Onan 3.6KY Propane Generator Starting Issue

[BigBeam]

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

[bounder39zman]

If it starts, runs ok, and pulls load, then I would not worry about it. Even at only two hours, you change oil every year. exercise every month and give it some serious run time with a load now that you have it running.

[BigBeam]

Yes, agree on screen. There was foam zip tied on there but it disintegrated. I left the vent hose inside the case as its only an air vent. not sure why the vent it to the outside.

This is a 2008 genset with only 2 hours on it. Any thoughts on whether I should replace the solenoid given it's had 15 years of almost no use?
At bare minimum probably need to have one on hand me thinks.

[bounder39zman]

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]

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.

[BigBeam]

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!

[bounder39zman]

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.

[midnightsadie]

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.