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Topic: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator (Read 517 times) previous topic - next topic
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HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Quick Question. Yesterday after I got my new Battery's put in all was working fine thanks to Joe for helping me out. I thought I's start the Generator and leave it on as I drove home which would take me about 20 mins. or so. The Generator started up just fine and was running as Joe & I talked for a bit. I left his house and when I got home, parked I noticed the Generator was not running. I tried starting it but no luck. I went back out a couple hrs later and still nothing. It kicks over but won't start or stay started. I got on line and checked out Youtube Videos as Im more visual and can understand how things work that way better then reading things a 1000 times over :) I saw on the video's were a few people recommending a spray cleaner called  "Onan 4C" that worked wonders to un gunk the Carb. I can't find it for the life of me to buy. Does anyone know where I can buy it or anything that is comparable to it that you have used. It seemed pretty easy to do except it looked a little hard taking the filter out. Im willing to try but need the "De-gunker" per se.  I live in the San Fernando Valley in Southern CA. Any help would be appreciated..

Thank You in advance,
JO
2006 27' RB
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #1 –
Jo,

Check your fuel tank, if it's below 1/2 and 1/4 this might be your problem. The generator is designed that way so it won't leave you stranded some where without fuel.

Cynthia
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #2 –
Hi Cynthia,

Fuel tank is full.
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #3 –
Sorry I couldn't be of help. Hope you get it figured out soon.

Cynthia
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #4 –
Your generator has battery power, so that's good.  And it sounds like there is enough fuel in the coach gas tank.  So do you know when or if the spark plug was either cleaned or replaced?  At the least, I'd pull the spark plug and clean it.  I doubt the air filter is the source of the problem unless it is completely blocking air flow.  So while pulling the spark plug, I'd check the air filter too.  The only issue with pulling the air filter is that space is tight.  So pay attention to how you remove the air filter cover and then use the same motion when re-installing it.  I found that if I pulled it back and up toward the left, I could remove the cover.  And I re-installed the air filter cover the same way.  I'd like to hope that it is something simple since it was running before it quit.
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #5 –
Thanks Ed,
 
Before I try to find where the spark plug is :) I want to try spraying that Carb cleaner- Gunk Spray. Have you ever heard of Onan 4C carb cleaner? or does anyone know of a good Carb cleaner that I can spray in the carburetor? When I saw the youtube video it seems like that could be the problem but not sure. I would like to start there. And yes Ed I did see in the video of the tight squeeze getting that filter out so I can spray the carb. Thanks for the info on how you did it. I will try that. Just need info of what is the best spray to buy. Thanks for the info Ed..

Jo
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #7 –
Ed,

It seems like this stuff is no where to be found. I checked everywhere and when I clicked on the site you posted it states they don't have it.. :( I swear something that seems like an easy fix if that is the problem I just can't find "the fixer" :) :( Dang…
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #8 –
Jo,

Recently this issue came up. Jota posted a response as follows:

 
Quote from: Jota  - 
On my 96 with the Emerald Plus 4000, I had years of frustration trying to figure out my generator problems.
Finally found the right guy to help me and figured out that the voltage regulator was acting up.
It would run for an hour or so and then cut out like a fuel issue. I looked at every fuel line and filter and pump on the thing and all was fine.
The voltage regulator was failing and when it lost output voltage the generator would shut down.
These things have so many fail safes that sometimes diagnosing an issue is hard.
New voltage regulator and things are running well again after 3 years of not working at all.

Maybe this will help.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #9 –
Thanks Kent,

 I was looking on youtube again and it looks like The Fuel filter check seems easier to do first. The fuel hose is right there and I will disconnect, have a bucket, point hose in bucket and push start. If fuel flows out it's not fuel filter or fuel pump. Then I'll try the Carb spray next after I find what carb spray to buy.. :)  and then look into what you mentioned.. Geez, by the time I figure it all out I'll be able to rebuilt a Generator  :o  LOL.. Just kid'n  :D or am I lol
 
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #10 –
I don't think it is likely you have a carb problem if the gen started right up initially and ran for awhile - fuel starvation is much more likely from a bad hose. However, on a failed start the gen should blink a code, which can be interpreted from the manual. Also, if you do a prime before starting (holding the switch to 'off' for several seconds until the fuel pump starts) and the pump makes a clacking sound instead of a muted one, then fuel starvation is confirmed.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #11 –
 Steve,

Thanks for that info. I have the Gen. manual and I saw what you mention " if you do a prime before starting" I will try that. It's blazing hot outside right now and the sun is hitting right were the Generator is. I'll wait until there is some shade to test it. I'll also check the oil level while I'm at it. I'll let you guys know what I find.

