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Generator start switch question
A couple days ago when we were starting our generator on our 98~MB for its monthly exercise.  The generator started but cut off the second we stooped depressing the start switch.  This happened several times.  The generator runs fine till the start switch is let go of then the generator cuts out.  I  held the switch on for three minutes and once again the generator cut out when I let off the switch.  The switch feels the same as it always has.  Also while the generator was running for that three minutes the transfer switch never clicked over to generator.  The next day I tried it again and all was working just like normal but today i tried it and it is cutting out again.  Unfortunately a couple weeks ago I removed the manual packet and other generator information from our LD to look at servicing our generator and the packet of stuff has been misplaced here at home.  In 1998 when the original owner bought this 98~MB from the factory he got it without a generator.  Two years later he had LD install the generator of that time probably a 2000 model and switch.  The setup looks original, recently two years when the in tank fuel pump was replaced as a precaution we changed the fuel line to the generator but this problem seems like it is in the switch.  I have not looked to see if there is a direct start switch on the generator to test it but I could look for that if needed?  Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.


                     Karen~Liam
                       98 ~ MB
                          NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Generator start switch question
Reply #1 –
Hi Liam;  Found this video right off the bat.  A dirty or bad oil pressure sensor can do this. The vid person says it likely just needs cleaning.  Make sure you have enough oil also.  rv onan emerald plus 4kw generator stat problem - Google Search    Hope this helps.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Generator start switch question
Reply #2 –
Ron, Thanks looks like that might be it, I will check back here.

     Karen~Liam
       98 ~ MB
         NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Generator start switch question
Reply #3 –
"I have not looked to see if there is a direct start switch on the generator to test it but I could look for that if needed?"

Yes, there is--at least on the MicroQuiet 4000 that I had in my 2003 Lazy Daze.

X
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Generator start switch question
Reply #4 –
Hi Liam. In 2000 Lazy Daze was still using the Emerald Plus, two cylinder 4KW generator like I have.  There is an external stop and start switch in addition to the inside 'remote' switch. Operation should be the same at either switch. RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Generator start switch question
Reply #5 –
Engine stopping when the switch is released generally means it is not producing AC power. Just an FYI. The lack of oil/oil pressure may do the same thing.
Harry 2006RB
Re: Generator start switch question
Reply #6 –
Seemed like an easy fix, low oil?  Well I checked the oil which I periodically do anyway and the oil level is fine.  Our unit in our 98~MB is a MicroLite 2800, I also found my manual.  Today I started the Genset from the switch on the unit and it started fine and ran fine.  I turned it off and then started it from the switch in our LD and it started and ran just fine.  There is no information in the manual for these conditions that are present.  I called Onan and they suggested two possibilities, the low oil switch is operating intermittently or the generator part is not putting out current, something that is also intermittent.  I am going to run the genset for an hour under load for it's regular bi-monthly run.  The oil has not been changed in 4 years so I may do an oil change which might affect the oil sensor possibly if that's it?  Onan is going to send me a parts breakdown for this model so I can figure where the wire to the oil pressure sensor is and ground it out if the genset fails to start again to rule that out as the problem.  Thank You Ron, Andy and Harry!

        Karen~Liam
          98 ~ MB
            NinA








1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Generator start switch question
Reply #7 –
Yikes!!!! Hasn’t been changed in 4 years???!!  What about the spark plug and air filter?
2013 31' Silver Twin Bed
Semi-retired 6/21....