Does my generator prime when holding stop button?

[Fugitive861]

We have the Onan Microlite 4000 generator, circa 1999. I could not find anything in the manual which states holding down the "stop" button primes the unit. Sometimes it cranks for a while before starting up when cold. I believe some generators will "prime" when the stop button is held. Can anyone confirm whether the Microlight 4000 primes or not with start button? Thanks.

[Rocky Larson]

The below would seem to imply that if yours is a MicroLiteQuiet series that it is primed with the stop button. Have someone stand next to the generator while you try it. The fuel pump is loud enough to hear.

Starting And Stopping Procedures
Your Cummins Onan generator can be started and stopped from the integral
control panel on the generator, or from the optional remote control panel inside the
vehicle if your RV is so equipped. Your Operator’s Manual outlines the simple steps
for starting and stopping. Remember to:
• Before starting the generator, turn off air conditioners and large electrical loads.
• Before starting in cold weather, turn off all appliances for best long-term
performance.
• Prime by holding stop (all Quiet Diesels, Quiet Gas 3600-7000).
• To start - press and hold start at the control panel or at the set.
- Quiet Diesel: auto pre-heat flash, then crank/start
- Don’t over-crank with no start
• Before turning on appliances, let the generator warm up for a few minutes.
• Turn off air conditioners and large electrical loads and allow the generator to run
for 3-5 minutes before stopping, to allow the generator to cool down

[Fugitive861]

Originally Posted by Rocky Larson

The below would seem to imply that if yours is a MicroLiteQuiet series that it is primed with the stop button. Have someone stand next to the generator while you try it. The fuel pump is loud enough to hear.

Starting And Stopping Procedures
Your Cummins Onan generator can be started and stopped from the integral
control panel on the generator, or from the optional remote control panel inside the
vehicle if your RV is so equipped. Your Operator’s Manual outlines the simple steps
for starting and stopping. Remember to:
• Before starting the generator, turn off air conditioners and large electrical loads.
• Before starting in cold weather, turn off all appliances for best long-term
performance.
• Prime by holding stop (all Quiet Diesels, Quiet Gas 3600-7000).
• To start - press and hold start at the control panel or at the set.
- Quiet Diesel: auto pre-heat flash, then crank/start
- Don’t over-crank with no start
• Before turning on appliances, let the generator warm up for a few minutes.
• Turn off air conditioners and large electrical loads and allow the generator to run
for 3-5 minutes before stopping, to allow the generator to cool down

Yeah, we have the MircoLite...not the MicroQuiet. I've pressed the stop button at the generator assembly but heard nothing. I don't think anything happens. I've tried it before a cold start to see if it fires right up but doesn't seem to affect cracking duration. When cold it may crank for 10-15 seconds before firing up and runs properly after. Thanks.

[Fiesta48]

My Onan 8k diesel gen does Prime with the stop button, my 4k Onan gas does not.

[Isaac-1]

Can you post the full model number including the spec code from the data plate on your generator, 1999 was about the transition time when the computerized controller was introduced that had this feature, along with fault blink codes, etc.

[CountryFit]

Yes our Powertech 8000 does.

[Corc]

Your 4000 is too old, before the electronic controls, no prime on stop.