Hello Mr. Bear all I’m getting is a clicking can’t get it to turn over got good house batteries Well I’m getting is the solenoid clicking do you have any pointers for me?
Man you just saved me a LOT of hassle! I can't hear a fuel pump running or tell that anything is actually happening holding the stop button, but sure enough, after 2 cycles the generator fired right up! The RV had been sitting for 6 years and I KNEW it had a lot of really old gas in it and run through the generator when I tested it. I was convinced I was going to rebuild that carb. Thank you!
Thank you for just walking through all the scenarios of generator issues.. its so hard sometimes to stay calm when your generator dies when your away in hot states and the generator shuts off and there no sure way of knowing until you get dirty. Thank you.
My generator wouldn`t start. After watching your video I checked the carb linkage and the choke was stuck wide open. After I moved the linkage up and down it unstuck and started right up. THANK YOU....
Good video. Quick note… a rapid clicking sound when attempting to prime or start a diesel generator could also be an extremely cold generator. We’ve had single-digit temps here in NW Arkansas the last several days. My Onan fired up and ran for two seconds, died, then showed a code to heat the generator. Hope this helps.
Thank you thank you thank you! It’s been three days of 105 and up degrees outside and unable to start the bounder or the generator. But after watching this video I finally got the generator going. Thank you so much you have no idea. Now I’m sitting in it with the air on waiting for it to cool down.🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thanks for your video. Helpful tips. I have a 2019 Winnebago travado 59k Van RV on a ram ProMaster chassis. It has a 2800 Onan generator. We bought it used the first of February and everything has been fine until a trip to Jacksonville Florida to visit our son in the navy. Once about halfway there we stopped to make coffee and it wouldn't start it just clicked when I tried to start it. I tried a few more times over the next few hours and eventually it just fired up and was running fine for almost a week on and off. Friday night while we were boondocking after a couple hours of running with the AC the generator stopped. It would restart but only run for a few minutes before stopping. When we bought the van the generator only had 10 hours on it telling me the gentleman didn't run it enough after 3 years. So when I got home I changed the oil in it assuming it still had to break in all in it just wasn't sure. It cranked immediately after I was finished and ran for a few minutes then stopped. Since then all I get is a click (at the generator) when trying to start. I'm assuming I may have house battery issues but I don't know I can't get under it to check them. Them being 3 years old I guess that's a possibility? I am going to my tire place in the morning and have them put it on the rack and check the two house batteries. I also thought possibly a solenoid on the onan? Thoughts? Not low gas or low oil
Great info. Learned some things. My problem is that the access door on the RV chassis doesn't have a big enough opening to open the generator cover. I have Class C Thor Freedon Elite.
Thanks brother, appreciate you... I do believe you just reminded me that it's not starting because of low Fuel... I'm just above a qtr tank, it wants to start but then stops... Thanks for the heads up... Will be filling up as we get moving in a couple of days, hoping that is the solution... Peace, love and cheer!
An amazing video, tips are on point mainly because the points you indicated hits a thorough walk-through that solved my issues. So thank you and keep doing what you do because every bit helps the next individual that’s a do it yourselfer…my made up word
I have a Onan 7000 EFI in Denver. It has trouble staying running. I’ve figured out to disconnect the load w the Circuit Breakers on the Generator near the start switch. Then it will stay running. I have to wait for about 15 minutes sometimes for it to warm up and then apply the load by Turing on the Circuit Breakers. Then it holds. There is an RV style AC unit on the system. I think it may have a heater package on it too. Took it to Cummins one time before and they found no issues. I thought it might not be set for high altitude. They said no.
Lot of good information here without wasting a lot of time. I appreciate how you take us through the problem and what to look for. I have a problem with my Onan 4000. Last fall I changed the oil and exercised it over the winter a few times. This spring...it would crank, but not start. It turned out to be a spark plug. For the next few months, everything ran fine. Last week I stopped in a rest area and tried to fire up the generator and all it would do is crank...would not fire. I haven’t had a chance to get in and check things out yet, but it was really strange that a few hours earlier, it had started and ran fine. The rest area was not level, so I tried it again when I got home...same problem. I have heard that to have a generator serviced can be very costly. I would be interested to hear your thoughts.
I would check oil level first, then try the starter fluid and see if it runs on that. If it does then you may have a fuel issue. Either fuel filter or fuel pump. That is where I would start.
Bear, I have an update on my generator issue. I had about 1/2 a tank of gas, so I put a bottle of Star Tron fuel treatment in the tank, filled it up with fresh gasoline and put the levelers down. Then I checked the oil level, it was good, tried to crank it...crank but no start. I took the plug out and checked the spark and it looked good (I had replaced the plug about a month ago). Then I took the air filter cover off. (Winnebago must think you will NEVER need to service the generator because the access was not large enough). I was kind of working from remembering what you had in your video. When I got the air filter cover off...there was some mouse nesting materials, I really couldn’t see where it was, but I cleaned it out as best as I could. Once again, crank but no start. I was able to spray some starting fluid in the general area of the air filter and it was enough to get it started.I ran it for about 25 minutes with the AC pulling about 15 amps. Then turned the AC off and ran it no load for another five minutes. I shut it off and cranked it...and it started up! Thanks for the tips, saved me a ton of money. I did have one mishap. I dropped the wing nut that holds the air cleaned cover on. Can’t find it anywhere...probably because it is impossible to see in that part of the compartment. I am going to buy a new wing nut and see how things run. Again, thanks for the informative video.
I thought you were very informative, I found you by looking for information about my class C 1988 calista, wondering if it ran off of gas or propane? Because I have been having problems trying to start it, I had a couple of guys looking at it and nobody knows anything about an onan generator, which is very surprising, so thank you for that information on the movie with RVs I was happy with the price I paid for this one and happy with all the storage room it had & set up it had, it did not come with an owner's manual and it's very hard to find information or nother owners manual, the person I bought it from did not go over much of anything, probably because I talked her down on the price, anyways I'm in search of how to keep her going & to learn all about her, I've taken her out once always happy to see the septic working well and the water working well, I did not get a chance to use the generator, although the electricity in it shorted a couple of times, I still haven't figured out why working on it. So thank you for that information & you look forward to more of your videos to learn more about my Callisto 1988, by the way she was birthed the same year as my daughter... Thank you!!! For your video I look forward to going through more of your videos if needed...✌️❤️ Let's get RVing😅
You are so rad strength to the point lost of good info thank you hopefully I can get mine going need a shower going nuts full time rver was running great
Nice video very informative , I did know I have to hold the start for 30 sec. I do have a Onan 6.5 RV on my Airstream 86 345 just got it and do not have any manuals for the generator , I had a problem to start but if I close the choke it will start , maybe I need todo a full service oil change etc, etc,
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 then I did put the air cooling assembly back and the rest of components including the cover, now it's ready to be installed at my RV. Once the gen was installed back at my motorhome I started it to be tested for electric power but not before flipping the electric switch (on) at the gen starting control panel (sometimes hiding under or around the panel) 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 ref 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!!!
Thank you. Great video! Our generator isn't starting on its own but if I connect the positive of my multi-meter to the generator's positive terminal, and the negative to the generator's ground, the generator starts and runs. It then stops once I remove the multi-meter's positive. So it's creating a circuit. What might this mean? Cause? What should I look for? Hope ya can help. 8)
So a few minutes ago I went out and checked the batteries and made sure they were clean and tight. Even water. Checked the oil that's good. This motorhome is old school doesn't have any lights like what you're talking about. Tried it and still just clicks like yesterday.
