Onan diesel generator cold start

[bgholson]

To prime my generator (get the air out of fuel line) I hold the bottom of my generator start button down for several seconds then push the top of the button to start. Does this also activate the generator glow plugs or does this require a separate function? If its the same function I know I should hold the prime button down much longer. Couldn't get it to turn over this cold morning and it usually starts right up. Plenty of fuel, recently serviced. I assume the block heater button is only for the coach engine.

[tquarles]

Pressing *and holding* the top part of the button activates the glow plugs, and when
they're warm enough, starts the engine. The delay in turning over is waiting for the
glow plugs to warm up - just keep holding that button in - it can take over a minute in
really cold temperatures.

[OutAround]

....or even longer than a min sometimes......also make sure you are using the proper viscosity oil for the lowest temp you will be operating in....also if the temp is at or below 20f an anti-gel fuel additive like Howes or Power Clean Arctic ect. And / or winter diesel is a must

[94-Newmar]

On any of the Onan QD series gensets, holding the STOP side of the button only activates the fuel pump; this is useful after a fuel filter change or fuel line replacement to help re-prime.

Holding the START side of the button activates both the fuel pump and the glow plug circuit. As mentioned by tquarles above, it can take over a minute in some cases before it attempts to crank the engine over.