Community Forums

Quickuc · 06-28-2020, 04:41 PM

In an older post of mine I thought it was fixed. Due to Corona19 RVs been sitting. We went the lake this weekend and YUP old issue still exists. Ok, on a 92 or hotter day my generator will turn it's self off after running 30 min. Here's what I've done, yes RV has plenty of gas, read a post about oil level being to high, so oil level is ok, I replaced fuel filter and pump with Cummings parts, yes I've adjusted mixture screw for elevation. Thank God I don't need the generator that much.. ok, I'm open for advise. This same RV will be in the shop on Tuesday for the fridge catching on fire on back side behind inspection cover. Dare I bring up the generator issue? I'm afraid if they can't duplicate it they'll start replacing parts.

TXTiger · 06-28-2020, 05:16 PM

Don’t know, I’m only guessing, but if your issue only happens when it is hot and over 92 degrees, it sounds like a heat issue. Maybe there is some electronic cut off switch or something that is designed to protect the generator from overheating? I would call the manufacturer of the unit and talk to their tech support.

WeRetired · 06-29-2020, 07:13 AM

Might be worth checking routing of fuel lines, could be a vapor lock problem. Or even a slight kink in fuel line leading to vapor lock.

hohenwald48 · 06-30-2020, 08:15 AM

What error code does it indicate?

Gary RVRoamer · 06-30-2020, 09:37 AM

Many newer generators provide electronic diagnostic codes if they shut down. Have you checked your genset owner manual for that?

It seems likely that the generator is overheating. I'd be checking the obvious things first, coolant level (if not air cooled), air flow over the genset or its radiator (if it has one), etc. I'm jut guessing here, since you didn't identify the generator make or model or age.

Few Rv dealer work on generators - you may have to go to a generator specialist if you cannot diagnose it yourself. Onan is owned by Cummins, so a Cummins shop often includes Onan service. If you have some other brand of genset, you probably have to go elsewhere.

beenthere · 06-30-2020, 12:41 PM

my gen has a soot cap undrneath. it is small plate with 2 screws and take off the cap and put a screwdriver in to make sure its not plugged. then start the gen and i block the exhaust a minute or so and it blow the carbon out.. mine is deisel and dont know if gas has that. its like a swirl cage for spark arrester
one other thing is check coolant level not just the tank but take off cap and check, many tanks develop problems in the lines and such. also get your cap pressure tested if rad is low.

azpete · 07-01-2020, 08:31 AM

air filter, oil weight, spark plugs, ventilation ok?
i have found that if camping in very hot areas, like las vegas, or Phoenix, the lower oil weights just dont work. i use 15w40 in mine most of the time. i know all the cautions about using different oils, but have found this works for me.
i also change the air filter every time i change the oil. running down the road, or in dusty conditions, can clog an air filter quickly.
i have over 5000 hours on my 7500 onan, and it runs great. i do all my own repairs, and maintenance, except on my cat engine. then johns truck repair in tucumcari nm gets my business.
small place, great mechanics

Cloud Dancer · 07-01-2020, 09:11 AM

On my Dutch Star/Spartan with the 7500 Onan gen, when it was about 6 years old, the gen would run awhile and stop. After trying different things, I finally took a look inside the small radiator, and discovered some clogged tubes (mineral buildup). I removed the radiator and took it to a radiator shop for a complete cleaning service. It solved the problem.

Quickuc · 07-04-2020, 11:58 AM

Please explain errors... I have no display screen at inside control or at generator.

**Lt Dan** · 07-04-2020, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quickuc

Please explain errors... I have no display screen at inside control or at generator.

At shutdown you will see a series of 1, 2, 3, or 4 blinks on the start button. One blink indicates high temperature shutdown. Two blinks is low oil pressure. Three blinks indicates a service fault. Press the stop button and the three blinks will be followed by another series of 1-5 blinks, pause, then followed by another series of 1-9 blinks. These last two will be the fault code which you can do some research on to find out what the code is for. For example three blinks, pause followed by six blinks would be fault code 36. Pressing the stop button again stops the blinks. The blinking will continue for five minutes then stop. It can be restarted by holding the Stop/Prime button down for 3-4 seconds until the light comes on then press the Stop button three times.

These codes are for my generator and yours may vary so there are more trouble shooting instructions in your owner's manual.