Hey bear we bought a new Thor Freedom Traveler A30 in August took it out for one trip then had to take it back to dealer to do some warranty work wood coming loose, the graphics on the outside of the coach pealing off etc etc.....so they had it for three months, by the time we got it back we had to winterize it and then just park it......being new to this I left it parked for a couple of months and went out to start it up and had dead batteries house and engine.....figured out how to hook it up to the 15amp outside connection ergo 110 and got the engine battery all charged up, I am thinking good to go, we had a brutal cold winter so periodically I was in and out just checking on the RV making sure had no broken pipes etc....fast forward to yesterday, went out to run the rv and run the generator, could not get the gen to even register on the control panel, could not get the slide to work etc etc.....there was a gentleman next to me that had an amp meter and he tested my batteries and said they were down to three volts I have two 12 volt batteries I guess the RV does not have something to charge all batteries....I went out to day and purchased a good charger that will drop into maintain mode to keep batteries charged, of course I had to try and charge the house batteries first.....before I left to come back home the voltage was up to 12 but still no luck with getting the window on the control panel to display when I try to hit the start switch on the Onan so now that ive talked your ear off do you think it could be a reset switch on the generator ????? Ive finally figured out how to remove the cover ........the only time we used the gen was when we started it up to make sure it worked when we bought the RV ......any help would be appreciated......Thanks Dave Taylor
On some coaches there is a timer mode for the generator. My buddy had a problem with his, when the batteries would drain, the generator would not start. Found out there was a setting that would not allow his generator to start between certain hours. If the batteries die then the clock will also be wrong so it just may not function at random times. Also try running the coach for awhile. On most coaches the vehicle generator will start to charge the house batteries while the coach is running. You can also try jumping the generator with a battery pack,
@@BearsWorkshop Thanks tried most of those, was out there for a few hours yesterday running the motor I finally found info on how to remove the generator face plate to access the reset switches so ill try checking to make sure we have no switches tripped at the gen.......and try to start it from the source and see if that wakes it up .....if not I guess a trip to where I bought it, things not even a year old yet and not more than four hours on the gen.....Dave
So new info......checked the compartment where house batteries were located and found a curious yellow switch that was visible next to a blue button I reset that yellow switch and the generator fired right up that explains why my house batteries were dead they were not getting charged through the system like my engine battery was.....HOWEVER the rv radio which is an Axxera avm80 POS is now stuck in demo mode and no one seems to have a clue how to get it out I have pulled fuses reset fuses, and reset factory settings and it is still in demo mode and wont stay on one screen, that being said, anyone have a fix for that other than one round from my 9mm ???
Hey Bear. Thanks for the video. You hit on a problem I am having. My float seems to be stuck and even at a full tank, I show 1/4 on the gauge. If I top off the RV (2013 Thor Palazzo) the genny runs great for a few gallons then wont run. I am fairly confident that the sensor is the problem. Being a techie, I am guessing somewhere in the path of that sensor is a relay that is NC or NO that I should be able to trip, sort of like the GM six speed lockout fix. Are you aware of anyway to do this? I have tried reaching out to Freightliner shops to replace the float but, no one wants to deal with it. TIA, Craig
Hi bear. I have that generator which was on my 5th wheel when I purchased it but mine doesn't seem to have a place for those 2 small wires near the carburetor that yours has. Also, no batteries but I'm hooked up to a 50 amp plug. Will my generator still start once I hook up propane?
I too, have a 4.0. In the control box, it has what looks like a normal "Ford" solenoid on it & 2 relays, bottom of box. Now is the small center post on solenoid marked with a "S" supposed to be hot all the time???, I thought that only put 12vdc on it when you closed the start switch to make it send power to the starter side of solenoid. I have a constant 12vdc on that "S" post.... and when I push START, it acts like there's not enough battery for it.... it just _"Chatters"_ ,but then I had it turning over the other day, albeit, rather slowly.... I think somebody's got their + & - mixed up... not surprising, I've been re-wiring this behemoth for a month now, somebody didn't know what they were doing and mutilated and massacred the factory wiring and now it's all 18g brown wires and 90 scotchloks later.... hope I never meet this non-wiring jerkoff... still finding these damn scotchloks to this day..... I'd fire any employee who used these crappily designed strand cutting blades Great channel couz.... gonna join the party ;) ~Whirled Peas PS: Weren't you in "Trailer Park Boys" Is that Julian?? ...lolz
Hi Bear, thank you for the great video. I have the same 5500 generator and it will not prime or crank. I have 12.6V. I went to remove the plastic housing for the switch after removing the thick wire from the bolt with the red rubber boot on it then when i went to remove the plastic housing when my ratchet touched the nut holding it on i had sparks and quickly pulled away the ratchet and didn't reconnect the thick negative wire. Not really sure what to do next. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You for your time. Short version. I have been using my generator with success. I got to empty and started a trip. I filled up and got back eight hours later. I filled the generator up. 20220520. Generator would start then cough like you explained. It ran just long enough to get the slideouts out open. Then my imagination went wild. I was post toasted for the trip and came back to the generator in two days. My thoughts were I may have put some damn diesel in the unleaded tank for the generator. but the little drop of fuel in the fill up smelled like regular. I opened up the front just like you did and noticed gas coming out of the carburetor, but am so upset I can't figure out if i accidentally put diesel in there or not. Didn't know the light was for error codes. Filter wasn't near as dirty as yours. So I put things back together and tried to siphon some gas to see how bad I screwed up or if that is the problem. I couldn't siphon anything. Fuel tank registers full. The first attempt after a long trip it was 97 degrees and i thought it was too damn hot because air conditioners and equipment seem to fail when i need them the most. Second day it was pleasantly cool. So I Put it back together and walked away and am wondering how to either drain the bad gas and get a suggestion for how bad i may have screwed up the motor with a bit of diesel. If I happened to put the proper gas in there I am level have checked the oil. All but the coolant.
I don't have a prime 😔. My generator looks way smaller than yours. I replaced the fuel filter, but still no luck. It turns over just fine, but won't 'catch'. I'm in a 1995 RoadTrek camper van and have an Onan generator.
Hi and thanks for the info. I have a 5500 series that starts great when cold and runs like a champ, but has hot starting problems (smells like the unit siphons gas and floods the carb). If I go outside and open the choke fully, it starts pretty easy, so I know it must be there. However; the choke seems to be working fine.
What kind of coolant might it need? Any kind okay? I'm a single mom about to head across country with my 2 kids, the mechanic checked her out and said she is good to go, but when we went to leave today the generator wouldn't start. It has been sitting for about 9-10 months, so I'm thinking maybe bad gas? But could also be coolant. I have used shore power 99% of the time since buying the RV used last year.
Hey thanks for such a wonderful way to explain the possible issues with the generator. I want to know how the coach auxiliary batteries are recharged? I usually turn on the generator however my batteries seem not to be charged later on when I want to start the generator again and I end up charging them. I have an Winnebago ford 87 with an Onan generator. Any ideas where to start?
Nice video. My generator starts then cuts off when I release the start button. There is gas in the tank.... I can't figure why js is happening, driving me nuts
My guess is that the starter is keeping it running and it's not actually running. Check fuel supply, fuel filter, fuel level on the RV needs to be above 1/4 and then maybe fuel pump.
