Onan no start
I have a 1994 Onan 2.8 KW model KY. It was running great just a couple days ago but now as soon as I let go of the start switch it dies. Runs nice as long as the switch is pressed. The oil is full an...
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Handbasket wrote:
The battery has _nothing_ to do with it as long as it will start it. You're seeing either a failure in a safety like the low oil switch or a failure to produce voltage.
These 2800 Onans (I've owned 3) get the starting ignition current from the battery while cranking, but change over to self-generated power when the start switch is released.
Both of my similar failures have been failure to produce voltage; once under warranty, it was the rotor/stator, the other time it was the voltage regulator. Fairly easy to diagnose with the service manual and a volt-ohm meter. There's also troubleshooting steps at the Flight Systems website.
All 3 of mine were built after they deleted the low oil switch. Not sure about yours. If you have it, it's a possible source. Also be sure you're checking the oil level the right way. For all of mine, after wiping the dipstick, it's to be rested in the lip of the hole, _not_ screwed in. If you read it after screwing it in, you are always low on oil.
Good luck with it. They can be dang frustrating.
Jim, "Instant human, just add coffee."
Great advice here.
