How to remove float bowl on Onan GenSet 4000 Emerald Plus

Hey everyone,
Thanks for all your input on the Carb problem. I found a guy here close to Austin that specializes in Generators so I took the RV out there and he took the carb off and cleaned it, changed the plugs, check rings and bushings. We just got back from the races in Ft. Worth and it ran all weekend without a problem. He charged me $ 260 for everything.

So, it does appear that it was gummed up and for anyone finding they have to continue to choke the carb to keep it running cleaning is the cure!

I've had success cleaning the carb on an older Onan BGE, by only dropping the bowl.

For a BGE:
- remove the bowl (screw at bottom you mentioned)
- Float and bottom of jets are exposed.
- Remove screw that holds float hinge pin, remove float and float valve. Inspect float valve for any indentation, clean with spray cleaner.
- Spray carb cleaner up float seat, pilot jet (this is your problem based on what you described), main jet.
- Blow out with compressed air, maybe repeat the above.
- Remove the fuel line at the carb, and spray in there also.

Reassemble and see if that resolves the issue.

Other things I've tried with success:
1- Drain the bowl and re-assemble, remove the fuel line and fill the bowl with spray carb cleaner and let it soak.
2. Fill an outboard fuel tank with 1 gallon of fresh gas, add full bottle of Seafoam. Rig the fuel tank to the generator, start the genny and run the gas/seafoam mixture through the carb until it runs smooth.

I never tried removing the pilot jet. If it's got a flathead fitting, remove that and clean in "real" carb cleaner from a can, and then clean with compressed air.


Trying the above was worth the risk for me, worse case I would have had to buy a new carb which I would of needed to do anyways.

Good luck.

Few comments.

If your search the internet you should find a repair manual for your Onan - that should give you info on your request. Nice to have in the RV at any rate.

Your symptoms are pretty std for gummed up carb - most people resolve that by using Seafoam ... lots of threads on that subject if you use the forum search feature and use the term Seafoam. In general you disconnect the existing fuel line to the carb -- connect a temp fuel line (rubber found at any auto parts house) which leads to can of Seafoam. Start up the generator - let it run for a short while - let it set for a long time ..and repeat as necessary. Your goal is to get Seafoam inside the carb and let it set and do it's work.

Lastly - most small engine lawnmower shops can tune an Onan Generator - worth a thought.

It looks like quite a jot to take the carb completely off. Isn't there anyway to clean it up after dropping the float bowl. I haven't tried to use a spray carb cleaner through the air intake but have thought about trying that.

If I have to take the carb completely off does anyone have a video or can tell me how to go about it. There is a lot of linkage attached to the front and back side, and three nuts holding the intake, and from what I can see two or three holding it on the backside that seem to be very difficult to get to.

Thanks for your help.
Jake

I don,t see any thing about a spray cleaner???

Spray carb cleaner will melt rubber gaskets and plastic parts.

spray carb cleaner will not clear it?

taking that nut off will drop the float bowl ,under there is a float, a needle shut off pin, small and easy to loose, sounds more like your carb is gummed up, take it completly off , and clean, use sea foam a stronger better product, blow things out with air, DO NOT bend or twist things, at one time the carb worked good just where there at, soak in sea foam over night ,blow things out ,reinstall. this is not a hard job , look up the hole where the needle valve is, if it looks like a screw slot? un screw pull out clean those little holes thats the clog.