We took ours to the local RV repair shop after hubby did every troubleshooting step possible, changing the circut board , switch , all filters , filled it with propane, etc... it still ran for a few seconds and quit . The RV repair shop told hubby they couldn't figure it out either...hubby already tested and replaced everything that they would do and double checked his work everything was done correctly. ( Hubby definitely had a gleam in his eyes for a brief second knowing he did everything the RV mechanics knew to do) He asked what would be his next step be. They said take to Cummings. Cummings said It was a Guage or something located inside the generator, they had to remove the generator completely from the RV itself to open it up and replace the part inside. Labor and part was just over at $3k " labor mostly at $150 per hour" Our warranty coverd most of the repair . I guess if everything on the outside is changed out , gotta look inside. I believe that my hubby could have repaired it himself..but that generator would very heavy for a 68 year old man by himself. Glad we purchased the extended warranty on our pre loved 2001 Monaco Knight 31J through the dealer when we bought it last year. The dealership said you cannot purchase warranty for motorhomes over 20 years old or over 60k miles " gas or diesel " is the reason why we purchased , our SHORTY diesel pusher was 19 years old and 56k miles .. so far that's the only issue we've had. Hopefully if anything else happens it will be before August 2022. Thanks for your video , hubby watches and learns. He UA-cam's everything for the RV . As a retured owner operator OTR truck driver , he did all of his own maintenance and repairs " he could do himself " on his own ( if he wasn't driving the truck , he was under the truck or washing the truck) Having the RV at home gives him something to do , he's always putsing around with it!! Sure wish he was into remodeling, it could use new flooring and I want the dining table that's directly across from the sofa removed and replaced with a entertainment cabinet that has a fireplace insert and a TV lift ( just the two of us, we cook and eat outside..so TV trays would be fine for the times we must eat indoors due to weather conditions we camp here in the desert and sometimes 116° is too hot for us to cook outside.. occasionally mornings in the wintertime is too cold to eat outside comfortably..I do make breakfast inside almost always with our old-fashioned percolator coffee's. Life is Good 👍 when you can get away for a couple of days. We don't really do extended long trips ( he's done that already lol)
Hi Ben, thanks for the helpful tips! I have the Onan 5500 EVAP, it will only start and run if I hold the butterfly closed or mostly closed (choked), but even when it should be warmed up, it will still only run when I hold it closed or mostly closed. Do you think this is an electric choke problem or something else?
I should add that when I let the butterfly open on its own after it's warmed up, it starts surging and eventually shuts down - seems like it's flooding. Possible issue with the carb?
Hi just wondering why mi onan 5500 discharge the battery once it's working?? Starts perfect but after 3 hours shut off and the battery is dead. Thank you for.you support I got a food.truck.
If I allow my generator to sit idle for 5-10 minutes it will not start again even with priming. I have to start RV engine then turn generator on. Purchased 2 new house batteries and a new chassis battery, in last 3 months. Could this be electrical or what?
Is there anything I can spray into the carb hole to clean it a bit? My generator stopped today and it's not starting back up its onan 5.5hgjab LP I know you mentioned starter fluid but on a LP what can I use?
I have a QG3600. Having issues where it will do half a crank then stop, feels like battery is dead but is fully charged 12.6v , load tested to 330CA.. This may happen 2-3 times in a row , walk away and come back then it will turn over and start…any clues appreciated . Not sure if there is a connection but also noted when under load black smoke..
I have a 2007 4000 that refuses to start. Suspected the carb, took it out and there was no problem with it. Checked the fuel delivery, pump and filter seem good. Sprayed starter fluid into carb, no start. Cleaned spark plug and attached a checker, we have fire. Added oil, parked on level ground, no start. Have more than 1/4 tank of fuel. Got a code 36 also. Fuel, air, and fire, but no start.
I've got a onan 3600 LP model. Service fault (3blinks) and codes 15,14,13 are coming up. Over frequency, under frequency, controller can't maintain voltage. New air filter, new spark plug, fresh oil with proper level, cleaned the exhaust out. IDK? Is there a voltage control module? Maybe the reg up by the tank? Bad alternator?
Great Video, thanks! Now, I have an interesting one for you: Onan 5500. Changed threat video, thanks! e house batteries actually ALL the batteries, they are showing 12.2 volts. Tried to start the gen after a few months...NOTHING! No prime red light, no crank, nothing. Ideas? I also tried from the switch on the generator, outside in the bay. Thanks!!
@@techomega9971 Talking about the ground? It has a Hi-amp breaker, and has power in and out. That's on the firewall by batteries. No power at power lug on Genset. I'll keep looking. Thanks. Enjoying your videos!
My generator takes a while to start. I have to prime it several times before it starts. I usually start it about every two to three weeks does it make a difference in the amount of time you prime it?
Hi there, I have an Onan4000 generator that seems to have a fuel issue. Technician thinks it could be the tube from the main gas tank to the generator. The thought is it could be the sensor in the tank itself as he had the generator running using a separate fuel source. How likely is this, and can the sensor be replaced without removing the fuel tank? Alison
there is no sensor in the tank. The generator gets its fuel off a pick up tube that starts at 1/4 of a tank (so you dont get stranded). trust your mechanic, theres a reason hes a mechanic and your not.
I had a start/stop issue. The light flashed 2 times. I checked the manufacturing web site for error codes. It was low oil. Add oil slowly and let it drain into the generator oil pan. I had to repeat slowly adding oil and rechecking the level screwing the dipstick completely in and then unscrewing it to recheck the level. Be patient and you will get the level correct... No more issue!!!
Ours was working fine and the next day it wouldn't start at all we checked oil it was gone. we filled it, still nothing. maybe we should take some out but my hubby said it don't even have a spark
Mine is making a Whirring noise, but not cranking. New plug, new air filter, new oil. Not turninmg over. Only has about 80 hours 2007m Winnebago aspect
My Onan was running fine stopped and has never ran again. Won't even make a sound like it is trying. Here is what I have done Full tank of gas Added oil Held start button off 5 seconds House batteries are new 6 months ago and have been used very little. Would you give me some ideas on what else to try please? Thanks so much. Jeannine
Have a 1994 Onan. Sitting for 4 months and was running ok when parked. All batteries are at full charge. I now get a rapid clicking sound when I press any of the start buttons and starter won't turn the engine. New starter about a year ago. Clicking sound is near the start switch on the generator panel.
Can it be run with an external fuel source? Skipping the main tank if its so low and you're not looking to dump like 15 gallons into the tank you won't even get to use? Have a Monaco 2000, looks similar to your interior. Was running an "external fuel supply" as id done with an 86 pace arrow just to skip the BS of filling the tank enough for the pickup. One hot day this summer, it ran that external fuel can dry. Refilled the can, hasn't stayed running since. Basically starts and dies immediately, unless holding down the start button. It's getting fuel just fine through the pump and the carb, ive had the carb off twice and made sure everything was cleared and blown through, getting fuel through it, i thought the LoW gAs was simply the tube pickup in the tank not going to the bottom, is it also electronically controled by the fuel gauge sensor now? Edit to add: only code I'm getting is 36. Engine shutdown not commanded by computer.
Hey got an onan 4000w generator that won’t crank replaced the starter solenoid as it would click but there would be no crank. I can manually turn the engine with a wrench but still nothing. I’m thinking it’s the starter but I’m worried it’s possibly seized. It was just on for service at Cummins where the valves were adjusted so that could also be a possibility to why it may be seized?
We just bought a 1993 Winnebago Brave. She had only 20,000 miles on her. The generator will not start ,acting as it's about to but nope it did that for a bit. My husband said it seems like it's not getting power. This is our first-ever RV. Now mind you it had ran over night as we were parked at Loves. Turned it off when we pulled out then later on nada. I've searched for any videos on A 93 Winnebago Brave and there seems to be a lack of any. Thank you any one for help.
Good Info. But one item needs correction. Your generator in the video the Onan RV5500 QG is air cooled, not water cooled so there is no coolant in that Genset. Otherwise good info.
