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Topic: Generator Gas Leak (Read 23 times) previous topic - next topic
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Generator Gas Leak
Yahoo Message Number: 153099
Yesterday I ran the Onan generator in my 2006 MB for about 2 hours while parked in my front yard which is sloped.  Now there is a 2 foot circular dead spot in the grass exactly where the generator would have been.  Apparently a small gas leak while running?  I haven't looked deeper yet because I am not sure where to start.  Has anyone here ever experienced a fuel leak associated with the generator and thus have suggestions?
Re: Generator Gas Leak
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 153100
Can you smell gasoline in the grass? If not, the generator most likely baked the lawn. All of the engine's excess heat is blown out of the bottom by the cooling fan.
Next time, you might want to park on concrete or bare dirt, it could be a fire hazard.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Generator Gas Leak
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 153102
You have a good point.  I just went and smelled and it reminded me of farm hay.   My neighbor swears it was a fuel leak because it's a circle.  I like your idea better.  I think I am going to have to drive it back to the slope and run it again to check.. Boy, I really hope you are right.  Thanks.
Re: Generator Gas Leak
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 153112
Since the generator has to 'suck' fuel out of the fuel tank, any leak in the line would allow air to be sucked in, causing running issues, and allowing the line to drain back to the tank with the generator off. If you ALWAYS have to 'prime' the line to get a quick start, this is an issue. The exception is if there is a leak between the fuel pump and the carburetor, but you would smell fuel in the vicinity while running if this were the case.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Generator Gas Leak
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 153115
Interesting points.  I can't check this out until Thursday.  However, when running it does run smooth.  I can say that if "Priming" it means pressing down the stop button before attempting to start a second time (hope this makes sense) then yes I usually have to prime it but that is probably because I have not run it in the past month.  Is that how you prime it or am I way off base?  I need to get down there with a flashlight while its running.
 
Re: Generator Gas Leak
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 153123
LMAO.. "Smelled like Farm Hay" *:)) laughing Too funny. Well then, I'm sure  it wasn't fuel leaking cause it would not be smell'n like a farm.*;) winking I think it was exactly what Larry mentioned. Unless of course an alien ship landed under your LD in the middle of the night and made a crop circle in the grass.. Sorry, it's just my crazy sense of humor and I'm up too late.. Good night everyone..

JO