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Onan Generate Problem

Yahoo Message Number: 97348
Hi Folks,

I usually start my Onan (8kW) generate about once per month and let it run and warm up. I did so about 2 weeks ago without any problems.
Today the power went out so I went to start the generator. It started but ran only for 5-10 seconds then stalled out. Repeated efforts to restart the generator yielded the same results. I was wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem and would share their solution. Many thanks in advance for any help provided.

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Best - Scott

2006 Allure 430 40' #31349

(Bus-Stead Lemon) My Allure Page http://www.muniac.com/Allure%20Page.html

Re: Onan Generate Problem

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97349
Need at least 1/4 tank of gas for it to run, will the fuel system pressurize? I.E. when you push the button for start/prime does the light come on after a few seconds?

Ray

They say wine improves with age! As I enter my golden years, I say age improves with wine! The Born Loser

Re: Onan Generate Problem

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97350
Ray - We've got 3/4 of a tank of diesel. The light blinks when I hold the start button down. After a delay of a few seconds, the generator starts normally and runs for 5-10 seconds before it stalls. The light blinks after that. Not sure if this is some sort of blink code.

Best - Scott

2006 Allure 430 40' #31349

(Bus-Stead Lemon) My Allure Page http://www.muniac.com/Allure%20Page.html

Re: Onan Generate Problem

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97351
Do you have the inverter panel set up to auto start and auto stop the generator. If so, that could be your problem as the house batteries have not discharged below the auto stop voltage.

John Beach

06 Allure 31309

Re: Onan Generate Problem

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97352
First thought is fuel level in main tank. If below 1/4 will not feed generator. DirtyFuel filter will limit flow can also cause this. All I got..


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Re: Onan Generate Problem

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97353
Hi Scott, I believe that your seeing a blink code. Do you have access to the Onan owners manual ?

Best of luck, Kent. 31281

Re: Onan Generate Problem

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97354
ours did that. It is a code. Call Cummins and they can give you the codes? We took ours to Cummins and the young tech said "no fuel" and we found the hoses CC used were deteriorating. They replaced the fuel lines to the generator and no more problems. Quick work and reasonable price. Cummins in Montgomery AL.

Lonny & Diane Livingston
'04 Allure #31065

Re: Onan Generate Problem

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97358
This happened t us a few years ago. Turned out that the t-stat had gone bad and was stuck in the clossed position. Cummins in Salt Lake City did the repairs.

Tom

2005 Inspire 51177

Re: Onan Generate Problem

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97360
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm getting 3 fast blinks which is "service". Not too informative. I'll need to get it serviced. I also noticed a crack in coolant reservoir near the top. Coolant level is fine so that isn't the problem. Same for oil level. I'll report back when I know more. Frustrating to say the least!!

Best - Scott

2006 Allure 430 40' #31349

(Bus-Stead Lemon) My Allure Page http://www.muniac.com/Allure%20Page.html

Re: Onan Generate Problem

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97361
Hi Scott

My generator had the same symptoms.
I found a break in the fuel line going to the generator at the pipe connection by the generator. I repaired that connection and generator ran fine.
Later the generator had the same symptoms again. I check the hoses and found that they were extremely brittle. I replaced both the fuel and return hoses no problems since.

Tom Ruster
04 inspire
51017

Re: Onan Generate Problem

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97362
Tom - I inspected the hoses and they appear OK. I've documented how to get diagnostic codes out of the genset's blink code system. A service manual link has also been included. It's all in my reference section here:

http://www.muniac.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=545#Post545
I've gotten a diagnostic code of 27 which is "PMA sense lost." or "Unable to sense PMA frequency." So I'm gathering a sensor is bad somewhere. Can't do anything on this until Monday. I'll give one of the authorized service places a call and see about parts and repair procedure. Now that I have a specific issue, has anyone else encountered this problem? I'm wondering how difficult a repair this will be. Thanks in advance for any information that comes back.

Best - Scott

2006 Allure 430 40' #31349

(Bus-Stead Lemon) My Allure Page http://www.muniac.com/Allure%20Page.html
 

Re: Onan Generate Problem

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97367
Yes, there are flash codes . . . although I would take it with a grain of salt. Ours was incorrect.
We had very similar problems as yours, and it turned out to be a fault in the board telling the genset there was no water. I suspect it is a coded fault that is shutting it down, if not a fuel line issue.

Good luck. Be sure to let everyone know what happens.

Lon

'06 Inspire
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