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Generator not starting
Hi All,
Doing some research online today as my generator on my 99 RB is not starting, Onan 4000 Genset Emerald plus.
This is the first time since owning the LD (bought in Spring 2021) that I have had an issue. I try to start her occasionally and leave her running for a few hours but I can't say I start her as often as I should; she started up just fine in May/June of this year though. Any thoughts from the sounds on the video what the issue may be? Gas is full, and batteries are nice and charged. I've seen a lot of videos where the generator stays running while the button is held down but that doesn't seem to be my issue. The generator usually just cranks but sometimes starts or seems to start for a second or two but then dies even with my finger on the button. Thanks for any help or direction in terms of troubleshooting, generator repair and maintenance is all new to me but I"m excited to learn!
John
Below is a link to the video:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/g65xdmblivtuxv8y6zzpq/IMG_1150.MOV?rlkey=7dis0tzbjoxatn77ralitidi0&dl=0
1999 26.5 Rear Bath
Re: Generator not starting
Reply #1 –
Loosen the fuel line going into the filter and see if you are getting fuel to the carb. Mine was almost the same symptoms and the fuel pump was bad. Just up and quit. Might also
 be sucking air through a cracked fuel hose at the tank.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Generator not starting
Reply #2 –
Hi John; It sounds to me like the generator is starved for gas.  The filter could be plugged, the tank could be below 1/4 tank, the dreaded cracked rubber fuel line. Your rig is about the right age for that.  Rodents could have chewed that line also. I would also check that the winter/summer setting for the choke is set to summer. And that the altitude adjustment is set for where you are.     What Jon said.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Generator not starting
Reply #3 –
Awesome, thanks guys! I've been hearing similar things in my search for answers on google and youtube but figured having you guys hear the sound the generator is making might make it the best way to really diagnose it properly. I'll check out all of those things you both suggested this week and report back how it goes.
As always, thanks a ton!
John
1999 26.5 Rear Bath
Re: Generator not starting
Reply #4 –
Hi Guys,
Forgot I never posted here on what I did with my generator. Pump was good and hoses were good so ended up going for replacing the carburetor. When I got into it it was all gunky and hard to move so figured that must have been it and after getting the new one on (pretty hard process for me) it fired right up. Found this video on YouTube with a guy replacing parts on his Onan that was almost the exact model as mine; perfect video for what I needed and was invaluable for me, hope it helps someone else who may need it in the future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n99V-0PCIjY&t=1109s
1999 26.5 Rear Bath
Re: Generator not starting
Reply #5 –
Quote from: JohnDon  - 
Hi Guys,
Forgot I never posted here on what I did with my generator. Pump was good and hoses were good so ended up going for replacing the carburetor. When I got into it it was all gunky and hard to move so figured that must have been it and after getting the new one on (pretty hard process for me) it fired right up. Found this video on YouTube with a guy replacing parts on his Onan that was almost the exact model as mine; perfect video for what I needed and was invaluable for me, hope it helps someone else who may need it in the future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n99V-0PCIjY&t=1109s

The key going forward is to run the generator monthly or if you can't to store it with a fuel stabilizer having run it through your system...many here have learned the lesson the hard way and had to replace carburetors due to not following those  steps
2013 31' Silver Twin Bed
Semi-retired 6/21....
Re: Generator not starting
Reply #6 –
A frequent problem with this generator is clogging of the carburetor as fuel sits in it for weeks.

I installed a fuel shutoff valve in the fuel line just before it enters the generator. If we are not planning to use it for a few weeks, I start it, close the valve, and let it run to fuel exhaustion to drain the carburetor.
2013 27’ Mid-Bath
2005 Honda CR-V
Re: Generator not starting
Reply #7 –
pdl2win: Yup, haha, I believe I have learned my lesson indeed. I was running it but not as often as was suggested, I won't make that mistake twice  :D
Keith S: Oh awesome, great idea, thanks for sharing it with me!
1999 26.5 Rear Bath
Re: Generator not starting
Reply #8 –
That fuel shut off is an awesome idea. I had these problems with my gas powered lawn equipment and forgot about them since going electric. Absolutely have to drain them for storage if you want them to start in the spring. Really is a pain but very much worth it. Are those cut-off valves commonly available? I've never bought one but I'm making a trip to to auto parts store soon. GREAT IDEA!!!