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stro1965's avatar
stro1965
Explorer
Jul 22, 2016

Onan 5500 won't stay running on the road

My Onan 5500 (1 year old rig, very few hours on the generator) will start and run just fine at a standstill, but it dies while I'm driving down the road. I think it's running, only to find out that it died at some point. Any ideas? It's still under warranty but trying to get it into the dealership in the near future is impossible.

8 Replies

  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Jul 23, 2016
    Mine started shutting off when I hit a bump or made right hand turns.

    I assumed it was the float so was going to take the carb off and clean/inspect it.

    When I went to remove the carb one of the nuts was loose on the stud and the carb was bouncing around on the studs.
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Jul 23, 2016
    Mine started shutting off when I hit a bump or made right hand turns.

    I assumed it was the float so was going to take the carb off and clean/inspect it.

    When I went to remove the carb one of the nuts was loose on the stud and the carb was bouncing around on the studs.
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    Jul 23, 2016
    westend wrote:
    Checked your oil level?


    Two small clarifications:

    The low oil sensor can trigger going down the road even if the oil is not really low standing still.
    AND
    Most Cummins Diesel dealers also service Onan generators. They should be fairly easy to find near Interstates.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Jul 23, 2016
    stro1965 wrote:
    westend wrote:
    Checked your oil level?


    I have not. Will do.

    MOST common problem when a genset stops in transit but runs fine parked. Low oil causes the oil pressure switch to activate due to the low oil level. When you stop or turn the low oil moves to one side of the crankcase and causes the Pressure Switch to momentarily lose oil pressure. Doug
  • stro1965's avatar
    stro1965
    Explorer
    Jul 23, 2016
    Son of Norway wrote:
    What kind of load do you have on it while you are driving down the road?

    Miles


    Just the front A/C.

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