Onan 3.6KY Propane Generator Starting Issue

Question

Our new to us class C rig, 2008 very lightly used. The generator only has 2 hours on it over the past 15 years.

I can't get it to start and strongly suspect its the fuel shutoff solenoid. I can hear the solenoid click but I understand there is a diaphragm in there that can also become jammed. Having a bit of a time sourcing a replacement valve in Canada (without getting raped). Looks like I will have to drop the generator down to get access to this. What are the chances I can get this working by back blowing it? Probably a long shot but thought I would ask anyway as I have no experience with propane generators. Any other things I should look at/test before I drop the generator down? I think my next step will be to disconnect propane before the valve and just confirm I have gas flow.

Cheers,
Kevin

midnightsadie · Answer

do that. number one rule ,don,t go for the big stuff till you,ve checked all the little stuff .like fuel to the reg. did you pull the spark plug? check for spark?  I have one has 200hrs most all test run,s runs smooth. better than messing with a gas one.give it a shot of starting fluid  very little. see if it fires up.

bounder39zman · Answer

When you say the generator will not "start"...do you mean it will not turn over (crank) with starter, or it cranks but will not run?
The problem with LP fueled systems is usually fuel related, and many times is simply a plugged up LP regulator atmosphere vent hose. Insects, namely wasps or dirt-dobbers love the smell of LP and crawl up hose, build nests, and stop up the hose. then the regulator diaphragm cannot move freely to allow fuel to engine. Do not blow high pressure air into regulator, it will rupture diaphragm. remove hose from regulator, then blow it out. Of course, do basics first. Ensure spark is getting to spark plug, and regulator at fuel tank is supplying fuel to generator.

bigbeam · Answer

Update: dropped the generator in anticipation of having to replace the propane solenoid. With full access, was able to pull the vent hose. In addition to the mud found at the end of the hose from mud wasps, there was an additional mud plug 18" to 20" up the line. Cleaned it out and reinstalled the generator and started up right away. This was a 6 hour journey to find this this silly issue.

Look after those vent hoses on your genny. With mine, there was a protective cover but it was not UV resistant and just disintegrated and the previous owners never bothered to repair it. The sand wasps can go far up into the hose! Not sure why they vent this hose to the outside and not just leave it inside the generator case which is what I am going to do.

bounder39zman · Answer

happy that you were able to repair without spending lots of $ on parts.  AS I am in generator repair business, I have found this to be problem on over 50% of LP generators that come in for repairs. I usually cover open end of hose with some screen and a tie-wrap .

bigbeam · Answer

Will pull the plug and check for spark. Having a hard time sourcing the solenoid valve so will start by pulling it out and see if it is plugged. Thanks for the comments!

Forum Discussion

Onan 3.6KY Propane Generator Starting Issue

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Generator start issue

Generator not starting

Generator Won't Start

Generator clicks but wont start

Onan Micro 4000 Generator Won't Start