Onan genset not working

[jrnutpaul]

Our new to us Minnie Winnie has a 4,000 Onan in the basement. When it first wouldn't stay running we thought it needed gas (maybe the fill tube was higher than the gas level) It would start but only run for 20 seconds.
Then I noticed that the air preheat was set on "winter" so after I switched it to "summer" It would start and stay running, but came real close to dying every 10 seconds or so. It would not run with any authority.
What should I do next???

[jrnutpaul]

Our new to us Minnie Winnie has a 4,000 Onan in the basement. When it first wouldn't stay running we thought it needed gas (maybe the fill tube was higher than the gas level) It would start but only run for 20 seconds.
Then I noticed that the air preheat was set on "winter" so after I switched it to "summer" It would start and stay running, but came real close to dying every 10 seconds or so. It would not run with any authority.
What should I do next???

[Rocky Larson]

There maybe an altitude lever also. Portland is only 50ft. If there is a dial or lever for elevation be sure it is towards 0 and not 5,000 or above. Sounds live fuel starvation and perhaps needs a new filter or carb cleaning.
Good Luck.

[GerryB54]

If it wasn't exercised regularly it could be a problem...your symptoms sound like fuel varnishing in the carb, JMHO.

[AFChap]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">If it wasn't exercised regularly it could be a problem... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Exactly what I suspect also. You may be able to get an idea if this is the problem by checking how many hours are on the genny. It should have at least/more than 30-60 minutes per month over it's lifespan. (You don't say what year the rig is). A 5 yr old generator should have an absolute minimum of 60 hours ...personally, I would be very leary of a 5 yr old with less than 150-200 hours.

Old gas and fuel varnishing in the carb would be the start. There may also be corrosion in the generator itself. First you have to get it running, then see if it will actually generate power. You'll need to (or have a service place) drain all the fuel from it, change genny fuel filter, clean the carburetor etc, probably spark plug too, then see if it will run.

[TXiceman]

Sure sounds like a dirty carb or fuel filter to me.

Low hours on a generator is like the Kiss of Death.

Ken

[gunny]

Agree with the previous posts.

Sounds like a fuel issue, probably dirty/clogged carburator.

A good tuneup probably wouldn't hurt.

If you are mechanically inclined, pull the gas line off and run it out of a gas can full of fresh fuel and a can of sea foam. Will usually cler up a lot of carburator issues. The fact that it run is good, sounds like it is running lean.

[jrnutpaul]

Yesterday It started and ran for about 20 minutes. So I don't think it's the fuel filter...But...it still wanted to die when the flywheel slowed and the gas lever relaxed. When I put on the AC it did go into a higher rev mode while it was under load but as soon as I shut down the AC it went back to running and wanting to die or sputter to a stop.

How do I change the air filter?
I purchased a new fuel filter and will switch that out...when I do I will check the fuel output before I put the line back on.

What is Sea Foam?

Paul

[gunny]

Sea Foam is a fuel additive that can be found at NAPA stores and probably other auto parts outlets.

[jrnutpaul]

OK...went out and bought Sea Foam,fuel filter, air filter

Tomorrow I'll replace the parts and mix about 1/4 can of sea foam with 1 gal of gas. I'll put a line into a bucket and attach to back of fuel pump.

Wish me luck

Paul

[NeilV]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by jrnutpaul:
OK...went out and bought Sea Foam,fuel filter, air filter

Tomorrow I'll replace the parts and mix about 1/4 can of sea foam with 1 gal of gas. I'll put a line into a bucket and attach to back of fuel pump.

Wish me luck

Paul </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Paul,

Please do not do the bucket of gasoline thing, you may end up on the evening news and get nominated for a Darwin award. Please think safety first. Use a portable boat tank, treat the whole fuel tank or remove the carborator and clean it but please don't put gas in a bucket and try to run your generator from it.

We would all rather have you around for a good long while.


Kindest regards,

[softballdad25]

Paul,
You probably already checked but here goes....proper engine oil level? if low, they will shutdown for safety and save your engine. remove the jets out of the carb and check the tips to see that the "rubber is still pointed" and theres nothing blocking the passageway. Also, if you remove the bowl, check that the float hasn't filled with gas. On my 94' Bounder with a 7000 Onan-- 450 hours, the float cracked in the seam where molded together and filled with gas. And like Neal said.......safety first brother!!!!!!!!!

[jrnutpaul]

OK...I'll go with caution

Paul

[gunny]

Use the whole can of Sea Foam. 1/4 probably won't do much.