Generator cranking a long time

If yours is like mine.....

Look real close at switch. See bottom at lower left where it says "stop/prime"

If genny is not running, push in "stop/prime" switch and you should here a little pump, when it makes a different noise, let go. Then push top of switch and starter should engage and start the genny.

aeejbe wrote:
Just to rule out the obvious... ... Do you PRIME the generator beforehand?

Have never seen any prime button. I'm pressing the start button on my control console inside. I've had the cover off to change the oil and didn't see anything but another start button. It has 10 hrs on it. A 2015 rv.

I hit the priming pump button and listen for a little different noise when the pump has done its priming. Then I hit the start button, only cranks for maybe 2 or 3 seconds before it starts.

If I only use the starter button it takes a more time before it starts. Which is extra wear on battery and starter.

My theory is that the gas has evaporated from carb since the last time I used it and needs some priming to get gas to carb in order to start.

Don't know if my thinking is correct or not, but works for me.

anything we tell you is pure conjecture.
I am thinking this is a new condition.
So it may need a tuneup.
There could be a faulty check valve in the fuel line some fuel filters have a check valve built in.
If you run it and turn it off and wait ten minutes will it restart immediately or does it crank for the 45 seconds.

I would change the fuel filter if it has one. If not I would buy an inline fuel filter with check valve and install it. It will not hurt anything, it will stop stuff from plugging carb. If that does not work then a tuneup is next

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=inline+fuel+filter&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xinline+fuel+filter+with+check+valve.TRS0&_nkw=inline+fuel+filter+with+check+valve&_sacat=0

Just to rule out the obvious... ... Do you PRIME the generator beforehand?

Maybe a weak fuel pump.