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jimww1348's avatar
jimww1348
Explorer
Apr 27, 2015

Onan 4K generator starts, runs 4 minutes and shuts down

I have 2008 Winnebago RV with an Onan 4K generator. When I bought it used the dealer said the carb was clogged, they cleaned it. They started it, let it run a couple of minutes and shut it off. I thought it was okay. No, it will only run about 4 minutes and shut off with a dry float bowl. It runs out of gas.
I checked spark plug, changed oil twice, replaced the fuel filter and pump. I also hot wired the solenoid on bottom of carb, the needle clicks like it is supposed to.
No matter what I do, it will only run until the float bowl goes dry of gas and shuts down. This unit has 25 hours running time on it. Does anybody have any ideas to help?
BTY, I tried two Onan repair places, one refuses to answer their phone, and wont call back after leaving a message. I talked to the other place said they would call me back, never did. I cant find any other repair places in our area.
  • If in a MH it will shut down to prevent using all the fuel in the tank. Most have the gen pickup set @ 1/4 tank.
  • check the fuel line carefully, one pinhole can stop the fuel feed....
  • Run a hose from the fuel pump to a 5 gal. can of gas. If it keeps running you know its a line or filter problem. My gen would shut down if gas tank got below 1/4 tank.
  • As others have said:
    1 - check the gas in the main tank.
    2 - hand over hand on the fuel line from main tank to carburetor. I'll bet you find another filter somewhere.

    If the above turns out fine, then run a line from the pump/filter on the generator to a can of known good gas. If it runs longer than 4 minutes, the problem is in the line to the main tank. There may even be a clogged filter INSIDE the tank on the pickup tube for the generator line.
  • your main rv tank has to have fuel in it, theres a safty built into them so you don,t run the rv out of gas, and if the bowls dry follow the fuel line back might just be a shut off valve.
  • Start with a visual inspection. Check for rotted fuel line. It may be sucking air.

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