Onan propane generator not starting
Onan model # 3.6KYFA2612OL propane generator will not start. Has new spark plug and air filter. Does not seem to have oil pressure sensor. Propane tank is a little under 1/2. Vent. tube is not plugged...
Forum Discussion
jdog, I recently had a similar problem with the same generator model as yours. It would crank fine but not start. After checking all of the simple things, I gave up and took it to the Cummins shop in San Leandro.
I hovered nearby so that I could see what he was doing. He didn't seem to mind. Here's what he tried:
* Removed the vent hose at the top of the engine, blew through it, tried to start with the hose disconnected (no luck)
* Verified that the fuel solenoid was clicking when depressing the Stop/Prime button
* Used a meter to check the solenoid lead
* Disconnected the generator from the RV propane supply and connected his own tank with regulator (no luck)
* Removed the spark plug and checked the gap spacing
* Disconnected the internal fuel hose and tested the gas pressure when the solenoid is active (pressure was good)
* Removed the valve cover and checked the springs and spacing
* Removed the control module (solenoid switch is mounted to the top of the module), disconnected the wire bundle from the underside of the module, checked a couple of pins in the bundle with a meter
After reinstalling the spark plug and valve cover, reconnecting the fuel hose and the wire bundle, it started right up. If it hadn't, his next test would have been to bypass the generator's fuel regulator. If it was a problem with the regulator, it would have meant pulling the whole generator out. Fortunately that wasn't necessary.
His best guess is the culprit was the wire bundle. He noticed some pins that looked out of place and he spent some time adjusting them.
I have a 2007 Gulfstream Vista Cruiser Mini.
Hope it helps!
I hovered nearby so that I could see what he was doing. He didn't seem to mind. Here's what he tried:
* Removed the vent hose at the top of the engine, blew through it, tried to start with the hose disconnected (no luck)
* Verified that the fuel solenoid was clicking when depressing the Stop/Prime button
* Used a meter to check the solenoid lead
* Disconnected the generator from the RV propane supply and connected his own tank with regulator (no luck)
* Removed the spark plug and checked the gap spacing
* Disconnected the internal fuel hose and tested the gas pressure when the solenoid is active (pressure was good)
* Removed the valve cover and checked the springs and spacing
* Removed the control module (solenoid switch is mounted to the top of the module), disconnected the wire bundle from the underside of the module, checked a couple of pins in the bundle with a meter
After reinstalling the spark plug and valve cover, reconnecting the fuel hose and the wire bundle, it started right up. If it hadn't, his next test would have been to bypass the generator's fuel regulator. If it was a problem with the regulator, it would have meant pulling the whole generator out. Fortunately that wasn't necessary.
His best guess is the culprit was the wire bundle. He noticed some pins that looked out of place and he spent some time adjusting them.
I have a 2007 Gulfstream Vista Cruiser Mini.
Hope it helps!
