Onan generator cranks but won't start - fix
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ค. 2019
- Here are some simple things you can try to see if your onan 4000 micro quiet generator will start. If it cranks but won't start try these tips before going to a dealer.
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You made my day!!! I was just about to put it into the shop....my gas was to low...thanks again!
Wow! That really works! I just fixed my RV using that “stop/hold” trick! I can cancel my mechanic appt. tomorrow. From a mom of 3, I sincerely thank you!!!
your very welcomed mom. journey well lol
I had no idea that the gas tank had to be at least 1/4 full. You helped fix my problem Dave. Thanks you sir.
Thank You So Much!! My 2005 Chinook generator wouldn't start but when you said something about the gas being low I filled it up to half a tank and it started right up. I'm back in business and thanks to you it didn't cost me anything!!
journey well my friend
Thank you for bringing up the primer switch. And the reminder of more than a 1/4 tank of fuel needed. I purchased my RV used, so do not know when the spark plug was changed last. I will get one ordered. Your video was easy to follow and very informative.
much appreciated journey well
Thank You so Much . generator would not start for 6 months. Did as you said, primed it three , 15 second intervals, did not start. Waited 10 minutes, primed it once for 15 seconds, still no start. Waited 10-15 minutes more, frustrated but OK I will try it one last time. Hoping I would not flood it, I primed it for 10 seconds, Pushed the start again and it started right up. THANK YOU very much for showing me how to prime it. Saved me $500.
very nice, thanks for your comment
Wow, just my problem! 99 Tioga 29Z here. Hard to start, but purrs like a kitten when it does. Didn't know about the (hidden) prime feature. Thanks my friend!
your very welcome
Michael , love this video, first problem I had after I got my used RV. I really didn't know about the gas tank . I was told my RV needs more than half.
Came home from my RV to watch a how to video.... I'm headed back to see about the gas, and try to prime. Thanks 🤞🤞👍👍
Thanks. You gave me the tip I needed on the first 2 1/2 min. My tank was down to a quarter.
your welcome
I'm new to RV systems with a 2016 Minnie Winnie and made a dumb mistake. My Onan generator started right up all summer. A couple of days ago I tried to start it and while it cranked over it was turning very slow and eventually stopped turning. It sounded like the battery was weak and eventually was drained. This seemed odd as I was connected to (15 Amp) shore power and the house batteries indicated a 100% charge.
What I discovered had happened was that I somehow had bumped the rocker switch disconnected the house batteries. As the shore power was hooked up the lights, TV etc. still worked so I hadn't noticed. The shore power was enough to turn (barely) the generator, but not enough to start it. I reconnected the house batteries and the generator fired right up.
Informative video and thanks for the mention of the hidden "Prime" method. This will help in the future.
thank you for your comment and compliment
I hardly ever run my generator, once every couple months to keep it lubed up. Wouldn't start but tried first thing you said and it started right up. Thanks a lot.
thanks for your comment
Thanks for your VERY CLEAR instructions!! Priming worked for me!
your welcome
I have trying to start my Onan 4000 for days....I did prime the generator but not hold the switch in the off postion I just flipped the switch to on off ...on off so I watched your video....held the switch in the off postion for 15 seconds....BOOM....fired right up....THANK YOU VERY MUCH
I'm glad it worked, nice
Great video thanks a lot one other thing I don't know if anybody mentioned but some people don't go camping for 3 or 4 years and they have the full tank of Is four-year-old gas and it goes bad maybe having bad gas is also another reason why it won't start, Maybe a good idea to just drain your gas Or add some stable to the fuel if you're not gonna go camping for 6 months or a year thanks again best of luck
Just bought a 2nd hand class C w/Onan 4000 with many hours which started daily for the first week. I skipped a day and then it wouldn't start. At least now I have a few things to check.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!! You're a freakin" genius! I was convinced my cranking but not starting 2800 Microlite needed a new fuel pump - wrong! I did the hold the stop button to prime trick. Started right up on the second go! Thanks so much for saving me a bunch of time, money and aggravation.
journey well my friend
journey well my friend
You are awesome I hope you receive this I changed spark plug and had no idea there was a prime your video worked for me thank you so very much
glad it worked out for you. journey well
Thank you Dave! I did not know about the priming and it fixed the problem, Much appreciated!!
journey well my friend
Thank you so much. That's all it took.
