We took our MH from the east coast of Florida to the west coast to get away from the hurricane. We are parked in my cousin's driveway and have no shore power. So, in order to keep my residential refrigerator running I was using the generator. I left the generator run all night but, later in the day it stopped running. I have plenty of gasoline and I checked the oil (one website said they automatically cut off if the oil pressure gets low) and it is fine as well. I started it probably six times today and it starts right up. However, after about 30 minutes it stops. If it wasn't for the food in my refrigerator I would just hit the 12 volt cutoff switch and take it to my repair facility when I go back to the east coast. Wondering if anyone has any thoughts on why it keeps shutting off. Also, anyone have any idea if the fridge will stay cold enough overnight?

How level is the RV, some generators are very particular about the level of oil. If off level too far they may shut down.Does the shutoff seem to coincide with heavy power usage like running and air conditioner? It's possible that it starts fine but when the compressor kicks in a second time it overloads the generator.

your gas gage is most likely not right most gen sets shut down around a quarter tank. you could pull the fuel line stick in a 5gal can of fuel and see if it runs.

The RV is pretty level. I thought about that earlier because it was on an incline. I backed it up to a more level spot on the driveway. There was no heavy usage at all. No a/c's, hair dryers, microwave, etc. Just the refrigerator. I have a little under 3/4 of a tank of gas. I don't believe it's the gas gauge. It seems to have been working o.k. I talked to an RV repairman earlier. He says that it could be the fuel pump. If it gets too hot the gen will shut down automatically. He even told me how to check it but, I don't want to screw with it. I'll be on the east coast tomorrow or Thursday and have my RV guy fix it for me, I guess.

Also let it cool and check very well for any type of bird/mouse nest. Ours was doing that and we found a critter nest up behind where it wasn't very visable. It was causing the generator to overheat and shut down. Also, check your air filer and fuel filters.You can let your frig get cold and then shut it off for an hour or so, your food will be fine. If you aren't opening and closing the door a lot it will stay cold for a few hours. At least until you figure out what's going on.

Generator keeps shutting off | Good Sam Community

opnspaces
Navigator II
Sep 04, 2019
How level is the RV, some generators are very particular about the level of oil. If off level too far they may shut down.

Does the shutoff seem to coincide with heavy power usage like running and air conditioner? It's possible that it starts fine but when the compressor kicks in a second time it overloads the generator.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2019
your gas gage is most likely not right most gen sets shut down around a quarter tank. you could pull the fuel line stick in a 5gal can of fuel and see if it runs.
jpannier
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019
The RV is pretty level. I thought about that earlier because it was on an incline. I backed it up to a more level spot on the driveway. There was no heavy usage at all. No a/c's, hair dryers, microwave, etc. Just the refrigerator. I have a little under 3/4 of a tank of gas. I don't believe it's the gas gauge. It seems to have been working o.k. I talked to an RV repairman earlier. He says that it could be the fuel pump. If it gets too hot the gen will shut down automatically. He even told me how to check it but, I don't want to screw with it. I'll be on the east coast tomorrow or Thursday and have my RV guy fix it for me, I guess.
camperdave
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019
sounds like classic fuel pump.
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2019
Also let it cool and check very well for any type of bird/mouse nest. Ours was doing that and we found a critter nest up behind where it wasn't very visable. It was causing the generator to overheat and shut down. Also, check your air filer and fuel filters.

You can let your frig get cold and then shut it off for an hour or so, your food will be fine. If you aren't opening and closing the door a lot it will stay cold for a few hours. At least until you figure out what's going on.
wolverine68
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019
My Onan 4000 Spec k is doing the same thing. Runs for about 15 minutes then shuts down and won't restart. Once it cools, it starts and runs great. The strange thing is that today while trouble shooting after shut down, I checked for spark and fuel supply to the carb and both were good. After reinstalling the plug and fuel line, it still wouldn't start.
DFord
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019
Is the light in the on/off switch on the generator flashing? If so, count the flashes. It flashes and pauses then flashes again. If you've got your owner's manual handy, look for troubleshooting and flash codes.
HuckleberryHunt
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019
Check the oil level. Might have a low oil shut off.
garym114
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2019
First thing given should be the make, model of the generator, everyone still guessing.
Why can't you run it from a 15 amp extension cord?
Gjac
Explorer III
Sep 04, 2019
Try opening the genset door and see if it shuts off after 30 mins. If it still shuts off immediately disconnect the fuel pump line to the carb and see if it is still pumping fuel. If your fuel pump is working when hot restart the engine and when it shuts off immediately check for spark a failing coil will sometimes not produce spark when it gets hot. It could also be one of the sensors but if you try these 3 things and report back you will solve the issue.