Community Forums

jerry davis · 10-20-2005, 05:50 PM

I hAVE AN 05 36' WITH A GENERATOR THAT WILL START BUT ONLY RUN FOR 30 SECONDS OR SO. AFTER 5-6 TRIES THE GENERATOR FINALLY CATCHES AND STAYS ON. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

jerry davis · 10-20-2005, 05:50 PM

I hAVE AN 05 36' WITH A GENERATOR THAT WILL START BUT ONLY RUN FOR 30 SECONDS OR SO. AFTER 5-6 TRIES THE GENERATOR FINALLY CATCHES AND STAYS ON. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Don (W5IT) · 10-20-2005, 07:14 PM

Just a suggestion...

Next time try pressing the button in the "Off position" (Gasser Prime/preheat for diesel) for about 15-30 seconds prior to pressing the button in the "Start position".

What this does is power the fuel pump so it will "Prime" the fuel line and carburetor/injection system. (Pre-heat the diesels)

Let us know if this solves the problem.

I also see this is your second post.

WELCOME!!

Glad ya came by and joined us...

htg3 · 10-20-2005, 08:15 PM

Jerry,
I had the same problem until I read some tips on the forum and finally read the Onan manual.
Hold the switch in the prime/preheat position for 30 seconds before starting. Seems like a long time, but it works.

Stretch · 10-21-2005, 02:22 PM

I had the same problem with a 2000 40fds
And I did as you suggest. I cut off the lower portion because it was not necessary right there.
but it is needed to give support to the floor. /so I moved the threaded rod over to an area just in between wher I planned to install the slides

SteveS · 10-23-2005, 01:49 PM

Jerry - You didn't say what the temperature was when you were trying to start the genset. If the temp is not low, you should not have to preheat the gen. If you have this problem every time you start it even if it is not too cold outside, there may be a loose fuel filter or loose line on the input side of the fuel pump, such that air is being sucked in. The problem you describe is not normal, even if preheating does correct it. You might also want to see if the filter needs replacing. If the gen is left unused for long periods, it could legitimately be expected to restart it a few times before it stays running but if it is used regularly, you should not have this problem.