Onan generator problem

[gbsdelrio]

I have a 96 southwind with a 4KW Onan that until last month has done very well and been exercised and serviced regularly. The generator starts and runs well with a full load as long as the RV is sitting still. When I drive for only a short distance the generator stops and will not restart. In the Texas heat the a/c's are a must for comfortable travel. I have changed the fuel filter. oil filter, air filter and oil. The oil level is where it is supposed to be. I need help finding out why the gen set stops while moving. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[retmotor]

Welcome to the forum.

If it will start with starting fluid, you likely have a fuel delivery problem.

There's a couple of pdf's online for onan generator troubleshooting. I saw nothing that specifically addressed your issue though.

There was a guy with a similar problem (his would start back up). He posted on justanswer.com but he was unable to get an answer.

Hopefully someone else can be more helpful.

[gbsdelrio]

Thanks for the reply. It starts easily after it sits for a while. I am thinking it has something to do with the low oil pressure cut off. I may end up having to take it in for repair. Thanks,

[toneumanns]

Mine does the same thing & throws no codes. Newer model & 5.5k. Frustrating.

[jimmyjnr]

Is it easy / cheap to change the oil pressure switch

[Loozycat]

Our Onan did the same thing. Took it to Onan Service Center, it was a bad coil under the fly wheel. They put a new coil and it has worked great ever since. Of course it was the coil hard to get to, so there was some bench time. It would start just fine, but ran sluggish and would not stay running any length of time. When we did the monthly maintenance, this issue never showed up.

[SuperGewl]

You need to check the gas tank vent lines and the generator fuel pump. It almost sounds like trhe generator is starving for fuel and of course the coach engine will win out every time.
You did not mention if the generator will run ok under load with the engine running while parked with the slides in or with them out.

[Midniteoyl]

Did you check if its overheating while your driving?

[FW5000DRIVER]

What about air being a factor? Sounds like you should try changing the air intake option. Air may be vortexing past the generator air intake. It works when you are still so it should work when you're moving. Change the elevation on the air to fuel mixture.