Great comprehensive video! I have a Cummings generator in my 2015 Thor Freedom Elite. I started the generator with the aux battery and battery was dead. I started the rv engine and hit the start button for the generator and after multiple tries, the generator started. I turned off the ignition to the rv and the generator quit. I checked the aux battery a d it looked low so I replaced it. Tried to start the generator and nothing, just a single click noise and won't start. Opened up the cover to the generator and found the yellow oil cap laying in the compartment. The oil had totally leaked out! I filled the oil Reservoir back up but still will not crank over. I am afraid I may have unknowingly seized the generator motor. Do you know of any resets? I may have to pull it and rebuild it. $4000 to replace. Any suggestions?
Hopefully you found the problem! I had the same issue when I ran the house battery down and started the engine to start the generator. The DC would not work except on generator or shore power. And then would not charge batteries. Under the hood in front of the driver is a metal box with a flat lid. After pulling very hard to get the lid off, there is a 50 amp circuit breaker on the PCB. On the right side of the breaker there is a tiny button. Put your finger on it an slight push resets the breaker. If your batteries are very low, the alternator puts more than 50 amps through them. Long enough and the breaker trips.
@@BearsWorkshop I don't think you helped! The original question from Nick was "show the cooling system." The reply from iMeltYT was "exactly what I was looking for." Meaning, I think, he agrees with Nick, that you haven't provided any info on the cooling system.
Video on startup issues was helpful but didn't get mine running. Seems like mine is flooded. Raw gas is pumping out of the intake port behind the choke. It was primed, pressed Start, on 3rd try, it began to start but then stopped before completely starting. It never ran. Still fuel is pumping out of the carb. RV is a 2008 with only 8K miles. Everything is new. I have not attempted to run the Onan generator in at least 3 years. We use a portable Honda eu3000i.instead. Help!
You do not want the power converter (120v ac to 12v dc) powered up during the generator start as it will be heavily loaded and can damage the electronics of the converter, so it is best to NOT have shore power connected during the generator start, or at least trip the circuit breaker for the power converter. Better is to start the engine, this will allow the engine to charge the house batteries thru the charge/boost relay or whatever type of interconnection there is. Your alternator is capable of giving you a 100 amps or more, and the power converter is only capable of half that amount. Also, small point, you showed how to prime the generator but were not clear about the fact you are using the STOP position of the switch to do this.
Hey Bear! could use some advice/knowledge i have an Onan 7500 Diesel Spec J runs pefect for hours no issues but if you try to put any load in rv it shuts down get code i get code 38 i disconnected from Rv and issue not wires between rv/gen i wired generator out side to a power strip and single fan and same issues ... Any help or idea would appreciate it.. have done complete oil change./filter fuel air filter etc Thx !
Great video ! my generator does not turn over from the switch on dashboard. i checked the batteries i am getting 12.4 volts, they are 4 months old and it turns on from the switch on the generator itself.
I have a Onan 4000 not getting spark the coil & boot test good and I replaced the magneto and new spark plug. Any thoughts. could it be in wires? it is an older motorhome and the prior owner couldn't figure it out.
Nice video! I have kind of a weird thing going with mine. On a trip I could not start it, very frustrating. I would prime wait for light then toggle to start....nothing just cranked. Today by mistake I just pushed start ...no prime... jumped right to life! Running great and steady under load and off. Prime must be flooding mine???
Aloha from Mark Nye thefixitguy here in Kaneohe Oahu. I am working on a Ford F460 big box truck converted to a dog grooming vehicle. The customer brought it to me to try and clear up a CODE 36 issue. First thing i did was change the plugs and oil, checked the fuel pressure and it worked for 2 days then it did it again. Yesterday i found that the fuel pump is not getting continuous voltage. the two wires coming from the control have intermittent voltage. Does this mean the control board is going out ?? The fuel pump works great if connected to a 12 volt source so we know the fuel pump is good. Thanks for any help from anyone.
I have a 7kw onan quiet diesel generator.. it has 120hrs on it. And the board crapped out. They have made it it extremely hard to access. It gives 3 flashes on attempt to start, then 6 flashes for secondary code. It could mean bad battery connection which I hoped it was. But nope. The second reason is the board is shot. $1800 U.S. for a new board, but good luck changing it... the whole genset has to be dropped out to access it. Onan is so proud of their self troubleshooting genset... it’s now a dam brick in the front of my motor home. Do not buy an onan, electronics is garbage. It’s annoying that my old motor home had 800 hrs on the genset and it was still going strong.
My Generator solenoid clicks several times as I press the starter button over and over then the starter turns over and all is fine. Sometimes it starts with 3 or 4 clicks sometimes 7 to 10. Is this my starter or solenoid? It is the same for remote or at the Generator?
By the way , My generator in my toy hauler will not start from the inside only outside. I’ve change the switch on the inside and checked my breaker and fuses and nothing. Any advise ??? There is oil and good gas but it just won’t start from the panel . I have to go outside and start it that way .
New oil and levels messed with to where it will start and run but only a couple of minutes when motor is warm. In AM cool motor it runs about 8 min and stalls. I am looking to bypass the low oil level ground producing switch to test and if it keep running replace it...
Hey everyone, let me know if this video was helpful to you and lets hit that Subscribe button. Thanks for watching!
Thank you. This was very helpful! I got it running.
Subscribing!
There is no coolant in a generator.
Hi from Alberta Canada!! Big thanks for all your precious info 🙏 I like your tum up 👍👍👍
Hello Mr. Bear all I’m getting is a clicking can’t get it to turn over got good house batteries Well I’m getting is the solenoid clicking do you have any pointers for me?
Man you just saved me a LOT of hassle! I can't hear a fuel pump running or tell that anything is actually happening holding the stop button, but sure enough, after 2 cycles the generator fired right up! The RV had been sitting for 6 years and I KNEW it had a lot of really old gas in it and run through the generator when I tested it. I was convinced I was going to rebuild that carb.
Thank you!
Thank you for just walking through all the scenarios of generator issues.. its so hard sometimes to stay calm when your generator dies when your away in hot states and the generator shuts off and there no sure way of knowing until you get dirty. Thank you.
My generator wouldn`t start. After watching your video I checked the carb linkage and the choke was stuck wide open. After I moved the linkage up and down it unstuck and started right up. THANK YOU....
Very good video. The process he walks through covers all the bases. Excellent!! Thanks !!
Hey Ben, very helpful video for us "Newbie's" who are first time 5th wheel owners. I subscribed and please keep these helpful videos coming.
Good video. Quick note… a rapid clicking sound when attempting to prime or start a diesel generator could also be an extremely cold generator. We’ve had single-digit temps here in NW Arkansas the last several days. My Onan fired up and ran for two seconds, died, then showed a code to heat the generator. Hope this helps.
Thank you thank you thank you! It’s been three days of 105 and up degrees outside and unable to start the bounder or the generator. But after watching this video I finally got the generator going. Thank you so much you have no idea. Now I’m sitting in it with the air on waiting for it to cool down.🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thank you for all these tips I am having trouble with my Onan generator but I’m beginning to wonder if it’s the batteries thank you so much.
Bear: Thanks for answering so many questions. You're 1 in a million.
Thanks for your video. Helpful tips.
I have a 2019 Winnebago travado 59k Van RV on a ram ProMaster chassis. It has a 2800 Onan generator. We bought it used the first of February and everything has been fine until a trip to Jacksonville Florida to visit our son in the navy. Once about halfway there we stopped to make coffee and it wouldn't start it just clicked when I tried to start it. I tried a few more times over the next few hours and eventually it just fired up and was running fine for almost a week on and off. Friday night while we were boondocking after a couple hours of running with the AC the generator stopped. It would restart but only run for a few minutes before stopping. When we bought the van the generator only had 10 hours on it telling me the gentleman didn't run it enough after 3 years. So when I got home I changed the oil in it assuming it still had to break in all in it just wasn't sure. It cranked immediately after I was finished and ran for a few minutes then stopped. Since then all I get is a click (at the generator) when trying to start. I'm assuming I may have house battery issues but I don't know I can't get under it to check them. Them being 3 years old I guess that's a possibility? I am going to my tire place in the morning and have them put it on the rack and check the two house batteries. I also thought possibly a solenoid on the onan? Thoughts?
