RV Generator Troubleshooting Tips
GENERATOR TROUBLESHOOTING: Caution – Servicing a generator can create hazards – burns, cuts, fire and shock hazards. Exhaust fumes can be harmful.
Notes: Gasoline powered generators are fed from a midpoint on your main fuel tank. Most generator manufacturers recommend a minimum of one hour loaded run time per month to prevent carburetor gumming.
Generator will not crank: No 12 volt power or 12 volt fuse located on the control panel blown.The battery voltage should be above 9.5 VDC. Possible bad control board or poor wiring connections.
Generator will not start, but cranks: Poor 12 volt power from battery or convertor, bad cables or corroded battery posts, gasoline tank not full enough, carburetor clogged from disuse, spark plugs fouled, automatic choke linkage stuck, faulty oil pressure switch, dirty air filter, low oil level, damaged wiring, or corrosion on the control board.
Generator starts, then fails to run: Low oil level or low oil pressure, Low fuel supply, press the prime switch the recommend length of time, sticky choke linkage, or check the generator AC voltage output. Other voltage tests require an Operating Manual, Troubleshooting charts and learned personnel.
Contact you generator dealer or manufacturer for further information. Online websites are an excellent source of information.
Happy Camping,
Fred b.
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I have an Onan 4000 generator (on a 2006 RV) that is shutting down with a full load. I believe it sat for a long periods before I bought it. How do I get the Sea Foam or other product into the carburetor to try to clean the gum out? Thanks.
George:
I am afraid there is not anything that will clean out your Onan Carb. – the products contained in gasoline are very stubborn.
Replacing the contaminated part is the only suggestion I have. Sorry.
Happy Camping,
Fred b.
I have an Onan 4.0 BGE on a 10 yaer old Terry. Had a new carb installed for $500
last year. Learned my lesson, been using it with loads weekly. New problem, Onan cranks and runs strong but no power. Things (AC,ceiling fan, etc.) just stopped working. Tried the shoreline and everything works. Checked for wiring damage – none I can see.
A local electrician in Borrego Springs, CA says he can service it.
Just wondering, given your experience, if it sounds like something in particular.
Breaker on generator is in the off -forward position.
Thanks,
Joe
The new 400 Microquiet has a “sealed” carburetor with no parts being available (for the carb.). When the main jet plugged in my Onan 4000 I discovered an immediate, free fix. The “altitude” adjustment is infact a main jet adjustment. The adjustment span is limited by a plastic stop. Pry the stop off the (needle) shaft, and presto!-an adjustable main jet. Just run the needle out to clear the obstruction, then readjust as called for. Yeah-I know. This’s probably against FED regulations. Just do it or have Onan replace the carburetor as they are banned from working on the “sealed” carburetor.
.
It galls me Onan doesn’t put 12V DC windings in this generator except for export. Hence-no 12V DC output. It’s also disappointing this $2K plus generator is splash lubricated. NO oil filter, NO oil pump. Noisy, crude and expensive compared to many alternates available today!
Woops-make that “new 4000″……
have a onan 4obge sitting a while what do i jump out to make it put out power again thanks