Forum Discussion

roadrat57's avatar
roadrat57
Explorer
Dec 08, 2016

Onan 5500

Question, can gas fuel additive have an adverse affect to generator performance?

Changed oil and air filter. Added fuel additive to gas tank. Generator ran great before these things were done. It now starts, runs then quits running. Sometimes it runs for a few minutes then quits and other times it will run for 10-15 before it quits.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

8 Replies

  • The_real_wild1's avatar
    The_real_wild1
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2016
    Did you double check your oil level? Some gen sets have a low oil shut down. If your oil is slightly low it will shut down like you describe.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Dec 08, 2016
    roadrat57 wrote:
    I do have a new gas filter. Maybe I'll put it in.

    Try a new fuel filter and let us know. The Onan 5500 on our 96 Southwind was surging and running rough.

    A new fuel filter took care of the problem.

    I use Sta-bil Marine in the fuel tank, no problems.

    Your generator only has 100 hours but, how old is it?
  • roadrat57's avatar
    roadrat57
    Explorer
    Dec 08, 2016
    I still think it's the fuel additive. Added to 25 gallons of fuel which is the recommended gallons for entire bottle of additive.
  • roadrat57's avatar
    roadrat57
    Explorer
    Dec 08, 2016
    Did not install new gas filter. Gen only has 100 hours. Did not require change per manual.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Dec 08, 2016
    Could there be an air leak from the new fuel filter install?

    Bill
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Dec 08, 2016
    Sounds like what ever you added loosened up "crud" in the tank and it is now being sucked into the carburetor.

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