Community Forums

RanCarr · 08-28-2013, 03:03 AM

My DH got the old Onan generator purring like a kitten. She starts right up - but only from the switch OUTSIDE the RV.

When he tries the switch INSIDE the RV, the genny coughs and gasps and wont catch. What can be causing this? Some kind of short somewhere between the inside switch and genny? All indeas and suggestions welcome.

We don't want to have to exit the RV every time we want to turn the genny on or off.

CampDaven · 08-28-2013, 03:19 AM

It can be just the switch, or connectors.

clyon51 · 08-28-2013, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CampDaven

It can be just the switch, or connectors.

Just to expound a bit, you have a 4 wire connector from the dash to the genny. Due to being outside and in the elements, most of these problems are at the rear connector. Either heavy corrosion in the connector or broken wire in connector due to corrosion. As stated, could be bad switch in the dash.

switchdr1 · 08-28-2013, 04:06 PM

I got the generator to start from inside.
The start stop switch on the generator wasn't returning to the neutral position.
Guess there is grit that overcomes the spring.
When outside switch is in the middle position it starts fine from inside the rig.
After about 5 minutes the choke starts trying to close making it smoke & labor.
What could be causing that?
Thanks,
Randy

Stan.Birch · 08-28-2013, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by switchdr1

After about 5 minutes the choke starts trying to close making it smoke & labor.

While the make and model of gen might be a tad helpful, assuming that you have an Onan . . .

When the generator starts:

1. The vacuum break (all those rubber hoses and diaphram) should immediately pull the choke open at least half way, allowing the gen to warm up;

2. After about 5 minutes, the electrically heated choke should be 100% open.

3. So . . failure in the first phase would suggest a vacuum leak: compromised vacuum hoses, or a failed pull-off diaphram;

4. Failure of the electrically heated choke:

a. failed heater element in the choke;

b. blown 5A heater element fuse