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Topic: Onan Generator not starting on my 03 FL. (Read 209 times) previous topic - next topic
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Onan Generator not starting on my 03 FL.
Hello fellow LD owners. I haven't been traveling for a couple of years other than to take the coach out for a 100 mile exercise every couple of months, and running the genny loaded every couple of months. Up until mid-winter, no problems, but now I can't get the generator to start. I've done some troubleshooting,, think I know what's next, but thought I'd ask for advice just in case.

The gas tank is nearly full, Seafoam added on last fill per instructions, as always. I've removed the fuel line from the carb, ran the prime pump and gas came easily and steady. I've read quite a bit from the archives, believe the next step is to remove the carb and give it a careful and thorough cleaning, but am not certain (and it isn't necessarily my forte).. I'd appreciate any suggestions before I start on this; something else I should check first, precautions when removing the carb, or any other tips..

Thanks for any and all advice!
Bill
Bill
2003 -- 23' FL
Re: Onan Generator not starting on my 03 FL.
Reply #1 –
Hi Bill;  The genny engine turns over ok, but doesn't start?  Does it cough/ or try to start. Do you smell any gasoline vapor from the exhaust that didn't burn.  The MicroQuiet has only one spark plug. Can you check for spark at the connection wire?   Another thread  at Generator Not Staying On When It's Over 90 °F  is still active.  So when you primed the generator where are you checking fuel flow? After the genset fuel pump?   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Onan Generator not starting on my 03 FL.
Reply #2 –
Ron,

Yes, the engine turns over fine. Working at the generator, it sounds like it wants to start, but I don't smell any gas vapors when I try it. I haven't checked the spark plug, I was more focused on the gas because there's such a history with the rubber hoses on coaches of my\our vintage, and it seemed to me it wasn't getting any.
I've looked in the Operators Manual, but it seems most diagnostic info is for running problems rather than a unit that won't start. I've tried to find more info on the fuel supply system to understand it better, without luck. I removed the rubber hose that connects into a steel tube right above the altitude adjustment control, and when I operate the rocker switch in the Prime position I get good flow from the hose. That's as far as I've gotten.
Bill


Bill
2003 -- 23' FL
Re: Onan Generator not starting on my 03 FL.
Reply #3 –

Hi Bill;  I have the older, very noisy, Emerald Plus.  I hear that the National Forest Service banned it because of the noise level and Lazy Daze was Forced into using the MicroQuiet.  At least you have the higher rpm, one cylinder, internal muffler generator, with more diagnostic information built in.
   Do you get any flashing of the built in light? The number of flashes shows the fault code.
   This Youtube video may help.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIlZTkBO5M8
   It sounds like the carburetor is plugged up. I had a Onan MicroLite that I installed in my old coach (non LD) and the engine would cough, not start and run. At the time I could get a can of spray starter fluid:  https://www.amazon.com/Gumout-5072866-Starting-Fluid-oz/dp/B001GLSIKG?th=1  I sprayed that into the fuel hose going to the carb, and into the air cleaner also. It might free up the float that lets gasoline into the carburetor float bowl.  That valve often plugs up with gummy residue.
    This video person seems to have had bad luck with non "factory original" parts. I can't speak to that issue.
    Hopefully this, or other video's will help you figure out how to get your generator running.   RonB

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RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Onan Generator not starting on my 03 FL.
Reply #4 –
Ron,

Thanks for link to the video. I'll take a look at it. I believe the only fault it would throw is if the 'start' button has been pushed for too long. Otherwise, all, as I recall, are for once the generator is running. I have some starter fluid, so I'll give that a try and see what happens. It would be nice to solve this one and move on to the next one!

Bill
Bill
2003 -- 23' FL