5500 Onan Generator

[AtvGal]

Our generator is causing us some grief. One time you'll start it and it runs fine. Another time it will run very rough. Other times, it starts out running fine and then all of a sudden it dies. Any suggestions on cause and a fix? UPDATE: After it dies, you have to let it set for 15+ minutes before it will start back up and then it runs fine.

[dedmiston]

The OP thanks your all for your helpful suggestions and requested that we close the thread. Thanks everyone.

[tinner12002]

After using the Seafoam, start running some non-ethanol gas in it, will start easier and run better.

[Dirtclods]

How old is the gas?

[joebedford]

My 5500 was running rough but after a dose of seafoam it's smooth now.

[AtvGal]

He did check the oil level and it was fine. He just ordered the SeaFoam, so we'll give that a try. Thanks for all your input!

[nayther]

to the OP, you need an Onan manual, they're available on line. Read about the fault codes and follow the steps to see why it's shutting down. Could be fuel, could be low oil, could be a lot of things.

[gbopp]

Make sure the oil level is correct. Replace the generator fuel filter. Spray Seafoam into the carburetor intake while it is running.
Stop the generator snd allow it to sit for about an hour or two. Then try it again and see if there is an improvement.
Do the simple, easy things first.

[ScottG]

Another vote for SeaFoam. It's the only "snake oil" that actually works.
My honda eu2000i ran terrible and was hard to start from the time I took it out of the box. Ran it for 6 hours with a half a can of SF and it was fixed. We've since used it on a few other things as well with great results.

[D_E_Bishop]

Ours is at the shop because the armature bearing failed and three replacements that Onan set the shop do not meet the engineering specs.

Brushes slip off the slip rings and voltage drops and throws weird codes.

Is yours throwing any codes?

[chiefneon]

Howdy!

Also recommend running some Sea Foam in it to help clean it up.

“Happy Trails”
Chiefneon

[Vw_triker]

Check filter,