Stupid question - Generator start up phenomena

[themexicandoctor]

I haven't been in this situation for a couple of months now but if my battery is reading saying 12.3 volts & I choose to start the Generator to bring the batteries up at night, no solar I find this phenomena.

When I checked the meter later, I notice that the minimum battery voltage wouldn't be 12.3 volts but say 11.91 or 11.83.

Are these low numbers created by by starting the Generator & the temporary load generated?

If do, I shouldn't be concerned?

Or is there something else happening I should be concerned about?

[Winston]

Battery voltage always drops under load - - the greater the load, the greater the drop. Not knowing the current required to crank your generator nor the size of your battery bank, we cannot say that those voltages are "ok" - - but our guess is that there's nothing unusual going on.

[themexicandoctor]

Originally Posted by Winston

Battery voltage always drops under load - - the greater the load, the greater the drop. Not knowing the current required to crank your generator nor the size of your battery bank, we cannot say that those voltages are "ok" - - but our guess is that there's nothing unusual going on.

Thank you Winston!

Its the 2.8 Onan Generator.

Good to know that I got this electrical question right.

[booster]

Originally Posted by Winston

Battery voltage always drops under load - - the greater the load, the greater the drop. Not knowing the current required to crank your generator nor the size of your battery bank, we cannot say that those voltages are "ok" - - but our guess is that there's nothing unusual going on.

Yep, I agree. The Onan starter takes quite a bit of current and could easily drag down the battery that far. The minimum voltage history would likely catch that point pretty easlly.

[themexicandoctor]

Thank you Gentlemen!

[Peder_y2k]

Powerful car engine starters run well at 10v. Starting your genny at 12.0v is a non issue, UNLESS there are other issues ie. fuel supply, etc.

[themexicandoctor]

Originally Posted by Peder_y2k

Powerful car engine starters run well at 10v. Starting your genny at 12.0v is a non issue, UNLESS there are other issues ie. fuel supply, etc.

Thank you Peder, the Culprit is the sudden drop when attempting to power on the Generator.

[mkguitar]

could be a poor connection to the starter- or a battery not as good condition as you thought.


load test the battery at autozone


mike