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Onan Generator issue


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This is the Generator is my rig. I have the rig for about three years and put in over 10,000 miles. Oil looked dark and air filter was nasty looking. Not knowing when the tune-up was done. That is the reason why:

 

I replaced tune up parts, with all original Onan parts:  Air Filter, Fuel Filter, oil and Spark plug. After a frustrating day of removing and installing parts the generator would not run.  It starts but shuts off as soon as I take my hand of the start switch.

Then checked the Fuel gage it had just above 1/4 tank of gas. Added two gallons of fuel. Now there is about 1/2 tank. After several more tries I gave up and decided to seek help.

 

Prior to this it always ran well, other than a bit of smoke when started and then ran good.

 

I have done the following trouble shooting checks: 

1. Arrow on the fuel filter is towards the carburetor.

2. Removed hose and started, to see if the fuel filter was good.

It has a good and constant flow of fuel coming out.

3. About 1/2 tank of fuel. 

4. Reinstalled the old spark Plug after cleaning, thinking perhaps the gap on the new Spark Plug was not correct. 

 

 

 

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I can't remember but I think the microlite had a low oil shut off. It doesn't hold a lot of engine oil so a little bit goes a long way.

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I'm coming from a small engine place and not specifically from an Onan Generator place so forgive me if it is not at all helpful.  Was wondering whether the machine has a choke and whether that is being used upon initial start. The other more dreadful suggestion I would make would be to pull and clean the carburetor. 

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15 hours ago, Maineah said:

I can't remember but I think the microlite had a low oil shut off. It doesn't hold a lot of engine oil so a little bit goes a long way.

Maineah

You are correct Microlite does have a low oil and low fuel shut off. I checked both. I wonder if there is any reset swtich. The interesting part is that it worked fine before I replaced the Tune-up parts.

 

 

11 hours ago, Scott iv said:

I'm coming from a small engine place and not specifically from an Onan Generator place so forgive me if it is not at all helpful.  Was wondering whether the machine has a choke and whether that is being used upon initial start. The other more dreadful suggestion I would make would be to pull and clean the carburetor. 

Hi Scottiv

I am not aware of any choke in this unit but I will check.

 

I plan to contact local Cummings outfit, I understand they they provide technical information on Onan products.

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Were you attempting to start with a remote start switch?  If so, does it start at the generator?  It runs while you have the starter switch engaged, but quits as soon as you release the switch, or does it just turn over while you have the switch engaged?  Not familiar with the Microlite, but the old Onan 6K in my GMC occasionally had issues with the remote start switch, but would start at the control panel switch.  Other possibility is that the control panel may have decided to quit just then, and nothing to do with what you were doing.  The LOP cut-off switch may also have quit - that was another common problem with the old 6K units like mine.  If that's it, I believe it is a generic switch that you can pick up easily.

So many possibilities!

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My onan 2800 did the exact same thing.  Plus had surging which was cured with a new carburetor. ( I have installed a fuel shutoff valve since, to run it dry so it doesn't gum up again.).  Would start but only keep running if held start button down. 

Electric shop fixed with an updated

VR per service notice. Part # 305-0897.  SN is about spark plugs wire being too close to VR?

$839 is steep, but I'm glad I had it fixed. Don't have to worry about it getting stolen, and love the convenience of starting from the inside, especially in winter. Will see if I can find the service order.

Hope this helps you.

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