Onboard Generator

[KHBama]

We have an onan Generator in our new toy hauler. I turn the fuel pump on and then start generator. The fuel pump turns off after 5 minutes. Does the gas continue to flow to the generator once the fuel pump turns off?

[Oregonpharme]

If the Onan Generator is gasoline powered it should have its own fuel pump that activates when you start the generator. There should be no need to start any other fuel pump.

[KHBama]

Hmmmm, interesting. I couldn’t get it to start and then turned on the fuel pump back by the hose and it started right up.

[Ssowers]

If you are talking about the extra fuel tank and hose for fueling your Atv/toys that is totally separate fuel pump the switch is referring to. On my cyclone I hit the switch inside Rv and it energizes that fuel pump for 5-10 min while you use the gas pump. It’s a safety feature. Your gen cutting off must be a different problem.

[hamm2018]

We have a 2018 Road Warrior toyhauler. Like SSowers just said, the tank with the hose is for fueling your toys. The switch in the RV activates the fueling station for approx. 15 minutes to allow you to fuel up your toys.
If the gen is shutting down check the oil level, to make sure there is enough oil in it. Low oil level will shut the gen down.

What kind of codes is showing on the gen? How long have you had the unit? If you ran the gen before storing last winter, or the dealer did, did you winterize it before, the carb probably needs cleaned.

[KHBama]

Thanks guys, guess I wasn’t holding my mouth right this past weekend. It’s working fine now. It’s the 5500 Evap and only has an hour on it, brand new unit. Pretty strong fumes when I run it right now, is that normal? It’s a 2018 model so I know it’s been sitting for awhile. Anything I should do from the get go? Dealer recommended oil change after 24 hours.

[Oregonpharme]

Dig out your Owners Manual, and on about page 6 will be a labeled diagram showing the mixture adjust knob. Adjust that to eliminate the rich fuel condition. When these are not run regularly the fuel in the linies and the electronic fuel injection system becomes stale and will break down and begin clogging the regulation valves. It would be a good idea to use a product like SeaFoam added to the gasoline to clean the generator's fuel system. This fueling issue is more prevalent when pump gasoline is being used because of its short shelf life. There are fuel stabilization additives that help with this fuel issue, but the best solution is to use LL100 aviation fuel in your main tank as it has a much longer shelf life unless you are keeping fresh fuel in the tank as you operate your toys. It is important to run your generator set at least once every two months to keep the fresh fuel circulating.