Onan Generator Won't Stay Running

The little fuel pumps on these guys are notorious for going out. Look for the wires to it and touch a 12v source to them manually and listen to the pump.

It should sound clackity-clackity, then get softer until puffa-puffa-puffa, when the line is primed.

About $50 for after market.

I installed a new one and added a relay and switch labeled "prime" on the outside panel.

The fuel lines drain and dry and your genny is cranking away while the fuel pump primes the line. With a priming circuit, just prime it and it usually starts in about a second instead of 6 seconds or more of cranking.

The OTHER most common thing I know is if it isn't putting out 120v. Look for a breaker or such in the generator housing.

The Onans' control board will run the fuel pump on 12v control circuit and start the generator, then after a few seconds it transitions the control of the fuel pump (on the board) to 120v output. No 120v output, fuel pump turns off, generator shuts down.

All this is from an aging memory, but I think their troubleshooting steps outline the transition/stalling part.

I just got oil change, and fuel filter. Was working g fine after that, but it was drooling for 4 years before I started using it again. Although it was working fine before it decided to not stay started, maybe the carb firs need to be cleaned. Is it hard to do on these?

kerrlakeroo wrote:
First thought is fuel filter, when was it last changed? Partially clogged one will allow it to run for a few seconds then starve the carb as demand increases.

It will also run for a few seconds while the electronics checks for a proper voltage output from the alternator/generator.

The reported overload does NOT bode well.

I think he needs a professional inspection.

First thought is fuel filter, when was it last changed? Partially clogged one will allow it to run for a few seconds then starve the carb as demand increases.

Goncrazy31 wrote:
It was working great up until the point that it was overloaded by the carpet cleaner.

That must be some carpet cleaner if it can overload your generator. I find that pretty unlikely unless you have a really, really small generator.

lj2654 wrote:
Have you checked the oil level recently?

Do you have over 1/4 tank of gas?

Either of these will cause shutdown of the generator.

x2

It was working great up until the point that it was overloaded by the carpet cleaner.

Try cleaning the carburetor. Your generator might not be getting enough fuel.

Yes, it was running fine until it got overloaded by the carpet cleaner

Have you checked the oil level recently?

Do you have over 1/4 tank of gas?

Either of these will cause shutdown of the generator.