Onan generators for RVs have a “low oil” shutoff that could be causing problems. Other things to try include replacing the spark plugs and filters, running carb cleaner through the system, replacing the voltage regulator slip rings, and checking the circuit breaker on the back of the unit.
Full Answer
How to troubleshoot an Onan RV generator?
Troubleshooting the Onan generator
- Faulty Control Board. You should try to turn the Onan generator on and get it running. ...
- Sticky Switch. One of the leading causes of an Onan generator starting and then shutting down after some time is a sticky switch.
- Bad Regulator. ...
- Ground or Short In The Rotor. ...
- Damaged Wiring. ...
How to repair an Onan Marquis RV generator?
The starter is on the back side of the generator, just a tad to the right of midpoint. If you have access to the rear of the genset from underneath the coach, then you will be able to change the starter without removing the genset.
How to change the oil in your Onan RV generator?
What type of oil does an Onan 4000 generator use?
- Run the generator for a few minutes to warm it up before you drain the oil.
- Shut down the generator.
- Using T-30 Torx bit/socket, remove the green panel on the underside of the generator that covers the drain plug (see photo).
- Using the 9/16 socket, remove the drain plug.
How to fix a surging Onan generator?
- Inside the gas tank there’s a screen on the pickup tube
- An inline fuel filter
- The fuel petcock (fuel valve) may have one
- The tube on the carburetor that the fuel line connects to may have one inside
What would cause my Onan generator not to start?
3:2912:35RV Onan Generator Start Up Problems. Fix it here. Hint & TipsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut what there is is an oil level and if your your RV is off level and your oil is low it's maybeMoreBut what there is is an oil level and if your your RV is off level and your oil is low it's maybe sensing that the oil is low and it will not start that's a big reason why these generators.
How do I troubleshoot my RV generator?
0:392:53RV Generator Troubleshooting Common Problems - ViaRV Parts ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMost common problems with RVs of not having power inside while if the generator is running one makeMoreMost common problems with RVs of not having power inside while if the generator is running one make sure this is plugged in unless you were plugged into shore. Power.
What would cause a RV generator not to start?
The air filter needs ample airflow to mix air and gas in the carburetor for combustion of the engine. If any of these items is missing, the generator will not start. The most common reason for an RV generator not starting is lack of these items or cleaning needed due to the generator in non-use for extended periods.
Is there a reset button on a Onan generator?
Hold down Stop/Prime and it should show a steady red light. If not repeat above. If it has a steady red light on Stop/Prime then start the generator as usual. Once it stabilizes turn on the breakers.
Why does Onan generator keep shutting off?
If the fuel supply is sufficient but your generator still starts and stops, check the generator's oil level. Onan RV generators have a “low oil” shutoff that could cause a shutdown. As oil warms it thins out and this may cause it to fall below the proper level.
Why does my generator shut off after a few minutes?
Choke Position Open for Too Long (Portable Generators) After a few minutes, change it to half, then after a few more minutes change it to run. Generators can shut off after a few minutes of running if the choke is left in the full choke position for too long.
Why is my generator not working?
Just like your car, if your generator won't start, it could be due to a dead battery or faulty connections. Try charging the battery via a 12-volt DC outlet or give it a jump courtesy of your car battery. If that doesn't work, then the battery is not likely the problem.
How do you fix a generator?
4:337:39How To Fix a Generator That Won't Put Out Power - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure that the breaker is turned on like that plug your drill in start your generator run yourMoreMake sure that the breaker is turned on like that plug your drill in start your generator run your generator. Like like you always do make sure everything's on and it's running.
How do you clean a generator without removing a carburetor?
Yes, generator carburetor cleaning is possible without removing it, if it is not completely clogged. You can either spray a carb cleaner directly inside the carburetor or add a fuel treatment to the fuel tank to remove all dirt and debris.
What is the code to reset a generator?
1:326:19How to Clear an Error Code and Reset your Generator - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition then push your generator into the off position which i'm doing right now and you can seeMorePosition then push your generator into the off position which i'm doing right now and you can see there is an error code 1501. Rpm sense loss.
What does 3 blinks mean on a Onan generator?
From the Onan manual: Three blinks indicates a service fault. Press Stop once to cause the two-digit, second-level fault code to blink. ( Pressing Stop again will stop the blinking.)
How much does it cost to repair a generator?
A generator repair can cost anywhere from $60 to $600, although the average cost is $200 to $400. Reviving a generator that doesn't start due to neglect might cost $65 to $130. Having a new battery installed or new oil and air filters installed costs $50 to $60; a new carburetor costs around $120 installed.
How do I reset my RV generator?
0:471:58Onan Generator Circuit Breaker Reset - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat you want to power down the generator. Again flip the breaker back to the on position make sureMoreWhat you want to power down the generator. Again flip the breaker back to the on position make sure that you have the air conditioner. Everything else turned off at this point.
Why does my RV generator keep shutting off?
Manufacturers of most RV generators design them to shut off automatically when the fuel level drops below ¼ tank. The shutting off warns that you are running low on fuel. Therefore, make sure you fill the tank at least halfway.
Which battery starts RV generator?
The generator starts from the chassis batteries. Your generator will charge both the house and chassis batteries unless something id broke. Fire up the generator and use a voltmeter to check both sets of batteries and they both should be 13-14 volts. The generator starts from the chassis batteries.
How do I find my Onan generator error code?
0:473:34How to get an Onan generator ERROR CODE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to go ahead and hit the prime button one more time and you're going to count the seriesMoreYou're going to go ahead and hit the prime button one more time and you're going to count the series of blinks that you get this will be your error code.
Where can I find the manual for an Onan generator?
You can get a manual for Onan Generators from Cummings website. Once you are on the homepage, navigate to Parts & service and click on RV generator manuals. This brings out a page that lists different generators well aligned to their manual guide.
What does it mean when an Onan generator only works?
If the generator only works while you are pressing the “On” button, it means that there is probably something wrong with the engine.
Can you change the oil in an RV generator?
Changing the oil in an engine, including an RV generator, is probably one of the most common DIY tasks that owners tackle. With the right tools and the ability to access the underside of your generator, it’s a fairly easy job.
Can you siphon coolant from an overflow tank?
You may also need a short length of plastic tubing to siphon coolant from the overflow tank. There will be a significant amount of coolant draining into your pan in this process, so be prepared for this ahead of time, and if any coolant splashes onto your skin, be sure to wash it off immediately.
Is RV generator power reliable?
But as long as you have fuel, and take good care of it, RV generator power is super reliable. If you want your generator to start right up and charge your batteries, or power your air conditioner or microwave, at a moment’s notice for many years to come, you’ve come to the right place. In the sections below, we’ll provide you with step-by-step ...
Does Cummins have an Onan generator?
As mentioned above, Cummins is expanding on the current Cummins/RVgeeks engine and/or chassis inspection and maintenance packages to include Onan generators (in case you weren’t aware, Onan is a division of Cummins). This is great news for those of you who own an Onan generator, but not a diesel pusher.