Not low gas or low oil
Great info. Learned some things. My problem is that the access door on the RV chassis doesn't have a big enough opening to open the generator cover. I have Class C Thor Freedon Elite.
We do as well, and neither I nor my husband can get the cover off. Did you figure it out?
Aha! Found someone who showed how! ua-cam.com/video/bgUG5-agTw0/v-deo.html
Thanks brother, appreciate you... I do believe you just reminded me that it's not starting because of low Fuel... I'm just above a qtr tank, it wants to start but then stops... Thanks for the heads up... Will be filling up as we get moving in a couple of days, hoping that is the solution... Peace, love and cheer!
An amazing video, tips are on point mainly because the points you indicated hits a thorough walk-through that solved my issues. So thank you and keep doing what you do because every bit helps the next individual that’s a do it yourselfer…my made up word
I have a Onan 7000 EFI in Denver. It has trouble staying running. I’ve figured out to disconnect the load w the Circuit Breakers on the Generator near the start switch. Then it will stay running. I have to wait for about 15 minutes sometimes for it to warm up and then apply the load by Turing on the Circuit Breakers. Then it holds. There is an RV style AC unit on the system. I think it may have a heater package on it too. Took it to Cummins one time before and they found no issues. I thought it might not be set for high altitude. They said no.
Lot of good information here without wasting a lot of time. I appreciate how you take us through the problem and what to look for. I have a problem with my Onan 4000. Last fall I changed the oil and exercised it over the winter a few times. This spring...it would crank, but not start. It turned out to be a spark plug. For the next few months, everything ran fine. Last week I stopped in a rest area and tried to fire up the generator and all it would do is crank...would not fire. I haven’t had a chance to get in and check things out yet, but it was really strange that a few hours earlier, it had started and ran fine. The rest area was not level, so I tried it again when I got home...same problem. I have heard that to have a generator serviced can be very costly. I would be interested to hear your thoughts.
I would check oil level first, then try the starter fluid and see if it runs on that. If it does then you may have a fuel issue. Either fuel filter or fuel pump. That is where I would start.
Bear, I have an update on my generator issue. I had about 1/2 a tank of gas, so I put a bottle of Star Tron fuel treatment in the tank, filled it up with fresh gasoline and put the levelers down. Then I checked the oil level, it was good, tried to crank it...crank but no start. I took the plug out and checked the spark and it looked good (I had replaced the plug about a month ago). Then I took the air filter cover off. (Winnebago must think you will NEVER need to service the generator because the access was not large enough). I was kind of working from remembering what you had in your video. When I got the air filter cover off...there was some mouse nesting materials, I really couldn’t see where it was, but I cleaned it out as best as I could. Once again, crank but no start. I was able to spray some starting fluid in the general area of the air filter and it was enough to get it started.I ran it for about 25 minutes with the AC pulling about 15 amps. Then turned the AC off and ran it no load for another five minutes. I shut it off and cranked it...and it started up! Thanks for the tips, saved me a ton of money. I did have one mishap. I dropped the wing nut that holds the air cleaned cover on. Can’t find it anywhere...probably because it is impossible to see in that part of the compartment. I am going to buy a new wing nut and see how things run. Again, thanks for the informative video.
@@garys.8333 Glad to hear it worked out!
Excellent descriptions and I appreciate the regular common language you used. New owner and this is everything I needed to know!
2015 Tiffin allegro bus dead gen only clicks I’ll be cking these things tomorrow! Thanks for this!
Saved me on a trip in our Tiffin. Needed just a tiny bit of oil. Thanks.
Glad to help!
I thought you were very informative, I found you by looking for information about my class C 1988 calista, wondering if it ran off of gas or propane? Because I have been having problems trying to start it, I had a couple of guys looking at it and nobody knows anything about an onan generator, which is very surprising, so thank you for that information on the movie with RVs I was happy with the price I paid for this one and happy with all the storage room it had & set up it had, it did not come with an owner's manual and it's very hard to find information or nother owners manual, the person I bought it from did not go over much of anything, probably because I talked her down on the price, anyways I'm in search of how to keep her going & to learn all about her, I've taken her out once always happy to see the septic working well and the water working well, I did not get a chance to use the generator, although the electricity in it shorted a couple of times, I still haven't figured out why working on it. So thank you for that information & you look forward to more of your videos to learn more about my Callisto 1988, by the way she was birthed the same year as my daughter... Thank you!!! For your video I look forward to going through more of your videos if needed...✌️❤️ Let's get RVing😅
EXCELLENT INSTRUCTOR. THANKS BEAR !!
Fantastic video! Thanks for taking us through the process. Would you happen to know the valve lash spec for the Onan 2800i generators?
thank you , my onan would not grab in my class b and the battery charge was low. started van and badda boom badda bing.. 💥
You are so rad strength to the point lost of good info thank you hopefully I can get mine going need a shower going nuts full time rver was running great
This is a great video. Thank you for making it.
Very clear-I will troubleshoot with this info-Iam now a subscriber-thank you
Thanks for the sub!
Nice video very informative , I did know I have to hold the start for 30 sec. I do have a Onan 6.5 RV on my Airstream 86 345 just got it and do not have any manuals for the generator , I had a problem to start but if I close the choke it will start , maybe I need todo a full service oil change etc, etc,
great! the aux batteries have to b hooked up for the gen to start?
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 then I did put the air cooling assembly back and the rest of components including the cover, now it's ready to be installed at my RV.
Once the gen was installed back at my motorhome I started it to be tested for electric power but not before flipping the electric switch (on) at the gen starting control panel (sometimes hiding under or around the panel) 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 ref 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!!!
I have the same exact problem. I had evidence of mice making a nest in the generator housing. I suppose they made a way up to the coil also.
Excellent video but there's no coolant on these style of onan generator there air cooled units
Thank you. Great video! Our generator isn't starting on its own but if I connect the positive of my multi-meter to the generator's positive terminal, and the negative to the generator's ground, the generator starts and runs. It then stops once I remove the multi-meter's positive. So it's creating a circuit. What might this mean? Cause? What should I look for? Hope ya can help. 8)
That's funny did you find the coolant reservoir 😂😂
It's aired cooled no radiator lol
So a few minutes ago I went out and checked the batteries and made sure they were clean and tight. Even water. Checked the oil that's good. This motorhome is old school doesn't have any lights like what you're talking about. Tried it and still just clicks like yesterday.
Check to see what your house battery voltage is. Not enough volts will cause a clicking noise.
