Onan generator

Jph · 03-31-2021, 12:30 AM

After running my generator most of the day to power AC and frig the light on panel began flashing red. The generator was running but not putting out any power. I turned it off and the next day restarted it and it provided power all day. Does anyone know what caused this?
Thank you
James H.

Bob Denman · 03-31-2021, 12:39 AM

Could it have overheated?

Jph · 03-31-2021, 12:47 AM

Are you thinking the ATS may have overheated? It may have but the weather is pretty temperate here right now.

Elite Washington · 03-31-2021, 03:51 AM

There is a breaker on the generator that can tripped. Check on the unit.

CHS · 03-31-2021, 09:16 AM

Here is a link to the manuals. Maybe you will find your error code there.
https://www.cummins.com/rv-generator-manuals

Jph · 03-31-2021, 08:56 PM

Thanks guys for the suggestions 👍

**EA37TS** · 03-31-2021, 09:07 PM

Check the connections inside the ATS. A few folks have found loose wires which caused problems

pneumatics · 04-01-2021, 12:17 PM

Next time it flashes red... count the number of Flashes and then use the handy decoder chart in the manual. I keep a copy of just that page handy in my info bag just for such an event (so I can find it quickly).

Shawn · 04-01-2021, 05:27 PM

the inside control panel light flashing red and generator still running?

John & Diane · 04-01-2021, 07:21 PM

Following for info.

Scubawise · 04-01-2021, 07:34 PM

make sure you change the oil after 25 hours and every 25 + hours ..easy to change

Pete'sMH · 04-01-2021, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scubawise

make sure you change the oil after 25 hours and every 25 + hours ..easy to change

Onan recommends oil change at 20 hours and every 150 thereafter.

paulwadley · 04-01-2021, 11:26 PM

On my Onan generator, it says to change the oil at 20 hours and then every 250 hours. That is also dependent on how and where it was used(weather conditions).

Paul

Scubawise · 04-02-2021, 12:56 AM

Thanks all next change in 150 hours

Shawn · 04-02-2021, 03:24 AM

New engine change oil around first 50hours, then every 150 hours will be good enough, you can change oil more often that didn’t hurt anything. Only around $10 each time if you want DIY. Check the air filter while you change oil, plug should change every 200-250 hours from Onan.

Scubawise · 04-02-2021, 01:39 PM

Thx did not see air filter onan 4000

Pete'sMH · 04-02-2021, 04:22 PM

And you’re supposed to clean the spark arrestor every 50 hours. It’s easy.

DogLovers · 04-07-2021, 07:03 PM

I had this happen to me before. Generator ran just fine all day then suddenly no power but it still ran just fine. Shut it off and plugged into shore power and everything worked. Next day the generator started and ran normal but no power output or so I thought. Checked everything. Turned out to be an issue with the transfer switch. At initial build and install they failed to tighten the nuts on the wire to switch and after a thousand miles or so they shook lose and actually did some arching and tripped the switch to off inside the switch so the generator could deliver no power to it but shore power did. There was some significant burn marks inside the transfer switch box, we were lucky it didn't catch on fire and burn the RV up. I had a mobile repair guy come out to our campsite and replace the switch with a much higher quality one and Thor reimbursed me.

Mgtv53 · 04-07-2021, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete'sMH

And you’re supposed to clean the spark arrestor every 50 hours. It’s easy.

How you clean the spark arrestor , and where is it , there is a screw in tail pipe , can not get it loose

Pete'sMH · 04-07-2021, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mgtv53

How you clean the spark arrestor , and where is it , there is a screw in tail pipe , can not get it loose

It’s just a plug in the generator exhaust that you need to unscrew and then run it for a few minutes. I haven’t done it for a while now but I think it takes a square drive ratchet. It’s easy though.

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