Community Forums

Loumon · 12-19-2024, 09:06 AM

Hi gang,
We just bought a new Entegra Ethos 20T and we are having problems getting the generator to run. It starts and sputters with no load for about 2 to 10 seconds And the shuts down. If I keep trying like 20-30 times it will eventually run and keep running. The Ram gas tank is at 3/4. Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.
Thank You

RVfixit · 12-19-2024, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loumon

Hi gang,
We just bought a new Entegra Ethos 20T and we are having problems getting the generator to run. It starts and sputters with no load for about 2 to 10 seconds And the shuts down. If I keep trying like 20-30 times it will eventually run and keep running. The Ram gas tank is at 3/4. Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.
Thank You

Hi, Congrats on the new RV! So, you mentioned this is a "new" RV? If so, I would take it back to the dealer and have them diagnose and make repairs. There are certain things that need to be done to a new generator before put into service and its possible those things were not done, such as checking the oil level, etc.

If you aren't able to do that, it would help to have a generator model which will tell us if this is fuel injected or not and so on.

Safe Travels!

Loumon · 12-19-2024, 09:52 AM

Thank You for your response. We bought the van with only 7k miles on it so not new but it is a ‘24 coach with the 2400 ke Onan. How can I find the model#?

RVfixit · 12-19-2024, 10:40 AM

It should be at the front of the generator down low below the cover and is usually a white label with black writing.

ditto · 12-19-2024, 11:38 AM

If it is cold…may need to prime it…press and hold the off button for a while… May help… works on the bigger gens.

chs · 12-19-2024, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ditto

If it is cold…may need to prime it…press and hold the off button for a while… May help… works on the bigger gens.

There is no button to press on the 20T. It utilizes a touch screen.

RVfixit · 12-19-2024, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chs

There is no button to press on the 20T. It utilizes a touch screen.

There should still be controls on the Gen set itself to operate the unit but I am not sure if the prime function is on units with a carburetor, I know the fuel injected ones have that function.

boiledowl · 12-19-2024, 01:46 PM

check fuel filter

ditto · 12-19-2024, 03:15 PM

on the 20T. It utilizes a touch screen.[/QUOTE]

I was referring to the off button for your generator. Press before the start button… that primes the generator in cold weather. Good luck

chs · 12-20-2024, 07:37 AM

After reviewing the manual. I would begin with changing the air and fuel filters. Easy procedures.

Loumon · 12-21-2024, 08:17 AM

Well, I’m still trying to figure it out, but I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all your input. I’ll try the suggestions posted here. Merry Christmas to all!

Claude C · 12-25-2024, 06:40 AM

Hi Loumon,
I do not know witch year is your Ethos but I had exactly the same issue with my 2025 Beyond and a 2800i Onan.
Make sure you have the "i" in 2800i.
I went to an Onan dealer and they just put an update in it (about 1 hour) and now it is perfect.

twinboat · 12-25-2024, 07:06 AM

If eventually starts and runs well, it's not the fuel filter or air filter. They don't get better after 10 starts.

Generators with carburators have chokes. If it stumbles and stalls untit it builds up some heat, the choke may be wide open and not working.

Remove the air filter and look down carburator and see if the choke plate is closed when the engine is cold.

Claude C · 12-25-2024, 09:16 AM

Twinboat is wright.
The point is, when I read the specs (link below)

is : Fuel Induction System : Electronic Fuel Injection

I exercise my Onan every month or two with no choke and no prime and it start in a second.

https://www.absolutegenerators.com/c...ir-cooled-evap