Thank you! You helped me fix my problem. Good video.
Worked for me, thank you 👍🏻
Wow thank you I repair easy whit your advice hold 15 second and start I never saw that before thank you again
THIS IS HOW I FIXED MINE, IN THE CASE OF....
"I CAN'T START MY GENERATOR"
It's has been two years since last time it was running, so I started by checking oil level full at gen (it won't start if low oil becouse of sensores), gasoline more than 1\4 tank in the RV (also safety censors), sparkplug checked for good spark, check the manual circuit braker ( to be ON) at front motorhome engine compartment for 12v current to the gen to be able to start it, also cleaned the carburetor and even installed new one but same situation, then checked wires and found some has been chewed by rats so I replaced them, by this time it started but stay running only by keep pushing the switch on all the time, so I knew it was electrical problem from the engine itself, so I took the generator out from my RV to work in my garage, ( I did this by myself with some tools and old Mayan tricks ) lol, it's really heavy for one person.
I disassemble the unit at my garage and started by removing the cover, then the cooling fan or flywheel unit (it's 2 items in one unit) until finally I was at the gen rotor and brushes assembly area and this is what I found: one more wire chewed by filthy rats plus the stinky rat nest in the middle of the generator motor coil, I fixed the wire and sanded the commutator copper contacts where the brushes are sitting becouse they were real duty with old urine from the rats, and of course I got rid off the stinky nest, lol!!!
Then I assembled everything back together and bingo it's runing like a champion.
For this project materials involved was about $60.00 including an aftermarket new carburetor and an harmonic balancer/steering wheel puller (available at any auto parts for $25.00) to pull the aluminum fan out and (flywheel).
Just picture this: (Any gasoline engine run smooth if gasoline and DC current aren't interrupted) so following this important principle you'll always find the problem to be fixed.
Also if you have a onan microlite 4000 like mine, don't run it for more than a minute without the cover becouse you'll cook the engine real fast, also keep the eye on the aluminium fan and your fingers after cranking it in case you missing one or two members...just kidding, lol!!!
After testing the gen then put the air cooling assembly back and the rest of components including the cover, now it's ready to be installed at your RV.
Once the gen it's installed back at your motorhome or RV start your gen to be tested for electric power but don't forget to flip the electric switch (on) at the gen electric panel (sometimes hiding under or around the electric controls) to transfer power to your RV GFCI main outlet and electric panel as well, if your it's equipped with GFCI reset it and tested for green led light indicating power is ready at you main breakers panel, flip your main switch (on) along the others ones at this moment if you still don't have power then it's a faulty main braker, flipping it many time sometimes make it work again, mine did it, lol!!! If yours didn't buy a new main breaker.
If this can help eaven one person save time and $$$ it'll make me more happy, thanks for reading!!!
Thanks Dave your very first hint was what it was.
appreciate it
Thanks for this video, I kept hearing to prime it but on some models the have a priming button, I did not know that the stop button works as a primer. I will try that before I change the fuel pump.
Same here! Thanks🙏
Thank you for the clear instructions. Who knew it had a “primer” switch!
your very welcome
A couple years ago I had a issue where something gnawed on my gas line from gas tank to the generator, had to have that replaced and put a plastic shroud around it. They told me when I bought RV about the gas in tank and priming the gen. But now having a issue again with not starting. I will be checking to see if getting fuel and also the spark plug, but when its not so cold and windy outside!
Well I'll be, I didn't know about the priming thing. Tried it and wa lah, damn thing works perfect. Thank you so much for this video.
your welcome
Thanks from a newbie!