Thanks again everyone  !!

JO
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #12 –
Up Date: I took Steve's suggestion and did a "Prime" and then I started it. What I forgot to do was listen for a "Clicking Sound" I will do that tomorrow. And was not sure about the codes. I was looking for Numbers. After reading it several time ( Im visual and it drives me crazy to read something. It just doesn't compute in my brain.) Im guessing Im supposed to count the blinks?. I let the Generator run for an hour. Periodically the generator would sputter a little like it was going to cut out but then it would kick back up. Steve, it may be what you said a "Bad Hose" Where would this hose be?. What is the Hose called  "Fuel Hose"? I didn't see it in the manual. 

Thanks again everyone..
JO

Quote from: Steve  - 
I don't think it is likely you have a carb problem if the gen started right up initially and ran for awhile - fuel starvation is much more likely from a bad hose. However, on a failed start the gen should blink a code, which can be interpreted from the manual. Also, if you do a prime before starting (holding the switch to 'off' for several seconds until the fuel pump starts) and the pump makes a clacking sound instead of a muted one, then fuel starvation is confirmed.

Steve


 
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #13 –
Yes you read the number of blinks.

It could be a fuel line (fuel hose) issue or a fuel pump issue or other generator issue. There is a hose that runs from the Lazy Daze fuel tank to the generators fuel pump.  If you have a gas can you should be able to fault check.  WARNING some gas will spill.  BE READY!  READ everything a few times and think it through before starting.  If you don't see gas leaks it could be a bad fuel pump.  These go bad with time.   If you are the least bit uncomfortable working around gasoline get someone to do it.  It will be worth the cost in worry.

at a store buy a couple feet of fuel line. 
Have a pencile or large nail on hand to plug the Lazy Daze fuel line.
Have a fire extinguisher handy that is rated for gas fires
Have a bag of kitty litter or sand (for clean up)

Remove and plug the Lazy Daze fuel line to the generator at the generator's fuel pump.
attach the new fuel line to the generator fuel pump
Place the new fuel line in the gas tank.
Prim the generator.
Start the generator.  Let it run a few minutes.   Turn on the AC or microwave or both.  If the generator's full pump is bad, it will stall either because of the load or it simply uses all the gas pumped during the priming (a few minutes).  If the Lazy Daze fuel line to the generator is bad the generator will run fine under load and will continue to run until you turn it off or it empties the gas tank (because it is not using the LD fuel line).  

Put things together, clean up the mess. Proceed according to indications.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #14 –
Hey Jo any update? Have you found the problem and fixed her up? 😊
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #15 –
Since the topic of generators is already started I'll add my question.

While out in the new to us 2004 rig I thought "I think the generator needs to run".  We were plugged into 110 at the time.  I tried to start the generator twice and it tried to start.  Then I thought OOPS!  I unplugged from the 110 and tried again. Nothing but an electronic buzz.  Hubby has been researching and reading the manuals and so far has only gotten more confused with lots of people saying the generators are very finicky and expensive to diagnose and repair.

Anyone have any ideas?  After 16 years in an LD without a generator I'm thinking of bagging it!

Lisa
2004 MB
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #16 –
Lisa,

1) has generator worked in the past? How long ago?
2) is your gas tank above 1/4? See reply #1 here
3) did you try to prime it ? See reply #10 here

Have a great day!
Cynthia
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #17 –
Have you tried flipping the reset ? inside the generator compartment there's a circuit switch on my emerald, on the right side. IF yours is a micro quiet, it may be located somewhere else
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gini Free and Junah, canine xtrodinaire
"CHERRYOTTE" our little red home on wheels
"Growing old is mandatory. Growing wise is optional."
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #18 –
After I try to start the generator The diode flashes "3" and then "34". The table says that 34 is Low Cranking Power but of course it never actually cranks.  The batteries are fully charged, the gas tank is over half full.  We ran the generator for about 10 minutes a couple months ago.  I realize now that that is not enough. And it has about 19 hours on the meter.

