Forum Discussion

jpannier's avatar
jpannier
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019

Generator keeps shutting off

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?

29 Replies

Sort By
Show More
  • garym114's avatar
    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?
  • DFord's avatar
    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.
  • wolverine68's avatar
    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.
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    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.
  • jpannier's avatar
    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.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    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.
  • opnspaces's avatar
    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.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,241 PostsLatest Activity: May 04, 2025