HEY MAN THANK YOU
thank you so much you saved me the trouble and money to fix my grandpas rv
great to know that
Excellent review, thanks a million
Thx. Very helpful.
Some good tips brother!!!!!!!!!!
You did it sir thank u !!!!!!!
Less than a 1/4 tank of gas. I think that's my problem. Thanks a lot!
Thanks so much!!! We weren't level and it didn't read the gas!!😅
Touring on a hot day engine running hot so I used generator for electric. No electric. Watched your video presto fixed thanks.
thanks for the comment
My 2001 onan 2800 microlite wouldnt start with the inside switch all of the sudden but I got it to start with the switch on the generator itself. Now it wont start from either switch? It turns but doesnt ignite? Plus it smells very carbon like. Any idea? There are 300 hrs on the generator.
Simply clean your spark plug. Cleaning the carb off will do wonders for your gen. An engine needs spark. Carb build up is most likely your problem.
Don’t forget that if your generator is low on oil, it won’t start.
Can you show me how the cables on the battery on the bacl hooks up? Thanks God Bless
Do you have suggestions on an older Onan 6.3NHEL Lp gas model that turns over but won’t start? Have replaced plugs and wires, fuel solenoid and relay
sorry I don't
Is there a way to just have a solar set up and plug the one plug that powers the whole rv into it and poof always have power especially for the fridge 24/7?? Instead of making a whole new electric system and different plug-ins with the solar?
yes, but I'm not a solar a solar expert
I installed a split valve in the fuel line to the generator. One runs to the RV tank turn the valve the other way and it will draw fuel from a gas can next to the generator. I did this so I don't have to run fuel out of the RV to run the generator when exercising the unit or running it during a power outage.
Will it start if you bottle feed it from a gas can, if it's got less than a quarter tank in it? Does it have some kind of float switch that prevents it from starting? Ive got spark. fuel straight from a gas can, to the fuel pump. Bowl primes, but will not fire.
no, fill ot half full minimum.
I am working on a 7000 gas Onan herevin Oahu and heres the issue. Before service it was theowing the 36 code. I did service on it and it worked fine foe two day now its back and 36 code again. Fuel pump checks out good but now theres no power to the pump. I suspect the control board. I tapped on top of the cover and got power to the pump then no power, intermittent. As i mentioned possibly the control panel.
The customer is bringing it back again today and i will tey and pull the cover off and inspect the controls
Did a tune up on friends Onan m.q. 4k gen. Don't know last time started up. Will not get fuel to carb. Disconnected inlet hose to carb. Nothing. Does it have a separate fuel pump, so can you hear pump buzz if priming?
yes it gas a fuel pump
I've got a ONAN RV 4000 EVAP gen. I've checked spark ( pulled spk plg out grounded and cranked) and I've got it, pulled fuel line and cranked and got good stream, sprayed carb cleaner in carb and cranked no start not even increase of rpm. I'm lost. Any suggestions??? BTW I'm in Vegas also.
I'm lost 2. only things come to mind is a, rodent chewed or loose wire or computer board is bad. it's hot spark, fuel, ground, should start. oh, heck, how much gas is in your rv, if its below 1/4 tank your gen won't start by design.
Thanks Vegasdavetv. I've got plenty gas. I always thought if you had spark, gas, compression it's gotta start. IDK maybe the timing to the spark is bad. Thanks for your time/help
Check the 1st Level Error Fault Codes:
1) Wake the control by pressing and HOLDING the Stop/Prime button for 3-4 seconds then release.
2) Press the Stop/Prime button 3 times.
3) Note the red flashing blinking light.
4) 1 Blink = shut down high engine temp, 2 Blinks = low oil pressure fault, 3 Blinks = Service Fault, 4 Blinks = cranking engine over 30 seconds.
5) 2nd Level Error Codes checked by pressing the Stop/Prime button one time after checking the 1st Level Error Fault Codes.
