Onan diesel generator problem

[Raceteam61]

Coach was in storage for 4 years. Coach started and runs fine, but Onan 7500 diesel generator cranks but won't start. Replaced fuel filter and it started with a shot of starting fluid, would shut off. Threw a 36 code. Replaced fuel pump. Still just cranks and starts with a shot of starting fluid. It runs fine for a few minutes and then revs up very high and then idles to normal and then either shuts off or revs high again. Afraid the motor will blow up revving so high. Any ideas?

[Ray,IN]

This old thread says replacing the control board solved the code 36 problem and engine shutting off.


https://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/onan...-a-357875.html

[Uncle_Mike]

Code 36 just means the genset shut down without being commanded. But you already know that so that code is really a symptom of the problem, not the cause.
How much fuel do you have in your RV tank? My guess is the genset is not getting fuel, even though you changed the pump and filter. The fuel pickup for the genset is usually somewhere in the neighborhood of the 1/4 level, so if your level is below that, the RV engine may run but the genset may not. Also be really careful and sparing with starting fluid and diesel engines. Too much can cause damage.

[Raceteam61]

Uncle Mike,
Thanks for the reply. The fuel tanks are over 1/2 full. I owned a trucking company for 22 years, so l'm aware of a diesel and starting fluid. Thanks again.