Hey bear we bought a new Thor Freedom Traveler A30 in August took it out for one trip then had to take it back to dealer to do some warranty work wood coming loose, the graphics on the outside of the coach pealing off etc etc.....so they had it for three months, by the time we got it back we had to winterize it and then just park it......being new to this I left it parked for a couple of months and went out to start it up and had dead batteries house and engine.....figured out how to hook it up to the 15amp outside connection ergo 110 and got the engine battery all charged up, I am thinking good to go, we had a brutal cold winter so periodically I was in and out just checking on the RV making sure had no broken pipes etc....fast forward to yesterday, went out to run the rv and run the generator, could not get the gen to even register on the control panel, could not get the slide to work etc etc.....there was a gentleman next to me that had an amp meter and he tested my batteries and said they were down to three volts I have two 12 volt batteries I guess the RV does not have something to charge all batteries....I went out to day and purchased a good charger that will drop into maintain mode to keep batteries charged, of course I had to try and charge the house batteries first.....before I left to come back home the voltage was up to 12 but still no luck with getting the window on the control panel to display when I try to hit the start switch on the Onan so now that ive talked your ear off do you think it could be a reset switch on the generator ????? Ive finally figured out how to remove the cover ........the only time we used the gen was when we started it up to make sure it worked when we bought the RV ......any help would be appreciated......Thanks Dave Taylor
On some coaches there is a timer mode for the generator. My buddy had a problem with his, when the batteries would drain, the generator would not start. Found out there was a setting that would not allow his generator to start between certain hours. If the batteries die then the clock will also be wrong so it just may not function at random times. Also try running the coach for awhile. On most coaches the vehicle generator will start to charge the house batteries while the coach is running. You can also try jumping the generator with a battery pack,
@@BearsWorkshop Thanks tried most of those, was out there for a few hours yesterday running the motor I finally found info on how to remove the generator face plate to access the reset switches so ill try checking to make sure we have no switches tripped at the gen.......and try to start it from the source and see if that wakes it up .....if not I guess a trip to where I bought it, things not even a year old yet and not more than four hours on the gen.....Dave
So new info......checked the compartment where house batteries were located and found a curious yellow switch that was visible next to a blue button I reset that yellow switch and the generator fired right up that explains why my house batteries were dead they were not getting charged through the system like my engine battery was.....HOWEVER the rv radio which is an Axxera avm80 POS is now stuck in demo mode and no one seems to have a clue how to get it out I have pulled fuses reset fuses, and reset factory settings and it is still in demo mode and wont stay on one screen, that being said, anyone have a fix for that other than one round from my 9mm ???
@@DavidTaylor-tx8nn Glad to hear that you got it running. 9MM sounds like a reasonable solution.
Thank you, you gave me some good places to start I'll check it out tomorrow and let you know how it goes,
Hey Bear. Thanks for the video. You hit on a problem I am having. My float seems to be stuck and even at a full tank, I show 1/4 on the gauge. If I top off the RV (2013 Thor Palazzo) the genny runs great for a few gallons then wont run. I am fairly confident that the sensor is the problem. Being a techie, I am guessing somewhere in the path of that sensor is a relay that is NC or NO that I should be able to trip, sort of like the GM six speed lockout fix. Are you aware of anyway to do this? I have tried reaching out to Freightliner shops to replace the float but, no one wants to deal with it.
TIA,
Craig
Hi bear. I have that generator which was on my 5th wheel when I purchased it but mine doesn't seem to have a place for those 2 small wires near the carburetor that yours has. Also, no batteries but I'm hooked up to a 50 amp plug. Will my generator still start once I hook up propane?
I too, have a 4.0. In the control box, it has what looks like a normal "Ford" solenoid on it & 2 relays, bottom of box. Now is the small center post on solenoid marked with a "S" supposed to be hot all the time???, I thought that only put 12vdc on it when you closed the start switch to make it send power to the starter side of solenoid. I have a constant 12vdc on that "S" post.... and when I push START, it acts like there's not enough battery for it.... it just _"Chatters"_ ,but then I had it turning over the other day, albeit, rather slowly.... I think somebody's got their + & - mixed up... not surprising, I've been re-wiring this behemoth for a month now, somebody didn't know what they were doing and mutilated and massacred the factory wiring and now it's all 18g brown wires and 90 scotchloks later.... hope I never meet this non-wiring jerkoff... still finding these damn scotchloks to this day..... I'd fire any employee who used these crappily designed strand cutting blades
Great channel couz.... gonna join the party ;)
~Whirled Peas
PS: Weren't you in "Trailer Park Boys" Is that Julian?? ...lolz
Thanks for the great information!
Hi Bear, thank you for the great video. I have the same 5500 generator and it will not prime or crank. I have 12.6V. I went to remove the plastic housing for the switch after removing the thick wire from the bolt with the red rubber boot on it then when i went to remove the plastic housing when my ratchet touched the nut holding it on i had sparks and quickly pulled away the ratchet and didn't reconnect the thick negative wire. Not really sure what to do next. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
If you use seasonally, drain the BOWL. Screw under Altitude. Also bad gasoline in a modern car with fuel injection can be expensive
Thank You for your time. Short version. I have been using my generator with success. I got to empty and started a trip. I filled up and got back eight hours later. I filled the generator up. 20220520. Generator would start then cough like you explained. It ran just long enough to get the slideouts out open. Then my imagination went wild. I was post toasted for the trip and came back to the generator in two days. My thoughts were I may have put some damn diesel in the unleaded tank for the generator. but the little drop of fuel in the fill up smelled like regular. I opened up the front just like you did and noticed gas coming out of the carburetor, but am so upset I can't figure out if i accidentally put diesel in there or not. Didn't know the light was for error codes. Filter wasn't near as dirty as yours. So I put things back together and tried to siphon some gas to see how bad I screwed up or if that is the problem. I couldn't siphon anything. Fuel tank registers full. The first attempt after a long trip it was 97 degrees and i thought it was too damn hot because air conditioners and equipment seem to fail when i need them the most. Second day it was pleasantly cool. So I Put it back together and walked away and am wondering how to either drain the bad gas and get a suggestion for how bad i may have screwed up the motor with a bit of diesel. If I happened to put the proper gas in there I am level have checked the oil. All but the coolant.
I don't have a prime 😔. My generator looks way smaller than yours. I replaced the fuel filter, but still no luck. It turns over just fine, but won't 'catch'. I'm in a 1995 RoadTrek camper van and have an Onan generator.
Good video. I have an Onan but don't have the same switch so I don't see error codes.
Hi and thanks for the info. I have a 5500 series that starts great when cold and runs like a champ, but has hot starting problems (smells like the unit siphons gas and floods the carb). If I go outside and open the choke fully, it starts pretty easy, so I know it must be there. However; the choke seems to be working fine.
Could be old gas. A dirty carb or bad gaskets on the carb. Those would be the first things I would check.
Check you oil level ans smell it for gas. You might have a oil evaporate to fumes and now it's starts with other issues. 😊
What kind of coolant might it need? Any kind okay? I'm a single mom about to head across country with my 2 kids, the mechanic checked her out and said she is good to go, but when we went to leave today the generator wouldn't start. It has been sitting for about 9-10 months, so I'm thinking maybe bad gas? But could also be coolant. I have used shore power 99% of the time since buying the RV used last year.
Outstanding information, thank you Bear our 2003 Fleetwood Storm Generator won’t start. We will try your suggestions.
Good luck! Let me know.
Hey thanks for such a wonderful way to explain the possible issues with the generator. I want to know how the coach auxiliary batteries are recharged? I usually turn on the generator however my batteries seem not to be charged later on when I want to start the generator again and I end up charging them. I have an Winnebago ford 87 with an Onan generator. Any ideas where to start?
Nice video. My generator starts then cuts off when I release the start button. There is gas in the tank.... I can't figure why js is happening, driving me nuts
My guess is that the starter is keeping it running and it's not actually running. Check fuel supply, fuel filter, fuel level on the RV needs to be above 1/4 and then maybe fuel pump.
Bad control board,voltage regulator,low oil .ECT will cause that you can start the gen but as soon as you let off the button it will die
We took ours to the local RV repair shop after hubby did every troubleshooting step possible, changing the circut board , switch , all filters , filled it with propane, etc... it still ran for a few seconds and quit . The RV repair shop told hubby they couldn't figure it out either...hubby already tested and replaced everything that they would do and double checked his work everything was done correctly. ( Hubby definitely had a gleam in his eyes for a brief second knowing he did everything the RV mechanics knew to do)
He asked what would be his next step be. They said take to Cummings. Cummings said It was a Guage or something located inside the generator, they had to remove the generator completely from the RV itself to open it up and replace the part inside. Labor and part was just over at $3k " labor mostly at $150 per hour" Our warranty coverd most of the repair . I guess if everything on the outside is changed out , gotta look inside.
