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Topic: Update on Onan Generator Problem - Seeking Advice (Read 227 times) previous topic - next topic
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Update on Onan Generator Problem - Seeking Advice
Thanks for the responses so far.. The issue now is not starting power or gas (both are good) but does not engage the starter at all.. there is only a click when the start button is pushed.. batter is good.. Thanks for the advice not to drop the genset.. that is all I needed to hear.. to delete that option.
Looking for advice - 99 Lazy Daze 26IB - I start and run the generator for 30 min to an hour once a week.. normally starts quickly, even in the very cold weather. This time it started slowly - ran very rough - coughing, shaking and on the verge of quitting ..for 1 to 3 min... then finally on the last attempt to start it ran even rougher with the unit shaking badly and quit..now the start button merely gets a click.  fuse is good. breaker on the side of the unit is "mushy" and does not have a clicking reset that is you get with most breakers  or switches  (Is that normal??) 
.. I am debating taking it in for service or doing at least a rudimentary troubleshooting before I have that expense..
I have never taken the genset out or even dropped it so will need to find the instructions to do that..
Advice // comments appreciated... Thanks in advance.  John Hagan
Shift Colors - Underway
1999 26.5 IB
Re: Onan Generator Problem - Seeking Advice
Reply #1 –
John,

This has been discussed just recently.
You may want to go to the Lazy Daze Forum Technical Thread search function and input generator won't crank and follow the thread.

It may be due to the truck battery age and cranking power.

Just a thought.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Onan Generator Problem - Seeking Advice
Reply #2 –
Hi John. You didn't say where you are located, "How cold is it?". Sounds to me like contaminated gasoline, or the dreaded air leak into the gas line from aged or cracked gas line. Before doing all the work of dropping the generator, add a temporary gas line from the filter into a can of fresh gasoline and see if the generator runs better. There are previous posts in the archives detailing this and similar procedures better.   The generator starts off of the house battery. RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Onan Generator Problem - Seeking Advice
Reply #3 –
Quote from: jhagan58  - 
.. I am debating taking it in for service or doing at least a rudimentary troubleshooting before I have that expense..
I have never taken the genset out or even dropped it so will need to find the instructions to do that..
Advice // comments appreciated... Thanks in advance.   John Hagan
Don't recommend trying to remove it - best if diagnosed ON the vehicle. Call Cummins for a service rep in your area, some will come to you if you can't drive to them...

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Onan Generator Problem - Seeking Advice
Reply #4 –
I took the 3600W generator out of our camper twice.  That is a heavy, ugly job.  Don't do it.  I agree with Ron and Steve.  Check battery voltage, try a different gas line and new gas and if that doesn't work,  take it to a service center and get out your checkbook.

HD
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Onan Generator Problem - Seeking Advice
Reply #5 –
I stand corrected. The generator does indeed receive its power from the house batteries.

Not that I would doubt Ron's input but this information can be located on page 44  of the LD Manual's 37th Edition. "Electrical Systems" paragraph 3 fourth sentence from the end.

Good luck with your problem.

Kent



2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Onan Generator Problem - Seeking Advice
Reply #6 –
You could probably purchase a new generator after Cummins sends some one to repair yours.
I would call a local dealership to see if any of their mechanic could service t.
2002 30' IB
Re: Onan Generator Problem - Seeking Advice
Reply #7 –
It sounds like a bad coach battery. 
Take it to the auto parts store for a test.

The other problems sound like Spring degradation in the governor and Carburetor Varnish issues.
Turn off the ac circut breakers
Start it.
heat it up 10 minutes or so
try adjusting goveror sensitivity and speed.
Carb Varnish may clear.
Turn breakers on one at a time.
30 /50 amp first.
Air conditioner last.
Re adjust the Governor for full and half load stability.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: Update on Onan Generator Problem - Seeking Advice
Reply #8 –
Quote from: NADAZE!  - 
You could probably purchase a new generator after Cummins sends some one to repair yours.
I would call a local dealership to see if any of their mechanic could service t.

Actually, this is standard practice for them - their service contractors drive all over repairing and maintaining free-standing emergency generators, and will handle smaller ones as well. We had them come by and replace a carburetor to get ours working on short notice - bill was about $250, I believe.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
 
Re: Update on Onan Generator Problem - Seeking Advice
Reply #9 –
It sounds like you have more than one problem.  The initial rough running could be a fuel problem, a spark problem or a carburetor problem.  It might also be an internal problem such as low oil pressure leading to binding preventing the engine from running at the needed speed, but the probability of this is pretty low.  The current issue, not cranking, is most likely related to the electrical supply (low battery or bad contact on terminals) or a bad starter, but there is a tiny chance that it might be related to a binding engine that has friction too high to crank. 

You might try bypassing the generator starter cables using jumper cables to see if that gives you good cranking.  If it does, your cranking problem is in the wiring.  Look for a weak battery, bad cables, loose or corroded terminals, etc.  If it does not crank with jumpers, look for a starter problem.  I don't know how one would do that, but the generator manual may give you a clue.

Once you have the generator cranking but not starting, check the usual stuff - spark plug, ignition wiring, air filter, carburetor and fuel supply.  Make sure your gas tank has more than 1/4 tank of fuel.

If you have checked the easy stuff, take it for service.  You have a very expensive piece of equipment.  Don't risk damaging it by tearing into it unless you are really good with engines.  If it were me, that would be my FIRST move.

Ken F in OR
'08 MB