Onan LP Generator Problem UPDATE with new ?
Hello, I have an onan 3600 LP generator. It has only 92 hours on it, very little use by me or the original owner. I originally tried to T into the propane line post crossover regulator and discover...
Forum Discussion
Sounds lean.
The one element you mentioned is that you opened the system to try and run the other device. So did it run ok before you did this? If so what did you introduce that caused a problem? A spec of dirt? A metal shard of pipe thread? A piece of teflon tape? When having any problem it's best to first back track.
It shouldn't be a regulator problem since the metering adjustment should not have changed and the hours are so low nothing should be gummed or dirty. Without looking at specific models I would assume like most propane equipment it possibly has 2 regulators. One at the tank and one on the generator. Contrary to what many believe propane systems do not inject or provide pressure to inject the fuel. They draw the propane in through the regulator. The primary regulator controls the amount of fuel but the engine regulator diaphragm is pulled on by engine vacuum and then opens a valve to allow propane to be drawn in. Its a safe design that lets the system not malfunction and continuously feed propane.
So again, it sounds like you have a lack of fuel and a lean condition. If you had a rich condition you would get more of a blubbering sounding engine. I'm not going to tell you what to do as I dont know you abilities but what I would do is try to prove what the condition is. If I was running the generator and it starts to falter I would use an UNLIT propane torch to introduce a small amount of propane into the air cleaner intake. If the rpm recovers and it smooths out, that would prove that it's not getting enough fuel.
When working on any fueled equipment think ahead and have fire extinguishers on hand. Keep the equipment away from buildings or other valuable items.
It seems like there is are a good number of people having issues with cheap primary regulators.
The one element you mentioned is that you opened the system to try and run the other device. So did it run ok before you did this? If so what did you introduce that caused a problem? A spec of dirt? A metal shard of pipe thread? A piece of teflon tape? When having any problem it's best to first back track.
It shouldn't be a regulator problem since the metering adjustment should not have changed and the hours are so low nothing should be gummed or dirty. Without looking at specific models I would assume like most propane equipment it possibly has 2 regulators. One at the tank and one on the generator. Contrary to what many believe propane systems do not inject or provide pressure to inject the fuel. They draw the propane in through the regulator. The primary regulator controls the amount of fuel but the engine regulator diaphragm is pulled on by engine vacuum and then opens a valve to allow propane to be drawn in. Its a safe design that lets the system not malfunction and continuously feed propane.
So again, it sounds like you have a lack of fuel and a lean condition. If you had a rich condition you would get more of a blubbering sounding engine. I'm not going to tell you what to do as I dont know you abilities but what I would do is try to prove what the condition is. If I was running the generator and it starts to falter I would use an UNLIT propane torch to introduce a small amount of propane into the air cleaner intake. If the rpm recovers and it smooths out, that would prove that it's not getting enough fuel.
When working on any fueled equipment think ahead and have fire extinguishers on hand. Keep the equipment away from buildings or other valuable items.
It seems like there is are a good number of people having issues with cheap primary regulators.
