Troubleshooting an Onan 2800

[macattack_ga]

We recently acquired a 1995 Roadtrek Popular 210 (chevy) with an Onan 2800 Microlite.

Generator cranks and runs very well. Makes power. Runs smoothly. But after about 3min it shuts down. It will start right up again and run for 10-20sec and then shut down again with just a little choke (actuated by my finger on the control arm).

I've disconnected the remote start/stop controller.... same issue.
Disconnected any electrical load.
Plenty of oil.
Fuel filter is good.
Fuel pump seems to work. It pumps fuel when I disconnected the hose... maybe it quits after a few minutes.
Planning to rig up another fuel pump to verify.

When shuts down, it doesn't bog/surge like it is running out of fuel... it sounds like it was switched off.

If it's not the fuel pump I'm guessing it's an issue with the ignition coil.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks!
Mac

[macattack_ga]

Ran some carb cleaner though it... taking a sudden load much better.

[macattack_ga]

Must have been the fuel pump.

Running a 1500w ceramic heater, 750w block heater and 200w lamp.

Replaced fuel pump with an E8016S.

Still troutleshooting a stalling issue. When a load is introduced it'll stall. If I turn the heater off and back on it cannot handle the sudden call for power.

If I start the motor with the load (yes, bad) the motor will pull the load.

Mac

[j-d]

This Service Manual might help.

And here's the Parts List

[macattack_ga]

JD... Looks like I need to research by specific model.

Model 2.8KVFA26100C

[macattack_ga]

Removed from "coach" and partially separated from bottom case.

Looks like this generator doesn't have an oil level sensor.

I'll replace the spark plug tomorrow evening.

[Chris_Bryant]

Download the Flight Systems handy troubleshooting guide- very helpful.

[j-d]

It takes Model and Spec Codes plus a Manual to adequately troubleshoot. I know that for the 4KY, a slightly larger genset built along the same concept as the 28 series, the Oil Switch was discontinued after a certain Spec Code. People with later Spec gensets spend a lot of time looking for a device that's not there.

Just for what it's worth, we had a gummed carb on our 4KY. I could start it, and it would carry a load until the load dropped off. For example, I could start it, turn the A/C on Max Cold, and it'd run that A/C for hours. You could hang meat or ship flowers in that coach. As soon as I reduced the thermostat setting so the compressor dropped out and the load became only the fan, genset would quit and not want to run again till it had cooled.

[macattack_ga]

I'll give it a try this evening and report back.

[Toddupton]

Down by the oil pan should be a wire I think with a spade terminal but don't remember exactly

[macattack_ga]

WILCO. Will give that a shot.

Any idea where the sensor is?
It's still installed. Have the cover off.

[Toddupton]

You say you have plenty of oil but is the sensor bad. Try bypassing the low oil sensor.

[starcraft69]

Low oil sensor is my thought. I had this happen to me. Try disconcerting the sensor. If it runs with it disconnected replace sensor, If still happens not sure were to point you. But i think this is all it will be.