Onan 3600lp turns propane regulator to red
My generator cut out last time I was out. That has never happened before. The 3600lp has always run flawlessly. I could start the generator up again but it would shut down after a few minutes. I n...
Forum Discussion
Thank you so much for posting that update.
The purpose and operation of the demand regulator on LP fueled generators is widely misunderstood, including by me until I had problems with the one on my Generac. I'm convinced that it is responsible for some of the bad reputation Generac LP generators have amongst RV'ers, and the premature abandonment of units that could have been cheaply fixed.
I would encourage all LP generator owners (if at all possible) to replace their demand regulator with one that has either a manual or electric prime capability. The reason for this is simple: it gives you the ability to manually open the regulator as a trouble-shooting aid. It also makes the generator easier to start after sitting idle for days or weeks.
On your Onan, it may take some modification of the generator in order to take advantage of a demand regulator with priming capability. Since you indicate there is a problem with clearance on your unit, you might have to add a switch to open the LP shutoff valve, and another switch to operate the prime solenoid on the demand regulator.
My Generac already had a switch labeled "Prime" that opened the LP shutoff valve, but since the demand regulator had no prime button on it, the LP would only flow to the closed regulator and stop. There was no way it could truly prime the engine. After replacing my regulator with one that has a manual prime button, I can press the Prime switch, then manually operate the prime button on the regulator for a second or two. That's all it takes for the engine to be primed, and it will start up after a very short crank. No more grinding the starter for what seemed like an eternity.
Congratulations on fixing it yourself, and undoubtedly saving a ton of money in the process.
Thanks again for posting the resolution.
:):)
The purpose and operation of the demand regulator on LP fueled generators is widely misunderstood, including by me until I had problems with the one on my Generac. I'm convinced that it is responsible for some of the bad reputation Generac LP generators have amongst RV'ers, and the premature abandonment of units that could have been cheaply fixed.
I would encourage all LP generator owners (if at all possible) to replace their demand regulator with one that has either a manual or electric prime capability. The reason for this is simple: it gives you the ability to manually open the regulator as a trouble-shooting aid. It also makes the generator easier to start after sitting idle for days or weeks.
On your Onan, it may take some modification of the generator in order to take advantage of a demand regulator with priming capability. Since you indicate there is a problem with clearance on your unit, you might have to add a switch to open the LP shutoff valve, and another switch to operate the prime solenoid on the demand regulator.
My Generac already had a switch labeled "Prime" that opened the LP shutoff valve, but since the demand regulator had no prime button on it, the LP would only flow to the closed regulator and stop. There was no way it could truly prime the engine. After replacing my regulator with one that has a manual prime button, I can press the Prime switch, then manually operate the prime button on the regulator for a second or two. That's all it takes for the engine to be primed, and it will start up after a very short crank. No more grinding the starter for what seemed like an eternity.
Congratulations on fixing it yourself, and undoubtedly saving a ton of money in the process.
Thanks again for posting the resolution.
:):)