Lisa
2004 MB
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #19 –
Quote from: Elizabeth West-Ownbey  - 
After I try to start the generator The diode flashes "3" and then "34". The table says that 34 is Low Cranking Power but of course it never actually cranks.  The batteries are fully charged, the gas tank is over half full.  We ran the generator for about 10 minutes a couple months agdo.  I realize now that that is not enough. And it has about 19 hours on the meter.

Lisa
Well obvioussly you don't have full cranking power if it just buzzes. Sounds as if your 110 converter was suppling the 12 volts c to start the first 5ime. That is a huge clue, if there is power to spin it when hooked up and not when you inplug you have a 12 volt supply probkem to the generator.  I just fixed a problem yesterday where the generator would only start with the vehicle running. That problem ended up being a bad ground under the hood.  Cost nothing but some agrivation.
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #20 –
Quote from: Elizabeth West-Ownbey  - 
After I try to start the generator The diode flashes "3" and then "34". The table says that 34 is Low Cranking Power but of course it never actually cranks.  The batteries are fully charged, the gas tank is over half full.  We ran the generator for about 10 minutes a couple months ago.  I realize now that that is not enough. And it has about 19 hours on the meter.

Lisa
You will want to check your coach battery voltage with a DVM WHILE attempting to crank the generator. If the voltage stays high, then you have a poor connection in the generator-to-battery starting circuit. If the voltage drops several volts, then your batteries are bad or not really well charged.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #21 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
You will want to check your coach battery voltage with a DVM WHILE attempting to crank the generator. If the voltage stays high, then you have a poor connection in the generator-to-battery starting circuit. If the voltage drops several volts, then your batteries are bad or not really well charged.



Thank you, Steve! Specific "how to" and "cause>effect" information is always appreciated!
2003 TK has a new home
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #22 –
So I tried starting the generator with the truck running and it started right up. I thought that the house batteries started the generator but a previous comment suggests it's the chassis battery. My husband tested all the batteries and they were good. But we found our chassis battery dead three weeks ago so maybe that is the problem.

Thanks to everyone for their comments.
2004 MB
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #23 –
Quote from: Elizabeth West-Ownbey  - 
So I tried starting the generator with the truck running and it started right up. I thought that the house batteries started the generator but a previous comment suggests it's the chassis battery. My husband tested all the batteries and they were good. But we found our chassis battery dead three weeks ago so maybe that is the problem.

Thanks to everyone for their comments.
Well in my case it should start without the truck running and it didn't so I found a bad ground connection to the chassis right up near the truck battery.  I suspect your generator should start without the truck running or being plugged into 110.  Checking the batteries is only half the job. Checking the voltage at the batteries while trying to start the generator is required. Batteries have to be checked under load. If the voltage is holding up while trying to start the generator then you check the voltage at the generator starter while trying to start the generator.  You can have a voltage loss in either the plus side or the negative(ground side.).  With either the 110 plugged in or the the truck engine running you are helping out the generator starting power with your power converter(110 side) or your alternator (engine running side). Neither should be required and if your coach batteries are really good then you have a bad  connection or wire somewhere between your coach battery and your generator starter. It may well cause other non obvious problems and should be fixed..

Garry
Re: HELP ~ Onan 4000KW Generator
Reply #24 –
Quote from: Jo Blackmore  - 
Up Date: I took Steve's suggestion and did a "Prime" and then I started it. What I forgot to do was listen for a "Clicking Sound" I will do that tomorrow. And was not sure about the codes. I was looking for Numbers. After reading it several time ( Im visual and it drives me crazy to read something. It just doesn't compute in my brain.) Im guessing Im supposed to count the blinks?. I let the Generator run for an hour. Periodically the generator would sputter a little like it was going to cut out but then it would kick back up. Steve, it may be what you said a "Bad Hose" Where would this hose be?. What is the Hose called  "Fuel Hose"? I didn't see it in the manual. 

Thanks again everyone..
JO

 


Jo,

My 2003 had similar issues with the generator cutting out periodically.  I traced it to the fuel line.

If yours is anything like mine, the generator fuel line is clear tubing that runs through some corrugated tubing for abrasion protection (if I recall correctly).  My generator fuel line had gotten hard and brittle, and developed several hairline cracks.  I ran 20-25 feet of 1/4" ID rubber fuel line alongside the old line and plugged it in to the gas tank/generator.  Dropping the fuel tank to access the pickup tube was the hardest part. 

This was a couple years ago, and it's been running great since.

Russ