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dabrooks · 04-03-2015, 06:38 PM

We are parked in the Casino parking lot at Cherokee NC. I ran the generator last night for about 1 hour. It started right up and ran with no problem. I got up this morning and the generator started right up and ran about 30 seconds shut down and would not restart. It cranked but would not start.
I checked the code and it is a code 36. Which is "engine stopped without command by controller". On gas models it says to check the fuel level. We have a full tank of fuel. I checked the fuse to the fuel pump and also held the stop button down to prime and still no luck.
We decided that since parts were not available and we could manage with out the generator to wait until we got home Monday and do some further trouble shooting and if necessary call the Onan dealer since the generator is still under warranty.
After lunch I thought I would trying starting it again and it still wouldn't start. About 7pm I tried again and it stated right up and has been running for over an hour. The motorhome was purchased new in 2013 and the generator has about 300 hours. The oil, oil filter and air filter have been changed as called for in the maintenance schedule. The fuel filter is original and is due to be changed at 500 hours.

Does anyone have an idea what was wrong and what I can do to prevent any further problems.

edsperfect · 04-05-2015, 06:44 AM

Could be some bad gas in the line to genny, water in the line from condensation, Since it runs for an hour i assume it is getting spark and fuel.

**CLIFFTALL** · 04-05-2015, 06:48 AM

When my gas Onan 5500 threw a 36 code it had similar symptoms and replacing the fuel pump rectified it.

dabrooks · 04-05-2015, 06:37 PM

Since posting this I used the generator two more times and it ran perfect. I think I am going to change the fuel filter and keep an eye on things. Cliff the fuel pump looks pretty easy to change. How expensive are they? Also when I got home I was going to take the fuel filter off and take it with me tomorrow to make sure I got the right one, but the gas wants to continue to run out of the line. I could have pinched it off but instead I just got the numbers off the filter and put it back on. I was wondering if anyone had installed a shut-off in the line to make it easier to change the filter or the fuel pump?

twocoots · 04-05-2015, 08:04 PM

the fuel filters are available at some rv parts stores call around. you need to be sure to exercise your generators or the carbs foul. if you need to replace the fuel pump, try another brand besides from Cummins. went through a couple from them their pumps are not very good. I got mine from airtex and it has worked flawlessly. I have heard you can get a replacement from NAPA.

dabrooks · 04-06-2015, 05:34 AM

I exercise the generator twice a month for 30 minutes under load. I have not failed to do that since it was new. It is two years old and has 250 hours on it so maybe the fuel filter needs changing. I will check NAPA for a replacement fuel pump to keep on hand.