Yes the genset starts fine. I agree that it is probably the negative, ground side of the starter circuit. I will wait for Thor's response and then look for a missing screw and ground it. If I can't find a missing screw there are a couple of framing screws nearby I can ground it to.
I suspect the starter is grounded through its case, then the engine and the framing around it, so it really doesn't need a separate ground. That is why it starts fine.
David
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