onan generator troubles

kaz442 wrote:
Genset is not putting out power. It needs power to run. When you push the button its on battery power. Go to the web site flight systems. The have great trouble shooting info. And great prices on parts. It maybe as simple as dirty slip rings.
JKaz

This is exactly what I was told by a generator tech that I spoke with today. When I pickup the RV from shop tomorrow he told m to check if the is any output voltage while holding the start button for a couple of seconds. This same thing happen a couple years back and cleared it self up after starting it a few times over the course of a few days. I may need to send it out to the tech on Monday if I can't getting it running by then. I will follow up. Thanks.

j-d wrote:
Without a Model and Spec Code we're wasting time speculating. Many of us have the "KY" series, but a good number have Emerald, etc. etc. And really, without a manual we're guessing. The good news: With a Model/Spec, somebody can probably come up with a Manual.

It is an Onan 4000 watt. I do not have the specific model or series available since the rv is at the garage getting general service and unfortunately upper and lower ball joints. I will be picking it up tomorrow afternoon and will post the series and model. Thanks for your help

Without a Model and Spec Code we're wasting time speculating. Many of us have the "KY" series, but a good number have Emerald, etc. etc. And really, without a manual we're guessing. The good news: With a Model/Spec, somebody can probably come up with a Manual.

On our Onan 4000 Genset, if it stops running unexpectedly, I hold down the stop/prime button for a few seconds and let go (after it signifies that it has been primed), it will flash 2 sets of codes. For instance it may flash 3 times then flash 4 times. I would take that code to the section on troubleshooting in the Owners Manual and find out what that code means.

Fortunately, we've only had issues once with our Genset. The code was a generic code about an internal problem, but it was under warranty so took it to the dealer. Turned out to be a bad fuel pump on a brand new unit. Haven't had problems since.

-Michael

when did it run last? do you run it every month? was the gas stabilized? sounds like a fuel problem. if not run every month the gas will gum up and clog the tiny little carb jet so a carb replacement will be needed at a cost of $300. +.

Mich F wrote:

Pell wrote:
I started my Onan generator today to prepare for an up coming trip. The generator starts but as soon as I let go of the start button it stalls out and wont stay running.

Any ideas on what could be wrong?

A bad voltage regulator will do that.

So will low voltage in the house batty(s). As little as 8 or 9 volts will start it, but that's not enough to let it make electricity.

Pell wrote:
I started my Onan generator today to prepare for an up coming trip. The generator starts but as soon as I let go of the start button it stalls out and wont stay running.

Any ideas on what could be wrong?

A bad voltage regulator will do that.

Ours did that and it was a bad fuel line. Cummins fixed it quickly. This short video might help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3gJvJaBtO8

Genset is not putting out power. It needs power to run. When you push the button its on battery power. Go to the web site flight systems. The have great trouble shooting info. And great prices on parts. It maybe as simple as dirty slip rings.
JKaz

Fuel pump...does it make any noise when you prime using the outside button? Take the line off the carb and see if it sprays any fuel when priming.