Onan 4KY 4kw choke

[Snowman9000]

I have a 2014 Onan 4KY series 4kw genset. It has been hard starting since day 1. I have suspected the choke. Today in AZ I tried to start it. I did my typical looong priming cycle, but no matter.

I decided to go out and start it from the outside while holding the choke lever closed. Well, when I touched the lever, it freed itself from either being over-center or otherwise lightly stuck open. So then I just cranked it over without holding the choke, and it started instantly.

I am too busy at the CG for a couple of days to mess with it. Maybe the hang up will be apparent once I look. But I thought I'd ask here. Has anyone encountered this specific issue of the choke hanging up fully open?

[okcnewbie]

Mind you, our Onan is much older than yours but I have seen the linkage just sort of stick.
Many a generator has died a slow agonizing death by not being used. I suspect almost no generator has quit because it was worn out.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

Snowman9000-

When we bought our first motohome, the prior owner suggested that I start the generator from outside the coach. It proved to be wise advice. Not only does it remind me to check the oil level, summer/winter lever position and altitude setting, but it also allows me to observe the starting behavior, including the way the linkages move (or don't).

As "okcnewbie" said, I also found the generator much more willing to start without hesitation once I got in the habit of running it monthly for an hour.

Depending on where I am, I'll stop the generator from inside or outside.

Just passing the advice I got along.

[Snowman9000]

Mine is definitely the linkage hanging up. Ran it yesterday, it started right up. Tried again today, and the linkage was stuck.