1993 Ford E350 Tioga Class C

I just spent $1200 having my Onan 4000 fuel system cleaned, filters replaced (etc) and two new 6 volt house batteries installed by a generator specialist. I am not physically able to work on generator etc., still recovering from knee replacement surgery. I was told to run the generator with roof AC as a load for two hours per month. When you get your generator able to start and run properly, keep an eye on house battery electrolyte levels and the operation of your converter/charger and truck alternator to keep the house batteries up. I use a digital multi-meter and a hygrometer to try and keep the 12 volt system in good shape. Was told that house batteries generally need replacement every 4 years. Tires generally go 5-6 years depending on side wall cracking not on miles driven.

PS: I have a 2004 Tioga 26Q bought new. The owner's manual does not go very deep into maintenance procedures. The thick binder full of appliance instructions has detailed maintenance info which is probably missing from your rig. You may be able to obtain instructions from the various manufacturers if you can find model and serial numbers. There are some good generic how-to books on RV maintenance that go deeper than owners manuals.

There is some stuff called "mechanic in a bottle", it does work but its like an oz for each gallon. As was said above find the fuel line and then fab up a small tank to run this stuff to get the gen working. Also said it can be used direct to open up the fuel ports etc. Got it at home depot for my portable gen that sits a lot.

Any gas engine that won't start: Old or contaminated fuel that has gummed up the lines, fuel filter and carburetor.

Once you determine which model generator you have, use 'youtube' to find out the how to. That might be the only manual you'll need.

Once you get that genny running, keep running it regularly. Having a generator sit idle is the worse thing for it. They need regular exercise just like humans.

I found a digital version of the 1993 E350 cutaway chassis used for motorhomes manual on eBay it was around $25 to receive a flash drive for use. I just ordered it today. It also specifies it will not work with Apple products.

I found the quickest, easiest way to troubleshoot my Onan 4k on my old '83 Tioga, when I got it, was to disconnect the fuel line at the fuel pump on the genny. Very easy to get to. Then connect a fuel line to the fuel pump and drop the other end into a small gas can. If it runs like that, the problem is between the fuel pump and the tank. (BTW, easy way to run a high concentration of seafoam and gas thru the genny this way).

1. enough fuel in the tank? Genny pickup is higher than the engine pickup so the genny can't strand you by running the tank dry
2. Cracked or clogged lines between tank and genny? Blow backwards from genny to tank and listen for airflow into the tank or along the fuel lines for leaks.

If it doesn't run, is the fuel pump running? My old Onan fuel pump could both be heard and felt when running. When it quit, easy to detect. Also, easy to open up, unstick and clean up, return to service again, in my case.

If fuel pump runs but genny doesn't, then you need to refer to more detailed troubleshooting docs.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone. Going to pick it up and get it home tomorrow. Then the fun begins

I've got a 1990 Winnebago Warrior. My generator also cranks but doesn't start. I'm debugging this weekend.

Steve

It helps if you state what generator you have. Given the age, it could be anything. Just a guess:

https://power.cummins.com/sites/default/files/literature/rv/F-1123-EN.pdf

Chum lee

That Chilton manual will get you most of what you need. Maybe not the rear brakes. Engine is common and so is the E4OD transmission.

Bear in mind that a "1993" MoHo is very likely to be on a 1992 Ford Chassis. Makes a difference looking for specs and parts. You can tell by the VIN. Even the VIN looks like 1992, Fleetwood could have sold the RV as a 1993 and it should be titled as 1993.

Once you get Model and Serial Number for the Generator (and Spec Code if ONAN), post them and we can probably find you a manual.

Gas tank has to be at least 1/4 full to supply gas to generator. If it hasn't been run, carburetor is likely gummed up with varnish from stale gas.

There's also an RV maintenance manual that's actually pretty good, by Bob Livingston. Addresses a wide variety of items.

This manual will give you much of the basic information.
Ford Manual
Look on genset for make and model along with series.