I believe that my hubby could have repaired it himself..but that generator would very heavy for a 68 year old man by himself. Glad we purchased the extended warranty on our pre loved 2001 Monaco Knight 31J through the dealer when we bought it last year. The dealership said you cannot purchase warranty for motorhomes over 20 years old or over 60k miles " gas or diesel " is the reason why we purchased , our SHORTY diesel pusher was 19 years old and 56k miles .. so far that's the only issue we've had. Hopefully if anything else happens it will be before August 2022. Thanks for your video , hubby watches and learns. He UA-cam's everything for the RV . As a retured owner operator OTR truck driver , he did all of his own maintenance and repairs " he could do himself " on his own ( if he wasn't driving the truck , he was under the truck or washing the truck) Having the RV at home gives him something to do , he's always putsing around with it!! Sure wish he was into remodeling, it could use new flooring and I want the dining table that's directly across from the sofa removed and replaced with a entertainment cabinet that has a fireplace insert and a TV lift ( just the two of us, we cook and eat outside..so TV trays would be fine for the times we must eat indoors due to weather conditions we camp here in the desert and sometimes 116° is too hot for us to cook outside.. occasionally mornings in the wintertime is too cold to eat outside comfortably..I do make breakfast inside almost always with our old-fashioned percolator coffee's.
Life is Good 👍 when you can get away for a couple of days. We don't really do extended long trips ( he's done that already lol)
Very helpful, would love a quick link to a decent priced tune up kit and part numbers...
Hi Ben, thanks for the helpful tips! I have the Onan 5500 EVAP, it will only start and run if I hold the butterfly closed or mostly closed (choked), but even when it should be warmed up, it will still only run when I hold it closed or mostly closed. Do you think this is an electric choke problem or something else?
I should add that when I let the butterfly open on its own after it's warmed up, it starts surging and eventually shuts down - seems like it's flooding. Possible issue with the carb?
Hi just wondering why mi onan 5500 discharge the battery once it's working??
Starts perfect but after 3 hours shut off and the battery is dead.
Thank you for.you support
I got a food.truck.
Hi Could you please give us and idea where we could get a gas filter, air filter our Onan Generator? And is there a special oil?
Thank you
Amazon
If I allow my generator to sit idle for 5-10 minutes it will not start again even with priming. I have to start RV engine then turn generator on. Purchased 2 new house batteries and a new chassis battery, in last 3 months. Could this be electrical or what?
Is there anything I can spray into the carb hole to clean it a bit? My generator stopped today and it's not starting back up its onan 5.5hgjab LP I know you mentioned starter fluid but on a LP what can I use?
I have a QG3600. Having issues where it will do half a crank then stop, feels like battery is dead but is fully charged 12.6v , load tested to 330CA.. This may happen 2-3 times in a row , walk away and come back then it will turn over and start…any clues appreciated . Not sure if there is a connection but also noted when under load black smoke..
I have a 2007 4000 that refuses to start.
Suspected the carb, took it out and there was no problem with it.
Checked the fuel delivery, pump and filter seem good.
Sprayed starter fluid into carb, no start.
Cleaned spark plug and attached a checker, we have fire.
Added oil, parked on level ground, no start.
Have more than 1/4 tank of fuel.
Got a code 36 also.
Fuel, air, and fire, but no start.
I've got a onan 3600 LP model. Service fault (3blinks) and codes 15,14,13 are coming up. Over frequency, under frequency, controller can't maintain voltage. New air filter, new spark plug, fresh oil with proper level, cleaned the exhaust out. IDK? Is there a voltage control module? Maybe the reg up by the tank? Bad alternator?
I have a 2003 or 4 Onan 2500 propane only. In cranks and I can smell propane in the tail pipe but no startie.
Great Video, thanks! Now, I have an interesting one for you: Onan 5500. Changed threat video, thanks! e house batteries actually ALL the batteries, they are showing 12.2 volts. Tried to start the gen after a few months...NOTHING! No prime red light, no crank, nothing. Ideas? I also tried from the switch on the generator, outside in the bay. Thanks!!
Make sure it's plugged into the chassis
@@techomega9971 Talking about the ground? It has a Hi-amp breaker, and has power in and out. That's on the firewall by batteries. No power at power lug on Genset. I'll keep looking. Thanks. Enjoying your videos!
Thanks easy peasy information to understand
Glad it was helpful!
My generator takes a while to start. I have to prime it several times before it starts. I usually start it about every two to three weeks does it make a difference in the amount of time you prime it?
Hi there, I have an Onan4000 generator that seems to have a fuel issue. Technician thinks it could be
the tube from the main gas tank to the generator. The thought is it could be the sensor in the tank itself as he had the generator running using a separate fuel source.
How likely is this, and can the sensor be replaced without removing the fuel tank?
Alison
there is no sensor in the tank. The generator gets its fuel off a pick up tube that starts at 1/4 of a tank (so you dont get stranded). trust your mechanic, theres a reason hes a mechanic and your not.
My Onan 5500 ran out of oil. It will turn over. But will not start.
Anything I can do other than replace the generator?
I had a start/stop issue. The light flashed 2 times. I checked the manufacturing web site for error codes. It was low oil. Add oil slowly and let it drain into the generator oil pan. I had to repeat slowly adding oil and rechecking the level screwing the dipstick completely in and then unscrewing it to recheck the level. Be patient and you will get the level correct... No more issue!!!
Glad to see you got it working
Ours was working fine and the next day it wouldn't start at all we checked oil it was gone. we filled it, still nothing. maybe we should take some out but my hubby said it don't even have a spark
Mine is making a Whirring noise, but not cranking. New plug, new air filter, new oil. Not turninmg over. Only has about 80 hours 2007m Winnebago aspect
My Onan was running fine stopped and has never ran again.
Won't even make a sound like it is trying.
Here is what I have done
Full tank of gas
Added oil
Held start button off 5 seconds
House batteries are new 6 months ago and have been used very little.
Would you give me some ideas on what else to try please?
Thanks so much.
Jeannine
Have a 1994 Onan. Sitting for 4 months and was running ok when parked. All batteries are at full charge. I now get a rapid clicking sound when I press any of the start buttons and starter won't turn the engine. New starter about a year ago. Clicking sound is near the start switch on the generator panel.
Can it be run with an external fuel source? Skipping the main tank if its so low and you're not looking to dump like 15 gallons into the tank you won't even get to use?
Have a Monaco 2000, looks similar to your interior. Was running an "external fuel supply" as id done with an 86 pace arrow just to skip the BS of filling the tank enough for the pickup.
One hot day this summer, it ran that external fuel can dry. Refilled the can, hasn't stayed running since. Basically starts and dies immediately, unless holding down the start button. It's getting fuel just fine through the pump and the carb, ive had the carb off twice and made sure everything was cleared and blown through, getting fuel through it, i thought the LoW gAs was simply the tube pickup in the tank not going to the bottom, is it also electronically controled by the fuel gauge sensor now?
Edit to add: only code I'm getting is 36. Engine shutdown not commanded by computer.
Hey got an onan 4000w generator that won’t crank replaced the starter solenoid as it would click but there would be no crank. I can manually turn the engine with a wrench but still nothing. I’m thinking it’s the starter but I’m worried it’s possibly seized. It was just on for service at Cummins where the valves were adjusted so that could also be a possibility to why it may be seized?
