[HI Chinookers,
Getting ready for the Yakima “dry camp” I was unable to get the Generator going. I have started it peroidly for short periods of time. I took it to my mechanic for oil change and general over all exam. I had him look at the generator (Onan 4000 microlite) and he felt it was either a faulty fuel pump or a plugged fuel filter and it would require removing the generator to access all the parts. He is a good mechanic but busy—said he could not service till Aug. 1. The problem is or was –it would start and sound good as long as the on switch was held. This is a common problem with this generator—varnish carb, and or faulty fuel delivery. I watched one Utube (among many) that said once I got the solenoid, fuel pump solenoid , base platform covering the motherboard, wires back out of way—one could reach back in this tight space and pull the fuel pump and filter forward as they were loose. So, I dove in and removed the obstructions—however the fuel pump is anchored in the back of the generator case is a very tight spot. Disapointed –I had already cleaned the air filter(which was not bad) , used about ¾ can of carburetor cleaner and filled the 40 gallon tank with non alcohol gasoline and added can of Sea Foam to the tank. With the gas line disconnected from the carb and pushing the start button we do get adequate gas flow. Checking the new oil level it is between add and full marks.
Now that I had all the dissembled parts-(yesterday) –I reassembled all parts removed –washing all contacts with carb cleaner (I also drained the carb after filling with carb cleaner 3 or 4 times) When I tried yestermorning—It STARTED and ran for 5 hours –quit—restarteed for another 3 hours till I turned it off. I had the AC running each time.
This morning I smugly pushed the start button and the engine sounded great as long as I held the button down—but died when I remove my finger. Darn—thought I had solved the problem much to my dismay!! Why yesterday and not today?
Other than a low oil sensor—what might cause the engine to quit during the start attempt?
Sorry for the long history—I assume I will have to take along a small (big for the Chinook storage) 2000 watt Honda generator (maybe) to keep the coach batteries charged –I need a CPAP for sleeping.
Thanks for any suggestions. I have ordered a new fuel pump, sparkplug(which my mechanic said looked ok) So, after the 1st of Aug. I will pull out the generator and replace parts. But why did it run so well yesterday and not today???
Thanks again,
Vern
/code]
nwchinook wrote: July 17th, 2019, 10:27 am
HI Chinookers,
Getting ready for the Yakima “dry camp” I was unable to get the Generator going. I have started it peroidly for short periods of time. I took it to my mechanic for oil change and general over all exam. I had him look at the generator (Onan 4000 microlite) and he felt it was either a faulty fuel pump or a plugged fuel filter and it would require removing the generator to access all the parts. He is a good mechanic but busy—said he could not service till Aug. 1. The problem is or was –it would start and sound good as long as the on switch was held. This is a common problem with this generator—varnish carb, and or faulty fuel delivery. I watched one Utube (among many) that said once I got the solenoid, fuel pump solenoid , base platform covering the motherboard, wires back out of way—one could reach back in this tight space and pull the fuel pump and filter forward as they were loose. So, I dove in and removed the obstructions—however the fuel pump is anchored in the back of the generator case is a very tight spot. Disapointed –I had already cleaned the air filter(which was not bad) , used about ¾ can of carburetor cleaner and filled the 40 gallon tank with non alcohol gasoline and added can of Sea Foam to the tank. With the gas line disconnected from the carb and pushing the start button we do get adequate gas flow. Checking the new oil level it is between add and full marks.
Now that I had all the dissembled parts-(yesterday) –I reassembled all parts removed –washing all contacts with carb cleaner (I also drained the carb after filling with carb cleaner 3 or 4 times) When I tried yestermorning—It STARTED and ran for 5 hours –quit—restarteed for another 3 hours till I turned it off. I had the AC running each time.
This morning I smugly pushed the start button and the engine sounded great as long as I held the button down—but died when I remove my finger. Darn—thought I had solved the problem much to my dismay!! Why yesterday and not today?
Other than a low oil sensor—what might cause the engine to quit during the start attempt?
Sorry for the long history—I assume I will have to take along a small (big for the Chinook storage) 2000 watt Honda generator (maybe) to keep the coach batteries charged –I need a CPAP for sleeping.
Thanks for any suggestions. I have ordered a new fuel pump, sparkplug(which my mechanic said looked ok) So, after the 1st of Aug. I will pull out the generator and replace parts. But why did it run so well yesterday and not today???
Thanks again,
Vern
Vern:
I am new to genset, so you knew about it more than me. This is what I found on the web. One good news is that most CPAP have 12 V DC input, so you don't really need the generator... is the solar panel enough (or running the engine with the alternator) to keep the batteries fully charged?
Q. Why does my generator start and then shut down as soon as the start switch is released?
A. Most models require both oil pressure and AC voltage from the generator to keep running. A lack of AC voltage can be caused by a variety of problems involving the control board, regulator, generator and wiring. A stuck oil pressure switch can also cause this symptom. The interaction between the various components of the system can be confusing during troubleshooting. Use the Troubleshooting Guide to isolate the problem.
2000 Concourse dinette, on 1999 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis
Thanks chin...K or your fast response and for the link RV Generator Troubleshooting Guide. I downloaded and printed it. I do have 12 v. adaptor plug in for my CPAP and I will have an standby axillary deep cycle battery if the couch batteries draw down too much. I also have a solar panel that appears to work. So, I think I would be ok without the genset--however I do want to work. Again, thanks--In August I will take the generator out of the Chinook for repairs. Could be the voltage regulator.
Good News--Starts great Runs Great---Lots of Carb cleaner , non-alcohol gasoline, cleaning contacts of parts removed, probably establishing better grounding, Seafoam , and Luck. Thanks . Vern
