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bob
Explorer
Jun 19, 2013

How to use Seafoam on onboard generator?

My Onan generator will no run. I must move the manual choke back and forth to keep running. I have had good success on small engines using seafome but it is put in the gas. Generator runs of the engine tank. Will spraying in the carb with seafome spray work?

7 Replies

  • Good advice to run Seafoam from aux fuel source. As I've had a very bad experience using it in Fuel injected engines. Had to pull fuel injectors and have cleaned by pro. On carb engines works great IMO and no worries about injectors. But if your genny is really gummed up I don't think Seafoam will help you much. Worth a try though.
  • I like sea foam But the Gas Shok Is a great product also. I'd use it too The stuff really works well when you put it in while it is working good. Then it keeps working good.
  • Just had the same problem with genny, removed air cleaner and sprayed carb cleaner while playing with choke to keep genny sucking the cleaner. Gen would run longer and longer untill would run on its own. I now run genny everytime I exercise the MH to get the tires round again.
  • I've been telling everyone who will listen that I've found Sta-Bil Marine treatment to be even better than Seafoam for cleanup up dirty carbs. FWIW.
  • My Onan generator will no run. I must move the manual choke back and forth to keep running. I have had good success on small engines using seafome but it is put in the gas. Generator runs of the engine tank. Will spraying in the carb with seafome spray work?


    My experience with Sea Foam was not good. It worked so well it loosened gunk that then clogged the carb jets. The gen ran worse than prior. In the end I had to take apart the carb and clean it the old fashioned way and blow the jets with compressed air.
  • Get a 1 or 2 gal gas can and add a heavy dose of Seafoam, 1/2 can to 1 gal of gas. Unhook flexable fuel line to genset and stick in gas can, This will draw mix directly into generator. Run til dry. Spraying carb cleaner will also help. Exercise the Onan at least once a month for 2 hrs with a good load on it. I don't know why Onan's are so sensitive, I had lawn mowers that sat for a year and would start and run. Sometimes would have to drain water out of carb bowl.
  • When was the Genny last serviced? Seafoam is good in between regular maintenance but not a substitute...

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