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.
I'll be honest with you, I run a small engine repair shop and I always give the customer an option. Usually they choose the Chinese carbs. They have gotten so much better over the years. I'll bet the cheap carb would have been fine.
I know, but when I had to change the manifold I didn't realize it had a missing bolt so I automatically assumed it must have been the carb, like I said in another post, Expensive lesson learned
I had to replace the spark plug while camping... it’s not easy you’re right, but i didn’t have to take off the black shield. That would be ten times harder. It took some cussing, busted knuckles and beer but I got it in finally. Didn’t fix the issue so a carb rebuild is in my future
I have this same issue, but it is giving me error code 36. Two comments on the spark plug.... if you have a 13/16" spark plug socket, it WILL fit inside of the hole in the black shield. When reinstalling the spark plug, USE THE SOCKET! place plug into socket, then it will easily screw in by hand. make sure to turn several times by hand before using a wrench to snug it up.
Since I changed all the linkages and messed with the screw prior to putting it all back together, I needed to twist the screw in (clockwise) quite a bit. If you listen to it when it was running on my golf cart, the idle was extremely low, but I was just happy it was running so I shoved it back into my camper.
My $60 dollar carb was probable good too, but I found out my new intake manifold was missing a screw, expensive lesson learned, still cheaper than taking it into the shop, considering the shop caused this whole mess
Dude..., you are an inspiration to us diy guys !!!
THANKS
I love this guy!!! "That spark plug came out hard, and its gonna go in hard" lmaooo classic
Thanks, it was a very true statement LMFAO
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.
I'll be honest with you, I run a small engine repair shop and I always give the customer an option. Usually they choose the Chinese carbs. They have gotten so much better over the years. I'll bet the cheap carb would have been fine.
I know, but when I had to change the manifold I didn't realize it had a missing bolt so I automatically assumed it must have been the carb, like I said in another post, Expensive lesson learned
I had to replace the spark plug while camping... it’s not easy you’re right, but i didn’t have to take off the black shield. That would be ten times harder. It took some cussing, busted knuckles and beer but I got it in finally. Didn’t fix the issue so a carb rebuild is in my future
I agree, you could not remove that cover even if you wanted too, not even sure why Onan put it there
I have this same issue, but it is giving me error code 36. Two comments on the spark plug.... if you have a 13/16" spark plug socket, it WILL fit inside of the hole in the black shield. When reinstalling the spark plug, USE THE SOCKET! place plug into socket, then it will easily screw in by hand. make sure to turn several times by hand before using a wrench to snug it up.
LOL I realized that after it got stuck.
How much did you need to adjust the governor? Is it just turning screw clock wise/ccw?
Since I changed all the linkages and messed with the screw prior to putting it all back together, I needed to twist the screw in (clockwise) quite a bit. If you listen to it when it was running on my golf cart, the idle was extremely low, but I was just happy it was running so I shoved it back into my camper.
Victorious!!!! Good job~
I hear nothing but bad news about camping world...
Camping world suks...avoid it like the plague
$300 carburetor I got mine for $30 on ebay and works great
My $60 dollar carb was probable good too, but I found out my new intake manifold was missing a screw, expensive lesson learned, still cheaper than taking it into the shop, considering the shop caused this whole mess
I was out of state working for almost 4 months and came back to a similar situation. Tried running it all day to clear it but it's not looking good.
I know, I watched videos on how to clean the carb, and did it, but no luck
I went through a case of beer pulling my Onan generator
Lol, nothing wrong with that