it is wired wrong, or in the case of a circuit board mounted start button (which you probably don't have) could be bridged there. Does your solenoid look like the picture below?
The other important thing on Onan generator solenoids, is be sure you only use one that is Onan...don't try using a Ford solenoid as Onans have an additional wire connection built inside....but that shouldn't have anything to do with your particular problem.
Bring everyone up to date: generator - 4.0 BFA - 1R/16004A Gen Set
First off, bought a new solenoid and yes watch dog, it looks like the one in the picture. Had to get a couple of new batteries, old ones shot. I unplugged the remote starter switch and the clicking stopped. Still can't get it to start with the switch on the generator. Used a volt meter to check a few things, this is what I found:
ref. pictured solenoid - big post on right has 12volt constant
little post on right has 12volt constant
little post on left has 12 volt constant
big post on left has nothing
using the switch on the generator changes nothing to any of the posts. Checked the switch on generator, has three spades on back with four wires. Looking from the top, one wire on left that has 12volt constant, one in the middle with no reading, and two wires on the one spade on the right which should be start has no reading. When actuating switch to start or stop, readings don't change. I would keep pushing the start and a couple of times something started clicking but I don't think it was the solenoid.
Question: when actuating switch to start, the right spade should have 12volts to it?
Greatly appreciate all the advice given. I am at a loss right now. My inclination is to get a new starter switch on the generator but I don't want to keep throwing money at it hoping I'm guessing right. Thanks!
John