Generator in 2010 Sprinter Roadtrek

[Tanya6520]

Turned the generator on and started the A/C. We had a full tank of propane. When we returned from a 90 min train ride, the generator had quit. We fired it back up and it ran perfectly for another 90 minutes. Until we turned it off. What could have happened? This happened one other time. We exercise the generator regularly.

[ROADTREKKER2000]

In Sept. 2014, we did a lot of touring which included a week in Yellowstone Natl. park. One evening while cooking dinner, the generator sputtered and then shut down.

We were at 7700 feet above sea level and I hadn't changed the carburator setting for high altitude operation, but I hadn't not been having trouble with it at high altitude so I decided to check to oil. It was very low. It's not a lot of fun adding oil by flashlight, but I had everything I needed with me to do it. After adding oil, the generator started right up and I have not had any trouble with it since.

[Handbasket]

I assume this is an Onan 2500LP???

First, Onan discontinued the 'low oil shutoff' on the Microlites more than a decade ago, and I don't think they've reinstituted it.

I try to check mine after 8-10 hours of running, and top off the oil. Be sure you read the manual for the correct way to check it!

How many hours on the generator, and what kind of outside temps were you having? I've had two explainable episodes of shutdown in hot weather with my gas 2800, close cousin to your LP unit. Luckily I was in the camper when they happened. One was eventually traced to a failing fuel pump (not an issue with LP). The second one may be similar to yours, tho'; a failing voltage regulator/control module when hot. Pretty easy (tho' very awkward) DIY fix, cost less than $250. One un-seeable Torx screw, one wiring plug. PITA restarting the screw by fingertip feel.

But frankly, sometimes these dam' things just quit for unapparent & irreproducable reasons. It's just the nature of the beast, apparently.

Jim, "I drink coffee for _your_ protection!"

[Tanya6520]

How often should the oil be checked? We don't run the generator where it would disturb someone and I can't believe someone would do that. Wondering if I should attach a note some way explaining the necessity of leaving it on?

[1775]

Have you checked the oil in the Onan. It will shut off if the oil is low.

[gerrym51]

Tanya6520 wrote:
Turned the generator on and started the A/C. We had a full tank of propane. When we returned from a 90 min train ride, the generator had quit. We fired it back up and it ran perfectly for another 90 minutes. Until we turned it off. What could have happened? This happened one other time. We exercise the generator regularly.

just an opinion-is the handle to shut off propane locked?

If you left the onan generator running it is very loud-the sound is very bothersome

someone could have been offended by the sound-turned off the propane to the van-after generator cut out turned propane back on-but of course the generator would have to have been restarted from inside the coach.

also someone could have blocked the generator exhaust-a few minutes of that would stop the generator