Generator Not Running July 31, 2017, 12:22:36 am Good evening,We have a 2005 LD with a 4k Onan. The problem we're having is one of keeping it running. It starts OK but after any where from 10 minutes to 30 minutes it starts sputtering and dies with no load. In talking to different mechanics it has been suggested that it's a carburetor issue. Others say that if it was a carb issue it wouldn't even start, that it's more likely a fuel pump issue or possibly losing power to the fp. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. The gen has 146 hours of use. Also, are there any recommendations as to who to take it in to? We live in north San Diego county. Thanks in advanceZane Poulson
Re: Generator Not Running Reply #1 – July 31, 2017, 02:08:36 am Most common cause is deteriorated rubber fuel line, either at the generator or on top of the fuel tank - or both. Generally, while running, you will hear the fuel pump making a metallic ticking sound, which is an indication of air in the fuel line, and the float bowl will not fill completely, causing lean running.Steve 1 Likes
Re: Generator Not Running Reply #2 – July 31, 2017, 02:52:49 am Steve has the most likely answer.It has been problem for many owners of your LD's vintage.Depending on the mileage, it might be a goo time to change the fuel pump.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Generator Not Running Reply #3 – July 31, 2017, 07:19:45 am When it dies look at the indicator light on the panel over the stove, or at the generator itself. Is it blinking? If there are any error codes it will blink 3 times repeatedly. Press stop button once and it will blink the codes. If it's a 2 digit code it will blink the first set then pause then the second set, such as 1, 4. The codes should be listed in your Onan manual.Recently mine had a code 14 which is over-frequency and kept shutting down. It did clear up on its own after driving an hour and hasn't thrown any codes since.There are various trouble shooting web sites on the web once you have narrowed down the problem. Good luck! 1 Likes
Re: Generator Not Running Reply #4 – July 31, 2017, 10:52:27 am Quote from: zanson - July 31, 2017, 12:22:36 amGood evening,We have a 2005 LD with a 4k Onan. The problem we're having is one of keeping it running. It starts OK but after any where from 10 minutes to 30 minutes it starts sputtering and dies with no load. In talking to different mechanics it has been suggested that it's a carburetor issue. Others say that if it was a carb issue it wouldn't even start, that it's more likely a fuel pump issue or possibly losing power to the fp. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. The gen has 146 hours of use. Also, are there any recommendations as to who to take it in to? We live in north San Diego county. Thanks in advanceZane PoulsonOur 06 had a similar problem in 2014 and it turned out to be the fuel pump.Jim 2 Likes
Re: Generator Not Running Reply #5 – July 31, 2017, 11:06:39 am "Our 06 had a similar problem in 2014 and it turned out to be the fuel pump."It would probably be helpful if those of you replying with suggestions about " fuel pump" issues would clarify *which* fuel pump, generator or the truck in the fuel tank fuel pump you are referring to.In this thread, we have Larry W suggestiong it may be time to replace the fuel pump, and I made the assumption he was talking about the Ford fuel tank fuel pump being replaced while replacing the rubber fuel line on top of the tank. Then Jim says his 06 had a similar problem that turned out to be the fuel pump, and I assume this time he is referring to the Onan fuel pump. To avoid confusion and wrong assumptions, it would be helpful to be more specific.Steve K ( having the Ford in fuel tank fuel pump replaced preemptively this week, $$$) 2 Likes
Re: Generator Not Running Reply #6 – July 31, 2017, 11:40:01 am Quote from: Steve K. - July 31, 2017, 11:06:39 am"Our 06 had a similar problem in 2014 and it turned out to be the fuel pump."It would probably be helpful if those of you replying with suggestions about " fuel pump" issues would clarify *which* fuel pump, generator or the truck in the fuel tank fuel pump you are referring to.In this thread, we have Larry W suggestiong it may be time to replace the fuel pump, and I made the assumption he was talking about the Ford fuel tank fuel pump being replaced while replacing the rubber fuel line on top of the tank. Then Jim says his 06 had a similar problem that turned out to be the fuel pump, and I assume this time he is referring to the Onan fuel pump. To avoid confusion and wrong assumptions, it would be helpful to be more specific.Steve K ( having the Ford in fuel tank fuel pump replaced preemptively this week, $$$)The heading of the post is Generator not working. I assumed that is what the OP was talking about and the fuel pump I referred to is the one on the generator.Jim 1 Likes
Re: Generator Not Running Reply #7 – July 31, 2017, 05:59:30 pm I had a similar issue with my generator and it was the "generator's" fuel pump. There is a date range for the fuel line issue, you might want to check The Companion. Replacing the pump on the gen set is not that hard, but it is very involved. Using my cell phone I took a picture every step of disassembly and used those for reasssembly. That is an important step because most of the wires are white. The ends are mostly different so it is easy to tell in a pic which wire goes where. 1 Likes
Re: Generator Not Running Reply #8 – August 06, 2017, 01:14:50 pm Thank you for all of the information. We just returned from a week in the Sierras and the Onan in our 96 RB wouldn't stay running. I didn't see that any suggestions were given for repairs/servicing. Is this a Camping World thing? We are not far from the LD factory, in north Orange County CA and would appreciate knowing where I can get it fixed.
Re: Generator Not Running Reply #9 – August 06, 2017, 02:18:56 pm I doubt that the factory will service/repair the generator. You might want to try this link for an Onan service facility near you:You are being redirected...And, JMHO, but I don't think that any RV service is a "Camping World thing". 2 Likes
Re: Generator Not Running Reply #10 – August 06, 2017, 03:40:43 pm Thank you for the link, JCT. That's exactly what I was hoping for. Reference to LD was for my approximate location. This is great!