Forum Discussion

dfletcherljs's avatar
dfletcherljs
Explorer
Jun 29, 2021

Onan 4K generator

I recently had a fuel problem with my generator, put an Edelbrock fuelpump in and ran like a dream, after an hour it died and would not start again, wont turn over. I checked breaker and had power to the switch on the generator but not starting. Could it be an oil sensor?
  • Gotta love the “I need help but I’m not checking back in “ folks…
  • ItsyRV wrote:
    I know you probably already checked this, but, make sure the fuel level in your tank is enough to reach the pickup tube for the generator.

    That problem will not cause the starter motor to fail to crank. With not getting any fuel the generator should crank but just won’t start.
  • jdc1 wrote:
    eHoefler wrote:
    Pull the spark plug and try to crank it. Your fuel pump may be too high in pressure and overrun the float in the carburetor, causing it to flood out and fill the cylinder with gas and hydro-locking it.


    You need a low pressure fuel pump. 2.5 to 4 psi. Most auto parts carry them for less than $30


    That's what the little Edelbrock /Mr. Gasket pumps are. Although they are on the high side IIRC at 4psi maybe a bit more although likely lower if not installed in an ideal location.

    OP gotta give more breadcrumbs though or the diagnosis suggestions will be random.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    eHoefler wrote:
    Pull the spark plug and try to crank it. Your fuel pump may be too high in pressure and overrun the float in the carburetor, causing it to flood out and fill the cylinder with gas and hydro-locking it.


    You need a low pressure fuel pump. 2.5 to 4 psi. Most auto parts carry them for less than $30
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Are you getting 12v to the genset itself from your battery cables? Also there are usually three starting switches on on the dash one with all your other 12v switches usually above stove and one on the genset itself. Do you get no cranking with all three switches? If all three switches produce no cranking check your breakers on the genset and check to see if there is an inline fuse maybe near the battery.
  • I know you probably already checked this, but, make sure the fuel level in your tank is enough to reach the pickup tube for the generator.
  • Pull the spark plug and try to crank it. Your fuel pump may be too high in pressure and overrun the float in the carburetor, causing it to flood out and fill the cylinder with gas and hydro-locking it.
  • Won't turn over or won't run? If it won't turn over at all, either it's a starter/electrical problem or it's completely seized.