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falconbrother's avatar
falconbrother
Explorer II
Jun 15, 2015

Generator wont start

I have a 1990 Mallard Class with with an Onan Emerald Plus, 4k, 4BGEFA generator. I use the generator regularly and it gets serviced regularly. I probably used it 10 hours a month ago and 30 minutes two weeks ago. I went out yesterday to exercise it. It started, ran about 5 seconds and cut off. Now it wont start. It "seems" to be trying to start but just wont catch. It's getting fuel. I tried to check for spark but the sun was really bright and I couldn't see a thing. For the five seconds that it ran it was running smooth as usual. I replaced the control board about two, maybe three years ago. The oil was changed in May. It's always been a little funky to start. Hit the start button, it never starts. Wait 30 seconds, hit the start and it fires right up. Could it be flooding? That's my first theory. I'll go back and fool with it some more today, in the 97 degrees and 80% humidity..
Class A
  • falconbrother's avatar
    falconbrother
    Explorer II
    Jun 16, 2015
    Yea, I'm sure it's a filter that I have seen on other applications. It's just been a while. I want to replace it just because. I replace the fuel filter on my chassis every two years even though it's really not that many miles driven. They are cheap and easy so...
  • cbr46's avatar
    cbr46
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2015
    I replaced mine (Onan Marquis 5500) with a NAPA filter but can't tell you the part # or what else it fits.

    When I walked in the counter guy had it identified before I even reached the counter. He said it was a common item back in 80's or 90's.

    Good luck,
    - bob
  • falconbrother's avatar
    falconbrother
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2015
    I got it started today. I'm pretty sure it was flooded. Replaced the air filter. Runs good.

    Anyone know if there's another part that will fit the Onan fuel filter 149-2279? The one that's on there looks the same but, it doesn't. There's no part numbers or brand names that I can see on it but, I'm betting it's not an Onan. Probably something from NAPA. Been working great for several years. I don't mind ordering the Onan part but, it's always easier to just run up to NAPA for a part.

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