Thor Axis Generator won't start

Wrobomom · 10-08-2015, 02:42 PM

2014 Thor Axis . generator worked fine at home. Now we are on the road and would like to use the AC and 110 outlets but the generator won't start. It turns over but won't catch. Have tried all the start buttons including the one on the generator itself. Have tried with and without the motor running. Have a full tank of gas. Any suggestions?

mcr1010 · 10-08-2015, 02:47 PM

Just a wag, but at the gen., I think there is a priming button you may want to try if not already. Also, check the fuel filter for clogging.
Good luck.

Larry · 10-08-2015, 03:00 PM

I would try priming it at the start switch as mcr1010 suggested if you haven't already. Mine is a bit ornery to start unless I prime it a couple of times and hold the start button after it fires off until it gets running good.

You probably already know this, but just in case; hold the start button on the panel in the down position until the light comes on to prime it.

JamieGeek · 10-08-2015, 03:02 PM

To prime the generator: Hold the switch to the "Stop" position. The light should turn on after a few seconds. Hold for about 15 seconds. (If someone is near the generator they should hear the fuel pump running when you are doing this.)

Also note that Cummins shipped some genny's with bad fuel pumps for a while there. Ours had one: Was running fine on the road one day when it just up and quit. I couldn't get it running after that. The Cummins tech replaced the pump in about 10 minutes (funny he knew exactly what to do and had it all done quickly--before the paperwork could even be done).

Wrobomom · 10-08-2015, 03:57 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. We had already tried priming at the generator with no luck but didn't know the secret of priming at the control panel so we tried that. No change. Sorry but no clue how to check for clogged fuel filter. Supposed to get to 105 degrees today so was hoping for a miracle.

Wrobomom · 10-08-2015, 03:58 PM

Oh, our generator is an Onan.

JamieGeek · 10-08-2015, 04:23 PM

Onan is owned by Cummins.

mcr1010 · 10-08-2015, 05:56 PM

[QUOTE=Snip. Sorry but no clue how to check for clogged fuel filter. Supposed to get to 105 degrees today so was hoping for a miracle.[/QUOTE]

Check your manual. The filter is buried in there out of site, but can be accessed. Trace the gas line back and you can find it. You may have to remove a plate, panel etc. to access it. Can't remember.....sorry.

I installed an easy to reach-see inline fuel filter for just that reason. Also installed an inline shut-off valve to run carb dry.
Good luck

Bruce · 10-08-2015, 09:24 PM

How much fuel is in your tank. The generator fuel pickup is set higher in the tank to prevent running the tank dry.

Bruce

groswald · 10-08-2015, 09:44 PM

Ours is really hard to start, but so far it always works, eventually. The procedure I've developed is

1. Prime until the lite comes on.
2. Crank it for 10 to 20 seconds. It won't start.
3. Prime again.
4. Let it sit for a minute or two.
5. Hit the start switch. It will usually start this time. If not, repeat steps 3 through 5. I've never had to do ot more than twice.

Why does it work? No clue!

Regards,

Randy

Wrobomom · 10-08-2015, 10:19 PM

Thanks all. We'll try tonight when we stop for the night.

jazzfest · 10-08-2015, 11:41 PM

We have better luck with the switch on the dash, rather than the switch by the door.

Mr Sunshine · 10-09-2015, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groswald

Ours is really hard to start, but so far it always works, eventually. The procedure I've developed is

1. Prime until the lite comes on.
2. Crank it for 10 to 20 seconds. It won't start.
3. Prime again.
4. Let it sit for a minute or two.
5. Hit the start switch. It will usually start this time. If not, repeat steps 3 through 5. I've never had to do ot more than twice.

Why does it work? No clue!

Regards,

Randy

This works for us, too. And, like Bruce pointed out, it will not start or run if the gas is less than about 1/4.
Please report back when you figure it out!

Jinx · 09-09-2020, 11:47 PM

We had a surprise Sept snowstorm in Colorado. The RV park, at 8200 feet, lost power, and since I was going to bed, I let it ride. With power restored the next morning, I discussed with other RVers, asking if anyone turned on their Onans, and learned there might be an adjustment necessary when at this altitude. Anyone else know anything about this?

OldWEB · 09-10-2020, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinx

We had a surprise Sept snowstorm in Colorado. The RV park, at 8200 feet, lost power, and since I was going to bed, I let it ride. With power restored the next morning, I discussed with other RVers, asking if anyone turned on their Onans, and learned there might be an adjustment necessary when at this altitude. Anyone else know anything about this?

The adjustment is right on the carb, pretty self explanatory when you look at it.

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