1986 holiday rambler. What is this? Onan fuel

Dwd902 wrote:
Hello all,

I recently purchased a 1986 Holiday Rambler Imperial Presidential and have a few questions. We know very little about rv and are just updating it to live in while we build our house. I have a few questions. It has an onan generator that seems to not be getting fuel. The book says it is hooked up to the RV tank which is full. I cannot seem to find the filter to see if its clogged. Anyone know where this is located. Also underneath the passengers side is a tank that is about as round as a paint can and probably 3 feet long. It has a blue top. No idea what it is. I have a picture but do not know how to post. Thank you all for the help.

Most common problem with not getting fuel is for pin holes in the rubber hoses, sucking air.
With your age though, it's doubtful that it has an internal fuel pump for the engine and maybe splits off on the passenger side next to an electric fuel pump.
I'd begin with first disconnecting the fuel line and blowing through it, while listening for the bubbling.
While you're disconnected, attach a piece of rubber hose to it and drop it in a mild jug filled with gasoline. Getting it to run that way firstly, will eliminate a lot of guessing and you can then proceed from there.
This assuming that the genset has it's own fuel pump and if not, then you'll have to raise the jug higher than the unit.

1. There is no after market factory installed fuel filter on an Onan your year
2. IF a filter was installed, it will usually be laying within 2 feet of the Onan fuel pump
3. Your Onan is connected to the main fuel tank, but ONLY picks up till the tank is at 1/4 or below to prevent running the Motorhome out of fuel
4. Odds are the rubber fuel line from the Tank connection to the Onan needs replaced. Very common for units more than 10 years old to have dry rotted fuel lines and if so will not allow the Onan fuel pump to pull fuel. Doug

Did you locate the model and spec letter of genset?
What is make of the chassis?

Thank you very much. It does have a leveling system haven't used it so have no idea if it works. I will try that out. The book that came with it said that there was a filter inbetween gas tank and generator but have unsuccessfully found it. I will try your suggestions tonight. Thank you.

The tank is for the hydraulic HWH levelers. It has the pump at the back of it. It takes ATF fluid. Use the cap to check the level. Your generator may not even have a fuel filter, mine didn't. Disconnect the fuel tube at the carburetor and check for gas when you press the start button. If gas squirts out you will need to overhaul the carb. If not, check the fuel pump by connecting a piece of fuel hose to it and putting the end in a can of gas. If the pump is bad replace it. If the pump is good you will need to check the fuel hose from the tank to the genny. I finally found that mine was being crushed between the tank and the foam insulation above. You will probably have to drop the tank. Regardless of what you find, replace the hose and add an in-line filter. Good luck with your repairs.

Dwd902 wrote:


Thanks.

Looks like a reservoir for hydraulic fluid. Does your rig have a hydraulic leveling system?

Thanks.

Try this for photo posting

link

If it has one, it is located next to the carb in the genset compartment.
Model and spec letter of genset would help!
It may look like this fuel filter