Generator problems. Need some help please.

[Hunted Duck]

Generator won't start at all. If I spray starting fluid it will start but as soon as I stop spraying it stops immediately. I have replaced the fuel filter and sprayed sea foam in the carb. Any ideas? Wife really wants this fixed. We boondock alot. Thanks

[fletch460]

Make sure you have more than a 1/4 tank of fuel. /Gas pickup does not go past 1/4 tank.

[TonyDi]

Do you have a shut off valve on the gas line and could it be shut?

It will also help if you post the make of your RV, engine etc. in the signature line at the bottom. Go to User CP at the top of the page and then open edit signature. You will get more answers if we know what you have.

[BFlinn181]

You didn't say make or model of generator. It probably has a fuel pump. It would be a specific pump for the generator, don't replace with an automobile pump, the generator pump is low pressure.
It could also be the fuel line, again, not knowing the age just a guess, but they do go bad. If you remove the fuel filter, you could use a suction pump to check for fuel line and pick up in tank.

[Cobra1]

You have proved it to be fuel related. As stated, no fuel available to pump, pump bad, fuel tuned off, clogged jet in carb. Should be easy to t-shoot.

[Hunted Duck]

Sorry guys I should of put all the info. 2000 Georgie Boy Cruise Air. 5500 watt Onan generator. 3/4 of a tank gas. That was the first thing I did was put gas in the tank.

[BFlinn181]

I don't think it's the issue, since it fired with ether, but the oil pressure sensor also is connected to shut down the generator. If oil was low, it might be connected to the electric fuel pump. There is also a fuse for the fuel pump. Check manual, available on line at

Technical Resources and Support

Here's a general manual for Onan generators:

http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/html/.../rv/F-1123.pdf

[Hunted Duck]

It will pump some fuel but I'm not sure how much it should . I put a clear filter on it and it will have about an 1/8 of it full with gas while I'm trying to start it.

I just crawled under the MH and I looked for a fuel shut off and didn't see one but I did see that it looks like the fuel line is pinched. The fuel line goes into the top of the tank. Is that normal?

[TQ60]

Have a helper try to start the genny while you watch it and listen for the electric fuel pump to try.


Get a transfer pump from harbor freight for about 10 bucks and disconnect the filter and çonnect to transfer pump and and see if you can pump fuel.

Drop end into a bucket lower than tank and see if it will syphon out.

This will in most cases identify cracked line as one that allows air in usually will not syphon.

[racersedge]

Originally Posted by Hunted Duck

Generator won't start at all. If I spray starting fluid it will start but as soon as I stop spraying it stops immediately. I have replaced the fuel filter and sprayed sea foam in the carb. Any ideas? Wife really wants this fixed. We boondock alot. Thanks

OK so it really does start? (you did say wont start at all) then you said runs with start fluid.
Take the fuel line off and push the start/prime button and see how much fuel pukes into a jar or can.
IF fuel flow is Ok it may have a low oil switch that's defective(bypass it)
On some models there is a switch in the bottom of the fuel bowel and if its gummed up it will do what your claiming
If no fuel replace pump If small amount of fuel and air bad fuel line

["007"]

X2 on what racer has said, here are some video's that may help you and other info.

[VTR]

Not sure if this helps, had the same problem recently. Turns out I was over filling the generator with gas, leaving no room for expansion. Took for ever to remember what manual said, to not over fill, fill too below the gas strainer.

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by VTR

Not sure if this helps, had the same problem recently. Turns out I was over filling the generator with gas, leaving no room for expansion. Took for ever to remember what manual said, to not over fill, fill too below the gas strainer.

The generator in question is in a motorhome, connected to the main gas tank, not a stand alone one.

[Hunted Duck]

Yeah I'm sorry. It does start on either. I'm in Bristol right now but when I get back home I will check fuel flow and see if that's the problem. Thanks again for the help.