Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Generator troubleshooting guide (PDF)

April 24, 2015, 09:48:06 am

Yahoo Message Number: 152403

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This RV generator (primarily Onan) primer and troubleshooting guide may be useful:

http://www.flightsystems.com/pdf/onan-rv-troubleshooing-guide.pdf

Joan

Re: Generator troubleshooting guide (PDF)

Reply #2 – April 25, 2015, 02:02:43 am

Yahoo Message Number: 152430

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"Thanks Joan.. book marking it with other info I have got'n from you & others I know it's all on the LD file but like to book mark things I feel are important to me. "

Joan spends most of her waking hours researching the few things she does not know.
She has links to everything, Google consults with her.
I certainly appreciate all the information she passes on to us.

The generator trouble shooting guide is a new one to me and the best yet.
It's a much easier to understand guide plus it covers a wide range of Onan's equipment.

Generators are picky creatures and will cause grief is not tended to properly. Make sure to let your generator play once a month, under heavy load, for at least a half hour, longer if very cold.
Onans (and all other similar generators) have fewer problems with the engine than the generating side of the machine. The generator's slip rings are subject to corrosion and its armature's windings can deteriorate when moisture accumulates and sits. Monthly runs help eliminate these potential problems and also rids the oil of moisture accumulation. This is especially of concern if you live in a humid climate.

Larry

Re: Generator troubleshooting guide (PDF)

Reply #4 – April 25, 2015, 08:59:42 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 152434

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Three cheers and thank you to Joan for posting this.

San Diego Bob

Re: Generator troubleshooting guide (PDF)

Reply #6 – April 26, 2015, 09:20:47 am

Yahoo Message Number: 152436

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John, if the genset quits fairly quickly after start up, it very well could be fuel starved which could mean a failing fuel line at the gas tank. Many of us have had that failure.

Chris

Re: Generator troubleshooting guide (PDF)

Reply #8 – April 26, 2015, 10:47:16 am

Yahoo Message Number: 152439

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My generator stops after running a short while too. The LD is new to me. I'm wondering if I need more gas in the tank even tho the gauge is nearly 1/2 full.??

Bob Elliott, 26RK Sent from my phone

Re: Generator troubleshooting guide (PDF)

Reply #10 – April 26, 2015, 12:19:37 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 152441

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LDs built in the early to mid 2000s have problems with leaking generator fuel lines. The problem is the fuel line installed was beyond it expiration date when installed.
Urban legend has it that Ed bought a 5000' roll of fuel line and wanted to get his money's worth so they used every inch of it. I believe it.

True or not, the rotted fuel line problem is very real and many LDs of that period have already had the generator's rubber fuel lines replaced. The lower generator fuel line, on our 2003 LD, failed in less than three years. The upper fuel line, replaced last year, requiring the lowering of the main gas tank to access where the upper fuel line attaches to the gas tank. Not one of my favorite jobs.
On older, high mileage rigs, this may be good time to also change the LD's electric fuel pump as a prophylactic. The main electric fuel pump is located inside the gas tank.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157634781949448/show

Signs of a leaking fuel lines is very hard starting or no start, without priming or the generator stalls soon after starting. Many times you can hear the generator's electric fuel pump chattering away, sucking mostly air, instead of gas. Excessive running like this can wear out the electric pump.

Happy to have fresh fuel lines and no leakage.

Larry