ScottC160 0 #1 Posted March 9, 2010 Hi guys, just bought a used 520H and I have a small problem. the guy who had it could only start it with the key switch in the starting position and used a wire I think came from the starter and crossed on the battery. Anything I should look for. Thanks, Scott Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,238 #2 Posted March 9, 2010 Sounds like he is jumping around the starter solenoid. B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brybrychrismer 17 #3 Posted March 9, 2010 sounds like it needs a new solenoid or it needs a new key switch Bryan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScottC160 0 #4 Posted March 9, 2010 Well, thats a start. I havent got it home yet. Will be here this weekend. I'll check that first. It was good buy. Paid $600.00 for it with a 48" deck. I believe its a 91 thru 93. Thanks for the help. Scott Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickv1957 70 #5 Posted March 9, 2010 Could also be one of the saftey switches that was bypassed,Rick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KeithB 6 #6 Posted March 9, 2010 time to get your test light and multi meter out B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
802heath 0 #7 Posted March 10, 2010 i agree its probably the solenoid, and the po was just bypassing it with a hot wire. its a simple repair! B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScottC160 0 #8 Posted March 10, 2010 Thanks everyone for the help. When I get it home, I'll check your advice first. Scott Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,128 #9 Posted March 10, 2010 I highly doubt it's the starter solenoid (they aren't cheap for the Onans either) but would tend to lean more toward corroded wire connections - which is typical with these models. Look specifically in the area at the back of the engine (below the battery) for a white-colored multi-pin connector. This connector is the source of a large percentage of the electrical problems, along with the fuse block connections and PTO lever safety switches. B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim_M 178 #10 Posted March 10, 2010 It's not the solenoid. He's bypassing the safety switches by using a hot wire to the solenoid, therefore the solenoid works. The onan uses an automotive type starter with the solenoid bolted to the starter. The solenoid engages the bendix, you can't jumper around it. I'm betting it's a safety switch, you can jumper around them one at a time until you find the one that's causing the problem. 9 times out of 10 the plastic bushing in the pto engaging lever is worn and it lets the lever droop just enough to keep the safety switch from closing. That's the one I always look at first. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Irv 115 #11 Posted March 10, 2010 I agree with TT. I would look at that multi-pin connector. I had the same problem with my onan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
04fxdwgi 0 #12 Posted March 10, 2010 Agree 100% that it's not solenoid. Tried to include diagram, but file is too big. I'll send via e-mail if you contact me for it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billyban1 0 #13 Posted March 10, 2010 When my neighbor's 520 did that, I found one of the fuses was corroded in its socket. Check the fuses for a good connection or possibly being blown. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
546cowboy 301 #14 Posted March 13, 2010 I went round and round with mine last year. I finally got fed up and eliminated the main harness connector with butt splices. I also got rid of that fuse block and installed in-line fuse holders with the newer bayonet automotive fuses. From talking to dealers about 520 electrical problems those are the two places to start. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dandan111 31 #15 Posted March 13, 2010 My brothers 314 had wiring problems,clean and use contact cleaner on all you can.We jumped the starter for more than one summer before getting it right. Check all fuses and switches! Seat safety switches were a problem on his. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites