Taking possession of our 21 year old, "New" RV next month. Good to bone up on maintenance issues. Thanks for posting your video so now, we're all informed on this issue and how to fix it.
Thanks a lot!!!! I took mine apart cleaned it put it back together ran for about an hour then same 😢 On our way to cold weather, and really needed to run ! Your video gave me sudden hope? One full turn after I broke the little plastic nipples and boom runs like a top! Again 1 million thanks, great video !!! This is only the second time I’ve ever left a comment on anyone’s video ever .
I just put a new Cummins fuel pump ($242) and Cummins carburetor ($580!) on our 5500. I also added new fuel lines, adjusted the valves, new air filter, changed the oil, and new spark plugs,. Runs like a champ now!
A nine minute phone call from Kevin and my Onan 5500, that has been giving me fits, was repaired. 6 of those nine minutes was spent gabbing about our shared IT background. Thanks a ton Kevin!
After watching your video I broke off the tabs and made a less than a 1/4 turn counter clock wise and it fixed the surging completely. Thanks for your help.
Worked great for me after much frustration with surging and stopping. A very thin blade and very gentle prying pressure under the tabbed portion of the knob, turning the knob a little with each pry , had the knob off intact in about 15 seconds. No need to cut or disassemble anything. Thanks so much for the informative video. Your advice was spot on.
I just saw the Super Thanks you sent me. That's the largest one I have gotten so far. So cool, thank you. If I can ever be of any help, my cell is 606-875-0125 Kevin.
Thank Kevin, Even tho Mine is a Emerald I adjusted the Altitude (needle valve) on my unit, it immediately started purring like a kitten!!!!! Thank You!
Also i purchased a $380 carb on Amazon, and it worked ok, i took it to cummings and they pointed out how it was not a Onan, the $550 Onan Dealer has so far worked the Best, but i do keep a $60 carb for a emergency
Great stuff! I recently bought a 2008 grey hawk with only 7,100 miles and 36 hours on the Onan. The Onan was a no-start. I can see your brain spinning now. I removed the float bowl. Wasn't really bad at all. I cleaned it out and sprayed the main clean, and opened orifices up and... More over... freed up the fuel shut off solenoid plunger. It was completely stuck. Started right up after that, It does surge when not under a load, so i plan to do this adjustment and clean the needle end there. Thanks so much!
You are da’ man. I followed your instructions and thanks to you, I now have a smooth running Onan Marquis. I only lack checking Hz to make sure it’s fine tuned in! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
If you only knew how much I searched for Onan surge issues, watched videos and tried dozens of different suggestions with no improvement, that is until I found you. You obviously know what you’re talking about and your instructions are clear and easy to follow. I am definitely now following your UA-cam videos!
Well Kevin, this was another good fix and view of the Carb. I love to see the exploding views you show form time to time. Look forward to the next one.
Tried this today and worked just like the video showed. The only thing I did differently is that I used a Dremmel tool with a cut-off wheel to cut the tabs off leaving the black plastic with which I can turn by hand and without having to remove the bowl drain bolt. Thanks for the video!!
Your video helped me fix my surging engine. Te plastic part has a slot built into it and if you put a sotted screwdriver in it and twist, it comes right off.
Great video Kevin! Well...I'll tell ya, you are really keeping me busy with (fixes/check see's) on my Workhorse 🤣. Love your information...thx again !! Scott
Hey Kevin, just wanted to say thank you. I just did this on my generator and it runs great. Headed out on a hunting trip is weekend and really don't have time to clean a carb. 👍🍻
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 dipstick (it won't start if low oil because of sensors) then I checked gasoline more than 1\4 tank in the RV (also safety sensors), sparkplug checked for good spark, also checked the manual reset circuit braker ( to be ON) at front motorhome engine compartment for 12v current to the generator 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 like gum by rats at the back of starting switch generator panel so I replaced them, at this time the generator started but stay running only by keep pushing the switch on all the time, so then finally I knew it was internal 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) 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 because 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 with the help of a gasoline container, a piece of hose and 12v battery, I did put the air cooling assembly back and the rest of components including the cover, then it was ready to be installed at my RV. Once the gen was installed back at my motorhome I started it to be tested for 120v electricity but not before flipping the AC circuit switch (on) at the gen starting control panel (sometimes hiding under or around the panel) to be able to transfer power to my RV GFCI main outlet and electric panel as well, my motorhome it's equipped with GFCI so I reset it and tested for green led light indicating power is ready at my main breakers panel, so I turned my main breaker (on) along the others ones but no power was present at my breaker main switch (faulty main braker) so I flipped it many times, sometimes you can make it work again, mine did work, lol!!! I'm happy because everything works now including the refrigerator for cold drinks and AC for this crazy summer, lol! Later I'll buy me a new main braker, for now this is a resurrected generator story that needed to be shared. If this can help eaven one person to save time and $$$ it'll make me more happy, thanks for reading!!!
Hi Kevin, I had the same surging problem and I have the Onan 4000, I made the same modification to the rich/lean screw to make mine fully adjustable as you did. It worked great and half a turn out from factory and it smoothed out. I am in Colorado so I am right at 5000 feet of elevation. If you get a chance show us how to properly adjust the choke. Thanks for the video, very helpful.
Great video I just put a new carburetor on my own generator the old one has been setting for 3 years the new one is surging I will give this a shot I'm at 7500 ft could be the problem of course I will be cleaning the old one and tinkering with it before I attempt on the new one But the old one was doing the same thing as the new one so I think it's an altitude problem I don't know
Thanks again Kevin it worked I appreciate it The old carburetor I took all apart and cleaned. So now I have a spare the new carburetor I just popped off the altitude control and adjusted it didn't have to replace the new carburetor have a Merry Christmas and thank you again
@@ktoutdoor how are you doing today I took the new carburetor and popped off the altitude adjustment and it worked just like you said the old carburetor I completely took apart and cleaned not too bad so I think it was the altitude adjustment on the old carburetor oh well I have a spare just in case Merry Christmas and thank you again
Kevin, your video by far is the best on the internet. I was hoping you may help me with my gen issue. I have an Onan 5500, 82 hrs. It sat with old gas for many months. So far I’ve: - removed the carb and cleaned it -removed all old gas filled with new -ensured fuel pump is pumping and pumped out old fuel -ensured spark plugs have spark Reassembled but it won’t start. It appears to be getting flooded with too much fuel. Funny thing is that when I drain the float bowl, don’t prime it, the gen starts like normal for a few seconds but then dies with a 36 fault code. This tells me that the float and shut off needle isn’t functioning allowing too much fuel in the carb. Any ideas? Thanks
Nice video I just bought the 5500 my 5.5 HGJAB-6755 and the altitude adjustment only goes from 0- 5000ft I live that 5879ft and camp 1000ft it will not run at 1000ft. So do you think the adjustment screw the word generator? It only has 7 hours.
I found it's best just to take the carburetor off for a thorough inspection and a thorough cleaning before I put it back together. If its really in bad shape then the carburetor may need replacing
@@ktoutdoor just over 700 hours. My concern is the age of the belt not hours of use. I have a ‘04 bounder on a W22 chassis. Also thank you for the tip on removing the adjustment limiter. I pulled it off and backed it out one turn, problem solved.
I did in this Video ua-cam.com/video/xvBJeX2o2Ik/v-deo.html But I want show show a second option with out going to the trouble of removing the carburetor So always try this option first if it don't work then remove the carburetor.
Of course not. I was just pointing out the rpm drop from rich to lean. The 10 mm nut on governor spring will dial in your rpm and hertz. I need to make a video on just that procedure.
Taking possession of our 21 year old, "New" RV next month. Good to bone up on maintenance issues. Thanks for posting your video so now, we're all informed on this issue and how to fix it.
Thanks a lot!!!!
I took mine apart cleaned it put it back together ran for about an hour then same 😢
On our way to cold weather, and really needed to run !
Your video gave me sudden hope?
One full turn after I broke the little plastic nipples and boom runs like a top!
Again 1 million thanks, great video !!!
This is only the second time I’ve ever left a comment on anyone’s video ever .
Thank you for taking the time to let me know. Its these comments that encourage me to make more videos. Have a blessed day my friend.
I just put a new Cummins fuel pump ($242) and Cummins carburetor ($580!) on our 5500. I also added new fuel lines, adjusted the valves, new air filter, changed the oil, and new spark plugs,. Runs like a champ now!
Insane prices! 😡
A nine minute phone call from Kevin and my Onan 5500, that has been giving me fits, was repaired. 6 of those nine minutes was spent gabbing about our shared IT background. Thanks a ton Kevin!
So glad to help, have a great time on you trip, it was great talking IT tech.
If you ever need me you got my number 606-875-0125 text or call
@@ktoutdoor thank you again
After watching your video I broke off the tabs and made a less than a 1/4 turn counter clock wise and it fixed the surging completely. Thanks for your help.
Worked great for me after much frustration with surging and stopping. A very thin blade and very gentle prying pressure under the tabbed portion of the knob, turning the knob a little with each pry , had the knob off intact in about 15 seconds. No need to cut or disassemble anything. Thanks so much for the informative video. Your advice was spot on.
Thanks for letting me know. Have a blessed day.
You’re the man Kevin!! I’m sitting here in Florida with my generator running thanks to your help. Thanks so much ✌🏼
Thank you for the kind words Nate, have a blessed day my friend!!
I just saw the Super Thanks you sent me. That's the largest one I have gotten so far. So cool, thank you. If I can ever be of any help, my cell is 606-875-0125 Kevin.
Thank Kevin, Even tho Mine is a Emerald I adjusted the Altitude (needle valve) on my unit, it immediately started purring like a kitten!!!!! Thank You!
Your very welcome
Thanks again, you saved me from having to spend money having to take motorhome and generator in for repair!
The Best Technical channel for RV’s. Great video
Wow thank you that's one of the best compliments I have ever got. May you have a blessed day.
Thank you!!! Worked so well on my 4000 onan generator. @ full turns was too much for the 4000 but 1and a half was good.
Also i purchased a $380 carb on Amazon, and it worked ok, i took it to cummings and they pointed out how it was not a Onan, the $550 Onan Dealer has so far worked the Best, but i do keep a $60 carb for a emergency
EXCELLENT video. Truly one of the best I have seen. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with those of us who are still learning.
Attn, everyone that makes how to videos, this is exactly how to do it, details are so important, thank you so much for the video also.
Thank you for the kind words. Have a blessed day.
Great stuff! I recently bought a 2008 grey hawk with only 7,100 miles and 36 hours on the Onan. The Onan was a no-start. I can see your brain spinning now.
I removed the float bowl. Wasn't really bad at all. I cleaned it out and sprayed the main clean, and opened orifices up and... More over... freed up the fuel shut off solenoid plunger. It was completely stuck.
Started right up after that, It does surge when not under a load, so i plan to do this adjustment and clean the needle end there.
Thanks so much!
You are da’ man. I followed your instructions and thanks to you, I now have a smooth running Onan Marquis. I only lack checking Hz to make sure it’s fine tuned in! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Awsome you made my day. Thanks for the kind words.
If you only knew how much I searched for Onan surge issues, watched videos and tried dozens of different suggestions with no improvement, that is until I found you. You obviously know what you’re talking about and your instructions are clear and easy to follow. I am definitely now following your UA-cam videos!
This worked for me, thanks
Well Kevin, this was another good fix and view of the Carb. I love to see the exploding views you show form time to time. Look forward to the next one.
Glad you enjoyed it
Tried this today and worked just like the video showed. The only thing I did differently is that I used a Dremmel tool with a cut-off wheel to cut the tabs off leaving the black plastic with which I can turn by hand and without having to remove the bowl drain bolt. Thanks for the video!!
Thank you for contributing, have a blessed day.
I just took a thin blade screwdriver and the knob just popped off. The screw has little cogs on the head to turn it by hand. Piece of cake.
YOU ARE A GENIUS !! TOOK 5 MIN, RUNS PERFECT USED A DREMAL TOOL TO CUT THE PLASTIC TABS OFF THE CAP.....
Thank you for the kind words Scott may you have a blessed day. Glad you got it fixed and saved from buying a new carburetor like so many people do.
Your video helped me fix my surging engine. Te plastic part has a slot built into it and if you put a sotted screwdriver in it and twist, it comes
right off.
Great video Kevin! Well...I'll tell ya, you are really keeping me busy with (fixes/check see's) on my Workhorse 🤣. Love your information...thx again !!
Scott
Its never ending it seams lol..
@@ktoutdoor yep...good thing we love to tinker and see what's going on and see how things operate!! 😎
Hey Kevin, just wanted to say thank you. I just did this on my generator and it runs great. Headed out on a hunting trip is weekend and really don't have time to clean a carb. 👍🍻
That's awsome to hear have a great trip and be careful.
Great video well presented the process of adjusting the RPM and HZ
Thank you
Awesome video Kevin! You're the best!!!
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 dipstick (it won't start if low oil because of sensors) then I checked gasoline more than 1\4 tank in the RV (also safety sensors), sparkplug checked for good spark, also checked the manual reset circuit braker ( to be ON) at front motorhome engine compartment for 12v current to the generator 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 like gum by rats at the back of starting switch generator panel so I replaced them, at this time the generator started but stay running only by keep pushing the switch on all the time, so then finally I knew it was internal 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) 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 because 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 with the help of a gasoline container, a piece of hose and 12v battery, I did put the air cooling assembly back and the rest of components including the cover, then it was ready to be installed at my RV.
Once the gen was installed back at my motorhome I started it to be tested for 120v electricity but not before flipping the AC circuit switch (on) at the gen starting control panel (sometimes hiding under or around the panel) to be able to transfer power to my RV GFCI main outlet and electric panel as well, my motorhome it's equipped with GFCI so I reset it and tested for green led light indicating power is ready at my main breakers panel, so I turned my main breaker (on) along the others ones but no power was present at my breaker main switch (faulty main braker) so I flipped it many times, sometimes you can make it work again, mine did work, lol!!!
I'm happy because everything works now including the refrigerator for cold drinks and AC for this crazy summer, lol! Later I'll buy me a new main braker, for now this is a resurrected generator story that needed to be shared.
If this can help eaven one person to save time and $$$ it'll make me more happy, thanks for reading!!!
Wow thank you for the great write up on your repair. Have a blessed day.
Grateful for your time and knowledge. Very easy and extreamly detailed. Was able to fix issue in no time. Thank you once again sir.
Thank you for the kind word Fred so glad you got yours fixed.
Hi Kevin, I had the same surging problem and I have the Onan 4000, I made the same modification to the rich/lean screw to make mine fully adjustable as you did. It worked great and half a turn out from factory and it smoothed out. I am in Colorado so I am right at 5000 feet of elevation. If you get a chance show us how to properly adjust the choke. Thanks for the video, very helpful.
I have a service manual I can email you that will show you how to adjust the choke. Text me your email address to my cell phone 606-875-0125
Kevin,
Thanks so much for sharing all your knowledge.
We all have our talents I'm happy to share what little I do have...
I have learned so much from you and I am truly grateful.
Thank you for the kind word James, We all have our talents I enjoy sharing what little I know.
Finished your vid. VERY, VERY informative. Thanks Jeff. Steve
Awesome Video Thank you soo much for taking the time to produce this video.
Did you get yours running?
Thanks!
Thank you stay tuned more to come
Great video
I just put a new carburetor on my own generator the old one has been setting for 3 years the new one is surging I will give this a shot I'm at 7500 ft could be the problem of course I will be cleaning the old one and tinkering with it before I attempt on the new one
But the old one was doing the same thing as the new one so I think it's an altitude problem I don't know
Please let me know if it works for you. I think it will.
Thanks again Kevin it worked I appreciate it
The old carburetor I took all apart and cleaned. So now I have a spare the new carburetor I just popped off the altitude control and adjusted it didn't have to replace the new carburetor have a Merry Christmas and thank you again
@@ktoutdoor how are you doing today
I took the new carburetor and popped off the altitude adjustment and it worked just like you said the old carburetor I completely took apart and cleaned not too bad so I think it was the altitude adjustment on the old carburetor oh well I have a spare just in case Merry Christmas and thank you again
Merry Christmas to you glad it worked for you. Have a blessed day.
Good afternoon. Great video. Tell me where you can see the catalog numbers of spare parts?
Email me and I will send you all my Onan files kc5210@gmail.com
What a great video. Excellent, thank you. I'm having the exact same problem. I'll give it a try.
Let me know how it goes
Thanks for these videos, very helpful!
Glad you like them!
Kevin, your video by far is the best on the internet. I was hoping you may help me with my gen issue. I have an Onan 5500, 82 hrs. It sat with old gas for many months. So far I’ve:
- removed the carb and cleaned it
-removed all old gas filled with new
-ensured fuel pump is pumping and pumped out old fuel
-ensured spark plugs have spark
Reassembled but it won’t start. It appears to be getting flooded with too much fuel. Funny thing is that when I drain the float bowl, don’t prime it, the gen starts like normal for a few seconds but then dies with a 36 fault code. This tells me that the float and shut off needle isn’t functioning allowing too much fuel in the carb.
Any ideas? Thanks
Yes give me a call my cell 606-875-0125 Kevin
Nice video I just bought the 5500 my 5.5 HGJAB-6755 and the altitude adjustment only goes from 0- 5000ft I live that 5879ft and camp 1000ft it will not run at 1000ft. So do you think the adjustment screw the word generator? It only has 7 hours.
Sure you got nothing to loose by trying. One more turn can make a big difference.
@@ktoutdoor thanks👍
Much appreciated for this video. Very helpful
So mine surges only after it gets warm. Do you think that this is part of the issue??
@davidbeauchesne1135 look at this video.
ua-cam.com/video/4JZtB0M8DD4/v-deo.htmlsi=XxKvfe09l_GQhEwN
Excellent video
Fixed my issue. Thanks. Easy.
So was yours surging how did you go about the repair did you remove the screw or just break off the tabs?
So will that loosen while running now that the plastic clip is gone
@davidbeauchesne1135 No, it has an oring and a spring to keep it tight.
Thank you 👍🙏 worked for me
very helpfull video,THANKS!
Always enjoy your videos, but the volume is many times very low.
I just cleaned the pocket fuzz from my phones micro phone that may help..lol
thanks for watching
where can i buy a new elevation adjustment jet buy itself
I don't think onan offers it. Just buy a cheap carburetor off Amazon and remove the jet from it.
amzn.to/3OzZSqt
Very good info.
While we are here, what spark plug do you run in your unit?
Thanks Buddy
ONAN SPARK PLUG # = 167-1638 I USE= NGK BPR4EY / STOCK # 3432
I have a onan 2800..could this also work on it.mine realy surges..Sat for years..
Yes it most likely will.. give it a try and let me know
If you find you need to dissemble and clean your Onan carburetor then what my other video here
ua-cam.com/video/xvBJeX2o2Ik/v-deo.html
Excellent video!!
Thank you. And thanks for watching.
Excellent
Dumb question.... Did you try carburetor cleaner or Sea Foam first? Great info!
I found it's best just to take the carburetor off for a thorough inspection and a thorough cleaning before I put it back together. If its really in bad shape then the carburetor may need replacing
Next time, take two small flat head screwdrivers and pry the cap off very carefully.
Mine is flooding out of the carb And the motor won’t start..
Watch my carb cleaning video.
ua-cam.com/video/xvBJeX2o2Ik/v-deo.html
Thanks
Thanks for watching
Isn't that more of a fuel screw than a main jet?
I guess I should call it the main jet adjustment screw
@@ktoutdoor sounds good.
Have you ever seen the belt under the bottom
It’s kinda like the dark side of the moon, you’ve never seen it but you know it’s there.
I know about it, the factory told me it should last the life of the generator? well see...
@@ktoutdoor I’m not a believer in a lifetime belt. I’m thinking I should replace mine soon.
@@larryreno8293 How many hours on yours? seems to be a vary ware failure from my research
@@ktoutdoor just over 700 hours. My concern is the age of the belt not hours of use. I have a ‘04 bounder on a W22 chassis. Also thank you for the tip on removing the adjustment limiter. I pulled it off and backed it out one turn, problem solved.
Why didn’t you just clean the carb?
I did in this Video ua-cam.com/video/xvBJeX2o2Ik/v-deo.html But I want show show a second option with out going to the trouble of removing the carburetor So always try this option first if it don't work then remove the carburetor.
Not bad, not bad. But you should not touch fuel mixture screw to change frequency.
Of course not. I was just pointing out the rpm drop from rich to lean. The 10 mm nut on governor spring will dial in your rpm and hertz.
I need to make a video on just that procedure.