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rick.rutel · 05-18-2022, 06:41 PM

I’ve searched our forums for an answer, but I can’t find anyone the same exact problem.
Our 2008 Monaco Camelot 42pdq is equipped with an Onan 10000 gen set that honestly, has to be one of the most problematic machines I have ever owned. The generator starts, burbles and dies. What we have done so far: Complete service, new circuit board, three new fuel pumps in two months, new thermostat, etc., etc. Today I checked every electrical connection I could find, cleaned them and made sure there are no loose wires. The error code after shutdown is: 3 then 6. Nothing in the Onan manual shows that code. When holding down the switch on the generator, I heard the pump prime, it ran for about forty seconds and died. Now, pushing the prime switch gives no response. Two years ago, we have replaced the brushes, motor mounts and crank bearings.
I need a solution. As for the fuel pumps; first brand new pump (all directly from Onan), failed in less than two hours. The second came with a bad crimp and leaked terribly as soon as we turned it on. The third pump failed within ten hours. Now the fourth seems to have gone bad. Help.
Is it possible to actually hate a generator?

beaverfever · 05-18-2022, 06:58 PM

Code 36 means

the engine stopped without a shutdown command from the control panel

. This could be caused by a bad fuel pump, clogged filter, crimped fuel line, dirty carb, and on and on

153stars · 05-18-2022, 07:08 PM

Maybe something going on with the return line to tank ,dead heading is killing them ??? I don't know what regulates the pressure to return fuel to return line.
Check out the top of fuel tank and return hose , tank vent ect. My fuel tank bay door just has a couple screws at bottom. Maybe build yourself a small remote tank out a fuel /gas can for testing at this point.

Corc · 05-18-2022, 07:29 PM

That generator has been made since turn of the century with a rock solid Kubota diesel. Code 36 literally means the generator did not stop itself. As stated earlier this is usually fuel related. Fuel pump should be running when you hit the start button. It never shuts off when gen is running. Make sure you are getting 12V to fuel pump. Try to pull fuel from and return to small fuel can placed under the generator. I think you have a simple crimped line, fuel pump or pump relay issue.

avfordguy · 05-18-2022, 10:04 PM

I agree 100% possible fuel issue, I have seen porous fuel lines, crimped fuel lines generator has a suction and a return line, run a slave can of diesel and install a clear plastic fuel line on the return, there should be no air bubbles in the return line when it runs. If you do see air bubbles in the return line with the slave tank then you have a bad injector. Generally the qd series onans are pretty much rock solid. Unless it has a ton of hours like 20,000.

PanJH · 05-19-2022, 05:08 AM

I was getting a code 36 on my 10k gen set. I played around with all the usual suspects as you are doing. Finally, I found that the multipin connector that plugs into the control board was having issues. I cleaned it up with contact spray and reseated it. It started, but ran erratically and stopped. I then made up a device to forcefully hold the two parts of the connector together.. all has been good since.

dbircky · 05-19-2022, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanJH

I was getting a code 36 on my 10k gen set. I played around with all the usual suspects as you are doing. Finally, I found that the multipin connector that plugs into the control board was having issues. I cleaned it up with contact spray and reseated it. It started, but ran erratically and stopped. I then made up a device to forcefully hold the two parts of the connector together.. all has been good since.

I had exactly the same issue on exactly the same generator model. Remove the air filter cap and immediately to the left is the problem connector. Cleaned it very well, and shimmed it for a tighter fit. Haven’t had the problem since.

**Lt Dan** · 05-19-2022, 07:16 AM

One thing that might be worth checking is a secondary fuel filter. Some coach builders installed an in-line filter ahead of the generator. They have been known to hide them up in the frame and can cause the problems you describe.

rick.rutel · 05-19-2022, 09:39 AM

Thanks so much for the information! Fuel supply was my first concern. When the pump failed to prime, I was confused.

Dutch Star Don · 05-19-2022, 12:25 PM

Your fuel line is easy to access on your coach. On the driver's side the body panel with the fuel door is hinged at the top. Look under the coach at the bottom of the panel, there are two self-tapping screws. Remove those and lift the panel and support with a pole. You can now access the top of the fuel sending unit. I think I would pull the fuel sending unit and inspect the generator pick up tube, possibly collapsing. While out, many extended the tube so it would good lower in the tank, keeping in mind that you don't run the coach out of fuel by running the generator. I would then replace the hose all the way to the generator.

Wedlt · 05-20-2022, 04:02 PM

Anyone have a link to a service manual, think I have a bad solenoid or starter and I’m just trying to figure out how to get to it?

Tha_Rooster · 05-20-2022, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick.rutel

I’ve searched our forums for an answer, but I can’t find anyone the same exact problem.
Our 2008 Monaco Camelot 42pdq is equipped with an Onan 10000 gen set that honestly, has to be one of the most problematic machines I have ever owned. The generator starts, burbles and dies. What we have done so far: Complete service, new circuit board, three new fuel pumps in two months, new thermostat, etc., etc. Today I checked every electrical connection I could find, cleaned them and made sure there are no loose wires. The error code after shutdown is: 3 then 6. Nothing in the Onan manual shows that code. When holding down the switch on the generator, I heard the pump prime, it ran for about forty seconds and died. Now, pushing the prime switch gives no response. Two years ago, we have replaced the brushes, motor mounts and crank bearings.
I need a solution. As for the fuel pumps; first brand new pump (all directly from Onan), failed in less than two hours. The second came with a bad crimp and leaked terribly as soon as we turned it on. The third pump failed within ten hours. Now the fourth seems to have gone bad. Help.
Is it possible to actually hate a generator?

It will throw a 36 if fuel is low below 1/4 because it happened to me.

rick.rutel · 05-21-2022, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbircky

I had exactly the same issue on exactly the same generator model. Remove the air filter cap and immediately to the left is the problem connector. Cleaned it very well, and shimmed it for a tighter fit. Haven’t had the problem since.

Thank you! Your information was 100% accurate. I followed your instructions and once I reconnected the harness, runs flawlessly!