Generator was running fine, stopped, will not start...

[vsheetz]

Generator running fine for about three hours. Then just quit. When trying to restart, it turns over, appears to try to start, then quits. Blinking code 32 (not cranking fast enough...).

On an 5500 Gold, 789 hours.
Oil level is full.
Gas tank is 3/4 full.
Battery connections are tight (code 32 suggestion), and cranking speed appears good and it tries to start...

Oil, oil and air filters maybe 6 months and a few dozen hours ago. Don't know if fuel filter has ever been changed.

Suggestion?

[trackman]

Check the ground at the gen also. Onan is notorious for loose ground due to vibration

[Papa_Jim]

Same thing happened to our 6.5kw Onan generator. Turned out the engine control board had failed.

Got a new one from:

A.S.A.P.

Then it started and ran again.

Jim

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by trackman

Check the ground at the gen also. Onan is notorious for loose ground due to vibration

Checked grounds. Removed, buffed, and replaced. No joy.

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by Papa_Jim

Same thing happened to our 6.5kw Onan generator. Turned out the engine control board had failed.

Got a new one from:

A.S.A.P.

Then it started and ran again.

Jim

Reading and thinking the same. The generator actually does start, runs for a couple seconds, stops.

Pulled the cover off the box with the start switch and circuit breakers, thinking the control board was there, but it's not. Can't find it or a picture online showing where it's located...

[94-Newmar]

Post your exact model number. It is highly doubtful the control board is the problem on a 32 error. Speed sense faults can be tricky and can be a result of many different things. If yours is an HG series, in most cases a 32 error is either a drive belt failure or the drive belt tensioner which has become oxidized/corroded and can no longer maintain tension on the drive belt. I can guide you to inspecting the drive assembly, brush assembly/slip rings and windings, all of which can be done, depending upon model, without removing the genset from the coach. Repairing any of the above with exception of the brushes/slip rings would require removal of the genset to repair.

[wa8yxm]

Same thing happened to my next site neighbor in 2007 in Quartsite,,, Generator needed to be refurbished (Brushes bad) in their case.. ONAN generators are like Yogi, smarter than the average bear.. They have the ability to check for output, and if the generator is not working, why waste gas running the engine? So they shut off, and flash 32. (They assume the reason for no output is not running fast enough) alas, they are not all that smart.

Bottom line: There are many conditions that can flash a 32

Thankfully for the folks beside me... They were parked next to the only 30 amp outlets in that part of the desert.. ... Yup.. I have 30 amp daisy chain outlets on my rig. Part of my house upgade from back in the S&B days. (I put in 3 30 amp outlets, (one 4 wire, two TT-30)

[D Lindy]

Starts, runs a couple of seconds then dies, I'd change the fuel filter, sounds like fuel starvation. Fuel filters probable the cheapest and easiest try 1st.

[vsheetz]

Finally getting around to revisiting this. Pulled the fuel line loose at the engine. When pushing switch to prime has a strong flow. Removed the 2nd of two filters at the engine (other is down below next to the fuel pump) and put on the loose end of the fuel line. Still a strong flow. When pushing the switch to start, the flow is good for a few seconds, then stops - appears the logic is telling it to shut off.

Methinks next is to go to a shop for service. Thoughts on going to a RV repair shop vs. Onan service center?

[JC2]

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Finally getting around to revisiting this. Pulled the fuel line loose at the engine. When pushing switch to prime has a strong flow. Removed the 2nd of two filters at the engine (other is down below next to the fuel pump) and put on the loose end of the fuel line. Still a strong flow. When pushing the switch to start, the flow is good for a few seconds, then stops - appears the logic is telling it to shut off.

Methinks next is to go to a shop for service. Thoughts on going to a RV repair shop vs. Onan service center?

Onan service center for genie. Hrly cost should be close and that's what there for.

[94-Newmar]

In post #6 above I had asked for your model number... :-)

You mention when pushing START the flow from the fuel pump is good for a few seconds then stops.. but is the engine cranking? There is no logic built-in on any model that will stop the fuel pump while you're still cranking.. your model # is a must to help any further :-)

[vsheetz]

Yes, The cranking and the fuel flow stop at the same time.

Model number below

[Robertandkim]

I took mine to cummings/onan Rocky Mountain in Salt Lake City. They have centers all over the west. They have techs that work on generators all day every day and they usually have parts in stock. Their not cheap but they know what their doing.

[94-Newmar]

Ok, HGJAB ... look at the bell end of the generator housing- you should be able to see part of the rotor. While you're cranking is the center section of the generator turning exactly in speed/rotation with the engine while cranking? Pay careful attention that it does not move at all after the engine stops cranking. This model is notorious for either a broken or slipped drive belt and/or belt tensioner that galls up and allows the belt to slip. A 32 error on these units are either a faulty drive system as mentioned above OR brushes/slip ring issues.