ONAN Generator won't stay running

[realpank]

As part of my pre-camp systems check, I tried starting my ONAN generator.
It turns over and will run as long as you hold the start button "ON" but as soon as you let go it shuts off.

Thanks in advance for your consults,
Chris

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by realpank

As part of my pre-camp systems check, I tried starting my ONAN generator.
It turns over and will run as long as you hold the start button "ON" but as soon as you let go it shuts off.

Thanks in advance for your consults,
Chris

Chris, there is a glass fuse inside the control box. If the fuse is blown I believe the symptoms are as you describe.

Pull the cover from the control box and see if you can find the fuse.

Brad

PS, I hope I'm not thinking of a Koehler generator!

[realpank]

Thanks Brad,

This is the fuse that is on the front of the generator, yes?
I have checked that but will get the magnifying glass out this time.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by realpank

Thanks Brad,

This is the fuse that is on the front of the generator, yes?
I have checked that but will get the magnifying glass out this time.

Assuming my memory is correct on the Onan, there is a fuse inside the cover as well. Requires the removal of four screws.

My problem is I worked just as much on a Koehler 6.5 as I have on an Onan 6.5 and it's been a number of years since I've dealt with either one.

[Streamracer]

Two things I'd start with is make sure you have plenty of gasoline in tank and check oil level on generator. Bad low oil pressure switch or low oil will cause that. What model of generator do you have?

[dnsapp]

I have an Onan engine on my welder. That engine has two different jets in the carburetor. A Low Idle and a continuous run jet. My engine did the same thing. I think ir was just gummed up form bad gas. Anyway, I took the carburetor off and left it assmbled and soaked it over night in a bucket of carburetor cleaner. The next day I took an air hose and blew it out really good and put it back on. It rises great now. Just don't let it set for week in between starting the engine. I have it on my calendar each month to start all my small engines and let them run for about 20 mins.

[Wazbro]

Best to use a meter to check the fuses. I've seen fuses that were broken near the end so you could not see it was broken, maybe if you shook it you could see it move.

[guskmg]

I had a terrible time getting an Onan to start and continue to run. Besides, you could see it was getting so hot it was scorching the top of it's compartment. It turned out to be the cylinder head needed to be decarbonized. Viola, everything was great.
guskmg

[realpank]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Assuming my memory is correct on the Onan, there is a fuse inside the cover as well. Requires the removal of four screws.

My problem is I worked just as much on a Koehler 6.5 as I have on an Onan 6.5 and it's been a number of years since I've dealt with either one.

Brad,
I pulled the cover off, this is where the “pullout “ fuse and “on/off” switch is located and found no fuse inside, justnthe solenoid.

Thanks for your reply

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by realpank

Brad,
I pulled the cover off, this is where the “pullout “ fuse and “on/off” switch is located and found no fuse inside, justnthe solenoid.

Thanks for your reply

Is your generator a 6.5 NHE Onan? If so I have the manuals in pdf that I can provide links for. The service manual has a small troubleshooting section.

Brad