should Onan gen make noise when applying load and shut down?

[DAS26miles]

My 6 year old Onan 4000 generator is making a more noticeable noise when applying load and when shutting down. Almost sounds like a muffler leak for a moment, otherwise it runs quieter. Is this normal, I don't recall.

[DAS26miles]

Found "Yes" if the droop is incorrectly set. Making the adjustment cures it.

[DAS26miles]

So after using Seafoam and 1 gallon of fresh gas treatment the generator has quieted down, for start of applying load and shut down. And new hearing aids work great!

[DAS26miles]

ksg5000 wrote:
Onan attempts to maintain the same RPM - so yeah it runs a bit louder when it's under load. NBD. You and I should get together and have Alzheimer drink.

Getting new hearing aids on Wednesday or is it Thursday???

[Lwiddis]

“You and I should get together and have Alzheimer drink.”

We need a reason or excuse? lol

[ksg5000]

Onan attempts to maintain the same RPM - so yeah it runs a bit louder when it's under load. NBD. You and I should get together and have Alzheimer drink.

[DrewE]

The engine is working harder when it's under load, and so will naturally sound louder/different than when not under load. Whether yours is normal or has a muffler hole or something rattling or whatever is another question entirely.

Shutting down generally just sounds like any small engine shutting down. If you mean shutting down when under load vs. shutting down when not under load, it's best to avoid shutting down under load if at all possible (and preferably give it a minute or so not under load to cool down before shutting it down finally).