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JD38's avatar
JD38
Explorer
Sep 05, 2018

Onan 5BGE Generator stops running..will not restart

I know there have discussions on this before and the one I would like to chase is the oil pressure safety switch can not locate it. Gen had been running for about 20 minutes all of a sudden it stopped. When I checked the oil level it was near the bottom mark. Added oil up near the top mark and it will not start. Have had this powering down problem several times recently, It is a 5BGE mod P. I have not pulled the rack out to look behind or under.
  • yes, oil pressure switch is near the oil filter, under the cylinder head cover. if the switch is bad, the genny will start and run, but shut down when you release the start switch. the oil pressure switch supplies a ground path for the run relay on the control board. the way to check it is to remove the wire from the switch and ground it to a good engine ground. if the engine stays running now, then you need to replace switch. The switch is a N.O. type switch, which means that the switch is "open" when engine not running, but "closes " on oil pressure above approx 7-8 psi. Onan p/n is 309-0322. u probably wont find a suitable replacement at auto parts store, as most automotive oil pressure switches are "N.C." or normally closed type switches
  • After posting yesterday I went back out and located the switch behind the outboard sheild. Laying in bed I recalled the gasoline level cutout function. Gotta run for a 27mm deep socket and couple of new plugs. Thanks for the responses
  • Can't help with the oil switch, but have to mention the obvious - more than 1/4 tank of fuel?