Forum Discussion

rcpd34's avatar
rcpd34
Explorer
Mar 14, 2014

Odd Onan issue

I have an Onan 5500 that has always started easily and run fine. Has about 240 hrs. I have a guy doing some inside work today so I showed him how to start it and turn the heat on as it was cold. He called me and said the generator would only run for about 2 mins then stop. Never had this issue before, so I went over and started it, turned on an electric space heater and let it run about 30 mins. Ran fine. Thinking he was nuts, I unplugged the heater, getting ready to shut it down and the generator quit shortly after the load was removed. Gas tank full with good gas treated with Seafoam. Oil level good. Serviced not to long ago. Anyone have any thoughts?
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  • allcool's avatar
    allcool
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2014
    Rasdog wrote:
    Allcool,

    Thanks for posting the information on adjusting the govenor on the Onan 5500. I was able to take care of the problem today because of your posts.

    Thanks again,

    Rasdogs


    You're very welcome, glad my posts could be helpful to you...
  • fly-boy's avatar
    fly-boy
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2014
    Still think it is the carb.
    You could pull the carb out and try cleaning/replacing the jets but I would go with a new carb.
  • Rasdog's avatar
    Rasdog
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2014
    Allcool,

    Thanks for posting the information on adjusting the govenor on the Onan 5500. I was able to take care of the problem today because of your posts.

    Thanks again,

    Rasdogs
  • allcool's avatar
    allcool
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2014
    Macman83 wrote:
    Thanks Allcool for posting that picture. I don't have a problem with my genset, but I have read about this issue. I was wondering where all those levers and adjustments were. Always good to have a picture.


    You're welcome.
    Glad the pic could help.
  • allcool's avatar
    allcool
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2014
    rcpd34 wrote:
    It is code 14. I don't have a meter, but a buddy does. I'm hoping to get him out there later this week now that we have better weather.


    OK, do you have the Onan shop service manual that explains how to check/set hz...?
    If not, shoot me a pm with your email and I'll send you a link or a copy.
  • Macman83's avatar
    Macman83
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    Thanks Allcool for posting that picture. I don't have a problem with my genset, but I have read about this issue. I was wondering where all those levers and adjustments were. Always good to have a picture.
  • rcpd34's avatar
    rcpd34
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2014
    It is code 14. I don't have a meter, but a buddy does. I'm hoping to get him out there later this week now that we have better weather.
  • allcool's avatar
    allcool
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2014
    Bedlam wrote:
    The fact that OP's generator runs under load but shuts down when unloaded is a classic case of governor issues. There is an adjustment procedure for the governor - If it does not automatically regulate under different loads than start looking at replacement or sending to service.


    I agree.
    But, if one is just a little technically minded and owns a $70-100 meter, its a 5-10 minute job to check/set HZ on the ONAN 5500 gen-set. The correct procedure must be used, but its not complicated to do at all.

    Although, for this threads Gen-set, the op is not there yet. He needs to do some more troubleshooting still, to determine if incorrect HZ are the problem, before trying to adjust them. I've explained earlier in this thread what he needs to do...


    jmo
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Apr 08, 2014
    The fact that OP's generator runs under load but shuts down when unloaded is a classic case of governor issues. There is an adjustment procedure for the governor - If it does not automatically regulate under different loads than start looking at replacement or sending to service.
  • pigpen1003's avatar
    pigpen1003
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2014
    I have a 5.5 onan 4 months old started good at dealer. got to the desert and ran for 3 hours then stopped. The gen is tested b4 release to the customer. BUT I was advised I had bad gas. replaced carb and drained out gas runs fine now, also if you have a fuel station have it drained to if you suspect bad gas. Use 91 octane use seafome run at least once a month for an hour at full load, two air conditions or etc

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