HELP !!!!!!

I think the cummins dealer is giving me the shaft. Tech called and told me the carb was so gummed up it would not start. Funny, it started fine but would lose 12v to the pump after is started. I think I'm gonna take a ride down there & talk

Well, I have to eat these comments. What had happened was this toyhauler had sat for 4 yrs when I bought it. I have the old carb. The throttle plate was so gummed up when the choke would pull it wide open it wouldn't return. So when it started it was running very high rpm's, gen voltage was very high and when it sensed that it shut down. Now to clean everything out. They did a good job. But those little carbs are expensive. Carb alone was $285.00. They only hit me with 1 hr labor & diagnosis combined. I thought than was fair. It's back in the trailer so tomorrow just wiring and button it up then figure out what to do with the gas that's in the tank.

I've had onans for over 15 yrs and this is the first trouble I have had. Took it to Cummins yesterday. I'll get some feedback Tue afternoon I was told. Hope it's something simple. If it is the box someone mentioned flight systems? maybe cheaper than Cummins? I can replace that. If it's a better and cheaper unit. I hate paying $127 an hr for a simple plug & plat item.

Happened to a friend of mine... The ONAN generators have a small computer inside, it measures many things and it will report why it shut down.. In their case the code translated to "low-Battery/Not cranking fast enough) even though the engine actually started.. The problem was with the generator part. You see, the computer was looking for power, and not seeing it, decided the generator was not running, so it shut it down. They had bad brushes.

NOw... I'm not saying you have the same problem.. I can think of a whole range of issues that would cvause the computer not to sense power being generated, Including something hard to fix... Like a screw loose. (Seen that on a vintage ONAN in fact).

least anyone think I'm claiming to be an expert... Those are the only two "Failed" Onan generators I have ever seen with my own eyes, and I only worked on the vintage one.

I'll find out on Tue when they diagnos it. Just hope it doesn't brake the bank.

My onan would do the same thing and it drove me nuts trying to troubleshoot it.finally I took it to onan dealer and in 5 minutes the mech came out and informed me the generator had a broken belt which was under warrenty. Who would have thought?

got tired of messin with it. Dropped it off @ Cummins and they will diagnos it and call me on Tue. If it's something simple like a reg I will do it myself.

Thanks again to everyone that tried to lend a hand.

Well, you could try using the Microlite troubleshooting guide. Just don't put faith in the numbers that they give for things like ohms (that may make it hard to use, tho'). The most basic thing that you need to understand is that the ignition voltage comes from the battery during cranking, but changes over to self-generated once you let up on the start switch. So if there's no oil level switch, most likely your failure indicates no voltage getting out.

I bought my Microlite's new voltage regulator last year from "Flight Systems".... IIRC, they have some troubleshooting info on-line. A Google search should turn them up.

Jim, "Chicken Little only has to be right once."

I have the unit out and in the truck. Was gonna drop it off @ Cummins tomorrow. I can't seem to find the manual. The ones people sent me are for the Microlite. When I google it I get the one for the Microlite. I'm at a loss. But I really hate to pay $127 an hr if I can do it myself. Yes I am familiar with digital meters.

64thunderbolt wrote:
Is the manual for the Microlite the same as the Microquiet?

Nope. The Microlite 2500/2800 is similar, but enough different that the manual could lead down troubleshooting blind alleys. I agree with Generator Jim. 1st suspect is likely the voltage regulator, but I'd really suggest following the troubleshooting steps in the manual if you can use a digital meter. I think the VR is accessible with the generator still in the compartment.

Jim, "The real world is not user-friendly."

Is the manual for the Microlite the same as the Microquiet?