Starting Generator

[bronk]

I have a Cummings/Onan generator in my Damon Challenger. No where in the directions for starting does it state how long the "primer" switch be held in the on position before attempting to start the generator. I noticed that if I hold it on for an extended period of time, the "clicking" ( I assume priming process) does not stop. Is it best to hold it in prime position for a shorter time than say, 5 or 10 seconds. The generator seems to start OK most of the time, but sometimes it seems to turn over for an extended period of time before starting. The manual mentions the process of priming, but does not state for how long. Thanks in advance for any information.

Bronk

[ga traveler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronk I have a Cummings/Onan generator in my Damon Challenger. No where in the directions for starting does it state how long the "primer" switch be held in the on position before attempting to start the generator. I noticed that if I hold it on for an extended period of time, the "clicking" ( I assume priming process) does not stop. Is it best to hold it in prime position for a shorter time than say, 5 or 10 seconds. The generator seems to start OK most of the time, but sometimes it seems to turn over for an extended period of time before starting. The manual mentions the process of priming, but does not state for how long. Thanks in advance for any information. Bronk

Listen to the clicks. if it is low, the clicking will be fast. when it is primed the clicking slows down. The primer is mainly there for the times you run the gen. out of fuel.

[melving]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronk I have a Cummings/Onan generator in my Damon Challenger. No where in the directions for starting does it state how long the "primer" switch be held in the on position before attempting to start the generator. I noticed that if I hold it on for an extended period of time, the "clicking" ( I assume priming process) does not stop. Is it best to hold it in prime position for a shorter time than say, 5 or 10 seconds. The generator seems to start OK most of the time, but sometimes it seems to turn over for an extended period of time before starting. The manual mentions the process of priming, but does not state for how long. Thanks in advance for any information. Bronk

Hello Bronk, On my generator, as shown by my dealer when I bought my motorhome. You hold the button down to prime and watch the light on the actual switch. It will flash when the generator is primed, it doesn't stay lit so you have to watch for it. At that point I push up on the button to start.

[Heater]

I will be curios to read the replies. I to have the same issues. This past weekend I held the button down for at least 10 - 15 seconds and nothing but I could hear it click. I then stopped and tried again. After about 10 more seconds it started. In the warmer months 5 seconds or so it would start. So I think the cooler weather has alot to do with it.

[Redapple]

Don't prime mine. I run it about once a month, start it from inside the coach, starts up usually in about 3 to 5 secs of cranking.

Bill

[powerboatr]

mine you just press and hold til she starts up, i assume it primed and did the glow plugs then turned over. mine makes a small clicking whirring noise
my switch has three positions down is off up is start middle or released is run

[gasser 38]

Quote:

Originally Posted by melving Hello Bronk, On my generator, as shown by my dealer when I bought my motorhome. You hold the button down to prime and watch the light on the actual switch. It will flash when the generator is primed, it doesn't stay lit so you have to watch for it. At that point I push up on the button to start.

Ditto but only need to prime when you run it out of fuel or let it sit for a long time I usually run mine once a month no prime needed

[melving]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gasser 38 Ditto but only need to prime when you run it out of fuel or let it sit for a long time I usually run mine once a month no prime needed

Thanks for the input, I'll try and remember that. I run my once a month also with a load on it.

[2000 Damon]

According to the onan 7500 watt diesel gen set manual it states when your fuel filter has been replaced or when prime is needed "Prime the fuel system by holding the control switch down it's stop position for at least one minute. Priiming is necessary to displace the air in the new filter with fuel."
I suppose if you have a small leak from a valve or line fitting you could cause air to get into the fuel line/filter requireing a prime. This would be more necessary the longer the coach sat unused.