We just bought a 1993 Winnebago Brave. She had only 20,000 miles on her. The generator will not start ,acting as it's about to but nope it did that for a bit. My husband said it seems like it's not getting power. This is our first-ever RV. Now mind you it had ran over night as we were parked at Loves. Turned it off when we pulled out then later on nada. I've searched for any videos on A 93 Winnebago Brave and there seems to be a lack of any. Thank you any one for help.
Good Info. But one item needs correction. Your generator in the video the Onan RV5500 QG is air cooled, not water cooled so there is no coolant in that Genset. Otherwise good info.
Great comprehensive video! I have a Cummings generator in my 2015 Thor Freedom Elite. I started the generator with the aux battery and battery was dead. I started the rv engine and hit the start button for the generator and after multiple tries, the generator started. I turned off the ignition to the rv and the generator quit. I checked the aux battery a d it looked low so I replaced it. Tried to start the generator and nothing, just a single click noise and won't start. Opened up the cover to the generator and found the yellow oil cap laying in the compartment. The oil had totally leaked out! I filled the oil Reservoir back up but still will not crank over. I am afraid I may have unknowingly seized the generator motor. Do you know of any resets? I may have to pull it and rebuild it. $4000 to replace. Any suggestions?
Hopefully you found the problem! I had the same issue when I ran the house battery down and started the engine to start the generator. The DC would not work except on generator or shore power. And then would not charge batteries. Under the hood in front of the driver is a metal box with a flat lid. After pulling very hard to get the lid off, there is a 50 amp circuit breaker on the PCB. On the right side of the breaker there is a tiny button. Put your finger on it an slight push resets the breaker. If your batteries are very low, the alternator puts more than 50 amps through them. Long enough and the breaker trips.
Thank you! Exactly what I was looking for :)
Glad I could help!
@@BearsWorkshop I don't think you helped! The original question from Nick was "show the cooling system." The reply from iMeltYT was "exactly what I was looking for." Meaning, I think, he agrees with Nick, that you haven't provided any info on the cooling system.
Denys A No he did help me not sure what you are talking about as my comment had nothing to do with Nicks. Thank you Denys for nothing
@@imeltyt4599 My comment was to Bear's Workshop, not to you. Try to focus. (My last comment on this subject.)
Denys A you literally mentioned me incorrectly in your post lol try to focus on your own posts
Video on startup issues was helpful but didn't get mine running. Seems like mine is flooded. Raw gas is pumping out of the intake port behind the choke. It was primed, pressed Start, on 3rd try, it began to start but then stopped before completely starting. It never ran. Still fuel is pumping out of the carb. RV is a 2008 with only 8K miles. Everything is new. I have not attempted to run the Onan generator in at least 3 years. We use a portable Honda eu3000i.instead. Help!
You do not want the power converter (120v ac to 12v dc) powered up during the generator start as it will be heavily loaded and can damage the electronics of the converter, so it is best to NOT have shore power connected during the generator start, or at least trip the circuit breaker for the power converter. Better is to start the engine, this will allow the engine to charge the house batteries thru the charge/boost relay or whatever type of interconnection there is. Your alternator is capable of giving you a 100 amps or more, and the power converter is only capable of half that amount.
Also, small point, you showed how to prime the generator but were not clear about the fact you are using the STOP position of the switch to do this.
The stop button is also the primer button😉
Hey Bear! could use some advice/knowledge i have an Onan 7500 Diesel Spec J runs pefect for hours no issues but if you try to put any load in rv it shuts down get code i get code 38 i disconnected from Rv and issue not wires between rv/gen i wired generator out side to a power strip and single fan and same issues ... Any help or idea would appreciate it.. have done complete oil change./filter fuel air filter etc Thx !
Great video ! my generator does not turn over from the switch on dashboard. i checked the batteries i am getting 12.4 volts, they are 4 months old and it turns on from the switch on the generator itself.
Sounds like a switch problem or the wiring to that switch
I have a Onan 4000 not getting spark the coil & boot test good and I replaced the magneto and new spark plug. Any thoughts. could it be in wires? it is an older motorhome and the prior owner couldn't figure it out.
Could be wires. Can you figure out where you stop getting spark at? Use a tester. Crank it with the spark plug out and grounded.
Help! Generac Guardian RV won’t start. Sat for months, no history on it, turns over, good spark, good fuse, and fuel pump works. Could be bad gas.
Nice video! I have kind of a weird thing going with mine.
On a trip I could not start it, very frustrating. I would prime wait for light then toggle to start....nothing just cranked.
Today by mistake I just pushed start ...no prime... jumped right to life! Running great and steady under load and off.
Prime must be flooding mine???
Going to try this with mine
Was it a propane fueled engine, or gasoline?
is there a low oil switch on a 4kyfa evap generator? i cannot find one, just trying to ensure all of my bases are covered in this troubleshooting
This video helped me alot. Thank you
So I have an Onan that won’t crank but the house battery is fine. What should I do in that case?
Why is there no spark at spark plug on ONAN 2800 RV generator? thanks
Aloha from Mark Nye thefixitguy here in Kaneohe Oahu. I am working on a Ford F460 big box truck converted to a dog grooming vehicle. The customer brought it to me to try and clear up a CODE 36 issue. First thing i did was change the plugs and oil, checked the fuel pressure and it worked for 2 days then it did it again. Yesterday i found that the fuel pump is not getting continuous voltage. the two wires coming from the control have intermittent voltage. Does this mean the control board is going out ?? The fuel pump works great if connected to a 12 volt source so we know the fuel pump is good. Thanks for any help from anyone.
If I accidently put my engine oil 20/50 in generator instead of the 10 could that be why do I need to drain the oil or should it be okay ?
Thank you great information 🙏
I have a 7kw onan quiet diesel generator.. it has 120hrs on it. And the board crapped out. They have made it it extremely hard to access. It gives 3 flashes on attempt to start, then 6 flashes for secondary code. It could mean bad battery connection which I hoped it was. But nope.
The second reason is the board is shot. $1800 U.S. for a new board, but good luck changing it... the whole genset has to be dropped out to access it.
Onan is so proud of their self troubleshooting genset... it’s now a dam brick in the front of my motor home.
Do not buy an onan, electronics is garbage. It’s annoying that my old motor home had 800 hrs on the genset and it was still going strong.
My 1999 Gulf Stream with Onan gen won’t start on battery, works perfectly when plugged in or when engine is running! Help please
My Generator solenoid clicks several times as I press the starter button over and over then the starter turns over and all is fine. Sometimes it starts with 3 or 4 clicks sometimes 7 to 10. Is this my starter or solenoid? It is the same for remote or at the Generator?
Our 2000 Pace arrow motorhome generator switch inside will not start the generator but will shut it off any idea what can be wrong
You are awesome. Thank you. Great explanation.
Glad it was helpful!
Starter wont engage can hear the bendixen turn but not engage to flywheel to turn engine 400 hr. On unit ?
I have an onan but doesn't have light at all and my inside switch has never worked
When first pressing primer it makes noise, tat tat tat tat tat tat. It does stop the noise and generator does start fine. What is that noise?
Thanks Bear Workshop this is cool info - cheers brother
By the way , My generator in my toy hauler will not start from the inside only outside. I’ve change the switch on the inside and checked my breaker and fuses and nothing. Any advise ??? There is oil and good gas but it just won’t start from the panel . I have to go outside and start it that way .
New oil and levels messed with to where it will start and run but only a couple of minutes when motor is warm. In AM cool motor it runs about 8 min and stalls. I am looking to bypass the low oil level ground producing switch to test and if it keep running replace it...