Forum Discussion

mr_andyj's avatar
mr_andyj
Explorer
Oct 08, 2020

Carb Overhaul, Pointless?

Onan has been sitting for years unloved.

Is it pointless to try to clean the carb? I got it to start and run for a few seconds. Now the carb is flooding and pouring gas out the intake. Great spark, but no bang now.
And whats that hissing sound?

Carbs are cheap on ebay, but I have to wait.

I removed and cleaned the carb. It looks fine, great for having sat so long, but did have some varnish.

Here is pics that include model #. 2004 year



16 Replies

  • For $36.95 I would replace the carburetor.
    I think dedmiston is correct, you could rebuild the old carb and it still may not work properly.
  • Thank California for the problem with Onan Carbs. What Onan says is they do NOT have rebuild kits for the Carbs(1994/5 and newer) because California required that the carbs be sealed for Emission requirements. To the OP, you HAVE to remove the 16 hole NEEDLE jet to correctly clean a Onan carb. Rarely will you destroy any gaskets or seals just removing the BOTTOM fuel bowl. The needle jet is unscrewed from the bottom where the bowl mount bolt secures the fuel bowl. Carb Cleaner will NOT dislodge the gunk from those microscopic 16 holes. You have to use spray Carb cleaner and compressed air to clean out the Needle Jets. Just one clogged hole will cause running problems. Doug
  • If it were me, I'd go ahead and order the new carb. Maybe they can upgrade the shipping to speed it up for you.

    Otherwise you could mess with it for days and then still end up having to order the new carb.

    According to Onan, their carbs aren't serviceable. That doesn't mean it can't be done, but Onan doubts we can do it and succeed.
  • I removed n cleaned the carb with some brake cleaner, I didnt have carb clnr. I did not let it soak for days which it might need.
    The filer is flowing, I can blow thorough it easy. I figure the fuel pump is working since so much fuel is out.

    So, maybe the float is filled with gas and too heavy?

    Is it worth trying to fix, or for $36.95 just get a new carb? includes all the gaskets
    1 x Carburetor.
    3 x Gaskets.
    1 x Fuel Filter.
    1 x Shut-Off Valve.
    2 x Clamps
    1 x Air Filter (not sure if this really is)
    1 x Tip Cleaner Use For Cleaner Drill
    1 x Screw
    1 x Seal Ring
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Sounds like a fuel logged float or a dirty needle valve

    Yes a clean should help... Might need to purge fuel and replace pump .