6) 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 blinks, a short pause, then 1 to 9 blinks. (2 digit error code).
1 2 = Overvoltage
1 3 = Undervoltage
1 4 = Overfrequency
1 5 = Underfrequency
2 7 = Voltage Sense Lost
2 9 High Battery Voltage
3 2 = Low Cranking Speed Sense
3 3 = Fault Code (????)
3 5 = Control Card Failure
3 6 = Genset Stopped w/out Fault Condition
3 8 = Field Overload (OverVoltage)
4 1 = Generator Rotor Fault
4 2 = Processor Fault
4 3 = Processor Fault
4 5 = Speed Sense Fault
4 8 = Field Sense Fault
5 1 = Processor Failure
got an Onan 4000the starter solenoid clicks replace still won't star crank over do you think battery or bad earth
Hi VegasDaveTV, we replaced the fuel pump and filter and the gen still won't start (it sat for a year and assumed it was junked up). We have gas, and the rig is only 2 years old. It is priming and it is cranking. I am going to try to clean the spark plug. Any other suggestion?
to much oil in it, battery ok, then it may be ecm board
I'm trying to get mine to work too. Mines different than yours. Not sure how to get to the spark plug on mine. I just made a video.
what type of oil do you put on yours?
So we just replaced fuel pump, have full tank of gas, but can't check fuel line to see if its in one peice because its inaccessible. We have a 99 Fleetwood bounder. Probably just gonna get a second tank today. Should I try to prime it? I dont think its getting any fuel at all
of course a good prime is in order
Does the gaz level requirement also apply to a propane gen?
no
Ok 2014 coachman freelander. Onan won't even crank unless I have the v10 engine running. Is there anything that prevents the Onan from firing if it knows the v10 is already running? Assuming since they run off the same tank.
(Yes, I need to take better care of my coach battery under my steps.)
If it should still fire up, I suspect it needs a plug and maybe filter change as the rig turned 10 this year. Maybe I just do that anyway.
It's been sluggish to start the last year or so.
battery dead or breaker thrown
@vegasdavetv probably battery.
@vegasdavetv ok I replaced fuel filter, air filter, and spark plug. Still crank no fire. When I pulled the old plug it was wet with gas so I know it's getting fuel. How is spark delivered to these? Seems like the next step to troubleshoot. What say you, friend?
I have a onan 4500 4.5 BDG FB/30502M. It runs the PTO on my bucket van. Changed the coil, carburetor choke valve, fuel pump fuse, fuel pump, and air filter. The thing still won't start on its own. I have to manually work the throttle or push the choke valve arm in. When I get it started it runs fine. But it's quite the pain when I kill it from my controls in the bucket while I'm 20' in the air and it won't start back up. Thank God I have my coworkers on the ground to goose the throttle arm for me. Any suggestions?
sorry, not sure on all that, spark plug maybe
@@vegasdavetv New spark plug in it. Yeah it's quite the mystery. Thanks for the reply though brother. 🙏
@@chuklhed9092 you ever figure it out Chuck?
@@MR-nl8xr Not really. I'm gonna replace the carburator and see what happens. My boss had the same problem and he replaced his. Now he's running like a champ. Mine is running good. I just have to goose the throttle a little. Thanks for checking in brother.
@@chuklhed9092 No worries; hope you figure it all out.
No spark at the spark plug, even after replacing the plug. Where do I go to find the break in the spark path upstream from the plug? Is there a coil somewhere? A magneto?
what about the plug wire first
@@vegasdavetv Spark plug wire is part of the coil. Can't get to it without dropping from the genset from the van and pulling the cover off. Got that done. Don't know how to test a coil. Also don't know how I'm gonna get the genset back in place. Gonna have to recruit some help (muscle). New coil is $95 so I guess I'll get one ordered.
ya, try it. your sure all wires and cables are firmly attached and clean. i used a pair of rv floor Jack's to help me
i just bought a microquiet 4000 gas just like this one, i picked it up and put a new carb on it and hooked up a battery to it has it some fresh fuel and it starts up but won’t stay started it turns off after about 3 seconds.
