Community Forums

arboldt · 11-29-2016, 06:53 PM

I've read other posts about generator issues, but not sure how much I can do myself.

We've been full-timing for about 3 months now. 37' 2004 Newmar Mountain Aire gasser. 75G Guardian generator with 200 - 300 hours.
When we got the MH in March, using the dashboard-mounted switches, it would take a couple minutes cranking to start the generator. The last couple months I've learned to use the switches on the generator and manually engage the choke. It fires up ok, but lately it's been dying after 5 - 10 seconds and a couple times after running for 5 minutes. Last night I had to start it 6 - 7 times before it stayed running.

I have tools with me but really don't have a place to work or a way to catch oil if I change it.

We are currently camped just outside of Redding CA, 2500 miles from 'home', and have experienced the northern California monsoons. Tomorrow we'll be heading south to Manteca CA for 5 days. First of the year we'll be in Desert Hot Springs CA. Generally we camp in national parks or national forests, a little more primitive than an RV park (and a lot less expensive).

So when we land somewhere I could work on it, should I find parts and find out how to replace things or should I take it in somewhere? (Anyone know the impossible = good and reasonable-cost in central / southern CA?)

Dilligas · 11-29-2016, 07:11 PM

When you push the start button continue to hold it in for about 30 seconds after it starts. The jenny needs 12 volt power to start and the slip rings provide 12 volts to run the generator after it starts. If the
slip rings are dirty they will not provide the needed power so holding the switch in will provide battery power to keep it running while the slip rings clean up. The starter will not be engaged after the engine starts so no worry there

twinboat · 11-29-2016, 07:36 PM

If you haven't changed the gas filter, it may be time.

Second thing to try, is holding the stop button or prime button down, to let the fuel pump run to fill the carb. See if that makes a difference.

hawkeye1995 · 11-29-2016, 09:54 PM

One thing to check is the oil level. If it is low, it will shut off the generator. If not low on oil, then the most likely cause for generators to run for 5 minutes then shut down, is the fuel pump. You didn't say which model you have. But, from experience of others on the forum, the fuel pump is the problem. If it is a Onan 5500 Marquis Gold, the replace pump can be found on Amazon. Airtex E11015 Electric Fuel Pump for Onan Generator Set. It says the are temporary out of stock. This is a lot cheaper than the price at Onan. Their are some fault codes also you can get from the flashing lite on the starter switch. You can look the codes up on the internet. Plus you can get the manual download at this site, but need to know the model. Index of /~n0nas/manuals/onan Hope this info helps.

SuperGewl · 11-30-2016, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawkeye1995

One thing to check is the oil level. If it is low, it will shut off the generator. If not low on oil, then the most likely cause for generators to run for 5 minutes then shut down, is the fuel pump. You didn't say which model you have. But, from experience of others on the forum, the fuel pump is the problem. If it is a Onan 5500 Marquis Gold, the replace pump can be found on Amazon. Airtex E11015 Electric Fuel Pump for Onan Generator Set. It says the are temporary out of stock. This is a lot cheaper than the price at Onan. Their are some fault codes also you can get from the flashing lite on the starter switch. You can look the codes up on the internet. Plus you can get the manual download at this site, but need to know the model. Index of /~n0nas/manuals/onan Hope this info helps.

The OPs' original statement says its a Guardian Generator.

OP change the fuel filter and air filter and also check to see if there is an "ALT" switch on the generator. If there is then set it for the attitude that you are at. If you have access to the fuel bowl (carburetor) then spray some carburetor cleaner and follow the instructions on the can.