Generator starts then stops

[timjet]

Thanks THenne for that. So to verify oil pressure I can remove the oi pressure switch and install a oil pressure gauge. Start generator and hold start switch depressed and let it run long enough to allow oil pressure gauge to either show oil press or not?
I use 10W 40 oil.

[timjet]

Thanks guys for all your input. I spent the better part of this afternoon working on the generator. Here was my thought process.
I really didn't think I had a low oil pressure situation because the oil level on the dipstick is between fill and full, but rather either a sensor or bad connection to the sensor making the diagnostic equip think it was low oil pressure. I also thought that perhaps the computer board (if there is one) that runs the diagnostics may be at fault. But since there was a lot of rain before the failure and the coach was out in the rain I was primarily focusing on a bad electrical connection.


So before going to the storage facility I got a new oil filter and oil because several of you suggested a change of oil and filter may fix this

My plan of attack was to first find the oil pressure switch and remove and reattach the wire to it to ensure a positive electrical contact. Then change the filter and oil and try again.

I removed the top shroud and the drivers side shroud. After some time I found the oil pressure switch near the bottom of the engine on the curb side near the back. It was impossible to get to without removing a plastic shroud that was attached to the radiator and threaded through the exhaust manifold. I could touch it with difficulty but could not get a wrench or screw driver on the wire that attached to the sensor. I was not going to remove the plastic shroud. So I jiggled the wire hoping that action might make a positive electrical contact if that was the problem.
Since the top and drivers side shroud of the generator were off it was easy to change the oil filter so I did so and drained the oil out of the generator.

While the oil was draining I reinstalled the side and top shrouds. You cannot run these generators without the shrouds as they will overheat due to improper air flow around the radiator. I learned that last year when I changed coolant.

I had made some notes on the oil change procedure previously but had noted the oil quantity as 3 gallons - its really 3 qts. After putting a gallon of oil in and pulling the dipstick I realized my error and drained a quart out leaving 3 quarts in the engine. I checked the dipstick and it was at the full mark.

Holding my breath I started the engine convinced that the actions I took did no good. To my surprise the generator started and ran for several minutes until I shut it down. I checked the oil level, it was down a little due to the oil flowing into the new filter so I added to just above the full mark. I started it again and it ran fine for about 5 minutes until I shut it down.

So here's what I think happened. The oil sensor and electrical diagnostic equipment worked as it should, the generator was low on oil even though the dipstick showed a level between full and fill. I believe the oil dipstick is improperly calibrated. The several posters who suggested filling to the top mark on the dipstick were absolutely correct.