does this happen because it’s not actually connected to a trailer or RV?
and two should i change the fuel filter and fuel pump?
i’m new to this completely, i wouldn’t even know how to connect it to my trailer yet 😂
try filter first
@@vegasdavetv tired the new onan filter and it still has the same issue i think it’s the fuel pump it doesn’t seem to be pulling fuel, also i pulled out the spark plug and it was black and gunky i’m going to order it and see if that works. the fuel filter had Half the flow of the new one, so i’m assuming the fuel pump will be somewhat clogged or just not working properly
Great video. I’ve tried pushing the prime button inside and on the generator itself and nothing happens... would you assume fuel pump issue? Thanks.
most likely or a loose wire perhaps or cinbector
I have a 5500 Onan that cranks up and dies. We have been using it off and on daily and yesterday it started running a little strange so I figured it was fuel was low so I put 15 gallons in and now it will not continue to run after I release the start button. Any ideas? Has to be simple. I have fuel in the carburetor and ignition, just will not continue to run. Any idea 💡
lose wire, to much oil, all I can think of, spark plug
I have a '96 Chevrolet Flyer Class C with an Onan 4000 series that does nothing when I press the start button. No clicking or cranking. I've replaced the battery and still have the same result. What would be the next logical problem?
starter
Laughing Out Loud. Have not been able to get my Gen going for a year. Couple of long primes and it is purring along thanks.
Thank you for the information, my onan cranks but does not go thru follow what you have said but i do have a question the prem button does not have a light , is that another factor , and if so where can i check it, appreciate if you could reply . thanks again
prime light may or may not be there, u will hear a clicking noise if it works
Ok have a 4000 C /Owen that runs for 1/2 hour to 1 hour than stops battier is dead ??? What am I missing? And it runs all the lights everything while on.
bad cell in battery maybe
I have a o onan 4000 generator and when I prime it’s not getting gasoline. Took off the line and no gas squirts. Not hearing any sounds when pressing the prime button outside. Changed oil, filter and spark plug. Any suggestions. Generator has 483 hours
fuel pump is bad
I replace the fuel filter in the fuel pump I've been getting fired from the solenoid what will I smash the button it would not do anything it won't even turn over what could be the problem
battery maybe
I have a 1/2 tank of gas but we're parked on a small slant. Just had a tune up. So I think its the slant, but that's strange with half tank
likely not the case
we leveled it, had a tune up air and oil filter and spark plugs replaced. Next qere gonna replace the fuel filter and fuel pump. ugh, the issue is the part just at cummins or can you get it from other places, if so where?
I have Onan 750 diesel generator, the primer light won't lite and won't crank, not start, please help.
battery
My Noam has been sitting awhile. The gas is almost full, no hill, I have primed it. It will crank but will not turn over to run. Cud it be the gas sitting in there too long? What’s my next step
*Onan
spark plug good
I love you 😘
What kind of spark plug does the onan 4k gen take?
look it up online by model or replace with what part number you take out. to many variables to say exact
If it low on oil would that effect the start ...?
I have about 3-4 gallons in the tank. I hope that’s why it won’t start. I will fill it in morning! Thanks! I will be back!
update?
@@MR-nl8xr Hi. I am just putting it back in today. But, the problem is, I cannot figure out what attaches to the 40 Amp circuit breaker! It was so corroded that there were no wires on it. There was this large red cable (in the picture attached to the left side of the battery disconnect, that was not attached to anything, so I attached it to the circuit breaker. The generator started up beautifully! I ran it three different times over two weeks & thought I had fixed it. BUT... one evening crackling & smoke came out from under the step. I had to put it out with a fire extinguisher! The black thin wire coming from the battery to the metal base (ground cable) was what was on 🔥. It damaged my brand new battery & several cables. I have new ones & put it back together yesterday. I am unsure of putting that large red cable on the circuit breaker. Where do you think it goes? I have diagrams from the b disconnect company, but cannot understand them. I will put them up & see if anyone knows where that cable should go. Thanks for asking. I appreciate it!
