Went to start Gen....Zapped house batteries? Why?

[urfreeman07@gmail.com]

I went to start the generator and it zapped the batteries down to 3. I plugged back into shore line and batteries charged back up to 12+. Brand new batteries. I am scared to try to start gen again until I get alittle insight into what the problem may be.


Thanks
The Freemans
Frisco, Texas

1992 42' Newell Coach #290
8V92TA

[encantotom]

a little bit more information please.

what exactly happened? were the batteries at 12-13v and then got drained trying to start the genny? are you sure they were fully charged? it seems like only a short in the genny starter would draw that much current to discharge the batteries and it wouldnt do it that quickly and would blow some breakers.

so give us a little more info please.

i will pm you my cell phone to call me if you want.

tom

[prairieschooner]

Just because the Batteries are new doesn't meen much. 1st I would Check all of the Battery Cables (look for green or red colors) 2nd I would make sure that all of the Battery Cables are secure (no white powder or green or red on the cables). If all of this is on good condition then check the Battery Condition (Harbor Freight has a cheap Battery Checker; http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=battery+tester&Submit=Go) but a Hydrometer has always been the standard way to test a Battery.
If all of these look good then the problem is most likely in the AC Generator. I would start by making sure that the Engine turns Freely, then if that is OK check the Starter Motor, you may need to pull the Starter to do this.
Good luck

[Richard and Rhonda]

Did the genny engine turn over? Did you run the batteries down to 3V trying to crank it, or do they go to 3V as soon as you hit the start switch?

I'm in Fort Worth, like Tom, I'll pm with cell.