Generator Won't Start

[mahakal]

Hi Everyone,
I have issue with Onan Generator. It cranks but wont start. What should i look at. Thanks

[16ACE27]

Did you prime it first for 25 to 45 seconds?

[mahakal]

Hi
All i do is go to the board and hit start button. Hold it for 10-15 seconds and if it does not start. I wait for few seconds and try again. It has started same way before. Thanks

[16ACE27]

Hold it in stop for 45 seconds after the light comes on; then try to start it.

[jim5554]

The other guys are right about priming the carb. Some times it can take a while. Here's a few other things to consider;
1)How much gas do you have in the RV tank? These things won't start unless you have at least 25%.
2)If that's OK, check your fuel lines and make sure the genny is getting gas. Start with the simple stuff, fuel lines, fuel pump, filter,etc.
3)These generators have notoriously fussy carbs but even if they're bad you can usually get it started. It won't run for long but it will start. The carbs are very expensive but aren't that hard to change. THEY CAN NOT BE REBUILT! If you're a decent wrench with relatively small hands, you can do it yourself. My hands are like garbage can covers and I had a problem. (I did get it done)
4) Just to rule out ignition problems try starting it with starting fluid. If it starts and dies, it's a fuel problem. If it doesn't even fart it's ignition.
You do know there's a starter switch on the genny itself, right?

[thor293]

You dont say how old or how often you use it but I will say this, when we bought our unit in 2015 the generator was hard to start. Remained that will till last month I finally tried lucas oil mixture available at walmart, I put a quart in a full tank of gas and went out and drove around for 30 minutes to mix it good while the gen was running. Now I go in and prime and it fires right up. The Alcohol in fuel does terrible things and leaves deposits in the fuel lines. It may not be the fix for you but I guarantee your life will be much happier using it than not.

[bigben]

Turn the breakers off at the generator, then definitely prime it for a full 45 seconds. If it still won't start, pull the air cleaner off, prime again and smell for gas. If no gas, I'd look at fuel filter next, if still doesn't start, carburetor may be the issue.

In any case, I'd follow the Troubleshooting process listed in Sec 6 of the attached Onan Manual.

[Bob Denman]

When you bought you rig: didn't they review the generator starting protocols with you?

[Larry]

I believe strongly that your problem starting your genny is as stated above by others with lack of priming it prior to trying to start it. I sometimes have to prime mine twice before it will start but I only hold the stop button down for 5 or 10 seconds each time (until the yellow light comes on). Can usually hear the fuel pump running too.

[mahakal]

Thanks Everyone for the replies and suggestions. Thanks

[Mo_Mike]

I have to try and crank mine at least three (3) times (at get real nervous about it starting) then on the fourth or fifth attempt, it starts...

Think it is something about the generator wanting to remain in control of things....

I just crank for about five to seven seconds each time...

Seems to work for us.

[Bob Denman]

Min seems to take two cranks on it; before it gets with the program.
But I probably "short-prime" it.
(perhaps only 10 seconds... )

[Miramar Owner]

Always add a stabilizer in your fuel when stored for more than a couple months. I own a gas station and have been in the business for 40 years. I can tell you gas is not the same as it was even 3 years ago. The sub grade fuel that is used today deteriorates in a very short period of time. It used to last in excess of 6 months. Your vehicle won't notice this but small engines certainly do.

My coach is only 2 years old. I start the generator monthly when not in use but this fall I forgot to add stabilizer. After Christmas I had a very difficult time getting it started. I added stabilizer and after giving it time to mix with the gas it started on the first attempt and has ever since.

I also always prime by holding the toggle switch in the stop position for about 20 seconds. Then press start and it fires up in about 5-10 seconds.