@@Chasing70 Sounds like you had contact resistance on that chassis ground, which builds up heat if left uncorrected and then, well: fire.
As for the large red cable you mentioned, it sounds like you may or may not have it in the right place depending on what size it is but, I can not really tell without looking at a wiring schematic, not to be confused with wiring diagram (they are not the same).
Anyways, hope it all works for you now.
@@MR-nl8xr can I ask you few questions? The guy who owned the RV before me, had the black thin wire that comes from the negative connection on the batteries attached to the metal plate that the disconnect, solenoid & circuit breaker sit on. Was it too thin? I am replacing it with a six gage. Second question, the thick red one that was missing the end piece attaches to the circuit breaker from what I learned yesterday, do I put a smaller end on it so it is small like the circuit breaker?
@@MR-nl8xr I don't know what you mean by the word, uncorrected. But, it was attached snugly to the metal base. So, it is a ground cable? That's what I thought it was called. The guy who builds solar for people out in Quartzsite said it isn't called a ground.
We have used the th-cam.com/users/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
My Generator wont crank at all I have a little over a half a tank, wonndering if I should check battery because it sat over the winter 6months.
I have gas, but the primer isn't priming, I have no spark at the spark plug.
What if a starter is replaced but it won't turnover. What could other steps can be tried?
battery not fully charged
@@vegasdavetv thank you will try that out
Any place to buy new generator pieces?
online search, Amazon or onan dealer
Mine ran for 40 min. Plugged it in and it bogged down and died. Will not start again. Has gas, new plugs. Also was not outting out 110
My generator starts and runs until I release the starter button, then it quits.
What do you think?
Yes I have gas and oil. Newer plug.
bad switch or relay
I found one for $400 is that worth buying ?doesn’t run of course
I cant say, could be lots to fix or little
I'm on a slope, the generator will not start, new batteries under steps dead too, I don't know how to reach batterie under the hood? can I and how do I jump front batterie with my small truck???
battery disconnect switch is not on is it. there should be a ov er ride button by your knee if the driver seat to hold in and start
@@vegasdavetv hello, the rv simply has AUX & main button, that does not say on or off. It's above steps it says disconnect switch! and there is an AUX Button on the panel with a batterie that I've pushed but dose nothing to.
My Generac Q-55g only runs with the primer switch held. Otherwise, it dies after 5 seconds. I have 12v to the pump (for 5 seconds) when hitting the prime switch and then no power to the pump. Any ideas?
*EDIT* All was working as it should, earlier in the same day. The gen has only 22 hours.
I just found and verified it to be the oil pressure sensor. $8 fix. Happy camping.
I primed it but it still won't start it's half way with gas not on a hill it still won't start???
spark plug or weak battery
Fuel pump
I am having problem with my spark plugs firing
Righty loosey. It upside-down
I have the issue of Not cranking.
battery or starter maybe
Onan 4000 r 312-ae
Of course none of this is feasible when your generator is between your rear wheels
Mine runs 20 min and quits. I’m a motorcycle mechanic and I can’t figure it out..
to much oil, I have a video on that
@@vegasdavetv took it down in small stages till oil no longer on stick..
not sure at that point if you did that
Carb
That was my problem. Fuel (gasoline) flows from line when pushing primer. Runs with ether but wouldn't stay running. ✌🏾
1998 DODGE FREEDOM WIDE BODY GENERATOR WILL NOT START UNLESS THE MAIN COACH MOTOR IS RUNNING SOON AS i TURN OFF MY COACH ENGINE GENERATOR SHUTS OFF WITH IT
fuel pump by generator
Why dont you check the error codes. If the oil is low it wont run.
lots of times no code present
Coil is the problem
Thanks. For the help