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Topic: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button (Read 1825 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #25 –
Norm, I Did, I Did, I Did! But thanks. Your tip may help someone else.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #26 –
Kent,
How did you end up fixing it. We just got to Galveston this evening & I need my Gen to work. It cranks but does not start. It sat for a while this winter with propane valves shut. Turned everything back on. I wonder if the battery is weak ... it was cranking it just fine but my batteries were not fully charged. They were at about 11.5. Anyway I am connected to shore power now and i am charging all the batteries over night.
Thank you,
AL
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #27 –
Al, If genny sat all winter there may be a lack of propane in the lines. Being heavier than air the propane will settle in the lowest area of the piping.  If the stove lites and furnace lites you will probably only need to keep trying to start the genny til the lines FILL UP ( not a legal terminology ).  Also check drip leg for accumulation of oily crud that may be restricting the flow to the genny.
Good luck
Gary B

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #28 –
Gary Thank you.
"Also check drip leg for accumulation of oily crud"  I need to find the drip leg.
....update ....
Throttle does not engage ... when i pull the throttle just a bit when the starter button is pushed and the starter cycles a couple of times, while i pulled the throttle it runs, but as soon as I let go of the throttle it shuts off.
Thank you.
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #29 –
Onan Propane Generator will not start on its own .....
Throttle does not engage ... when i pull the throttle just a bit when the starter button is pushed and the starter cycles a couple of times, while i pulled the throttle it runs, but as soon as I let go of the throttle it shuts off.
Thank you,
AL
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #30 –
Careful with the throttle on a genny.  Speed of genny determines output voltage and you don't want to foool with that.  Should not have to fool with throttle, engine should run up against governor and stay there.  Dave M is the genny guru here maybe he can tell you more.
Gary B

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #31 –
Thank you Gary. Yes I knew that the more throttle and more speed hence output voltage. I am also familiar with its sound .... how it revs up when the second AC turned on. Anyway I now know that it can start & run but why it does not do it on its own I can not figure it out.
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #32 –
Al, Have you checked to see if line is clogged with oily gunk ? Disconnect from Tank and clean out regulator and connection with alcohol, Propane always contains liquid matter that can clog a regulator or small line. That gunk can cause regulator to misbehave.
Gary B

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #33 –
DRIP LEG may amount to only a short nipple at main tank that is lowest point in system.  Also consider cleaning out regulator with alcohol, gunk may be causing it to misbehave.  Do all other appliances operate normally ?
Gary B

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #34 –
Merged 2 topics with common discussion
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #35 –
Gary,
"Do all other appliances operate normally ?"
Stove works and furnace works.

"Have you checked to see if line is clogged with oily gunk " I don't know which line from Propane tank manifold is the one that goes to Generator. Disconnecting it from the Generator side is a big task that i will not be able to do at the camp site.
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #36 –
The line that gary and others mention is the main feed from tank, and in your case would also be the one from the "Liquid valve" Just get a wrench (first turn the tank valves shut) and undo the hose line that is going under tank and you dont see the end of it. The other one that goes to manifold for other appliances is the "vapour line". This should also be undone and lower the hose if possible below the tank and hold for a few minutes to see if any residue comes out. Once you have done this reconnect it to valve. This is a simple fsat check and can be done anywhere as long as you have an adjustable wrench.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #37 –
Quote from: John Haygarth –
The line that gary and others mention is the main feed from tank, and in your case would also be the one from the "Liquid valve" Just get a wrench (first turn the tank valves shut) and undo the hose line that is going under tank and you dont see the end of it. The other one that goes to manifold for other appliances is the "vapour line". This should also be undone and lower the hose if possible below the tank and hold for a few minutes to see if any residue comes out. Once you have done this reconnect it to valve. This is a simple fsat check and can be done anywhere as long as you have an adjustable wrench.
JohnH

CAUTION: Be VERY careful taking off a LIQUID LP LINE-- it has a huge amount of propane in it and is under high pressure.  OK to do if the generator is running and you shut off the propane valve on the tank to let it run out of fuel. 

Note:  the generator will run for many minutes on the propane in the line! In fact, I did this before putting our coach in its storage garage-- ran the generator line out of propane (shut off liquid valve on tank).  Perhaps a little over-cautious, but I did not like the thought of all that liquid propane under high pressure outside the tank in a small, confined garage space.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #38 –
I have a propane generator also and once some time ago it would not start after it had always started right up.  In a discussion with the Onan rep., he suggested that I check the vent tube that comes off of the regulator and make sure that it is not plugged.  In so doing, it sure enough was plugged.  A mud dauber had found it just right to build a dam in.  After cleaning it out, the genny started right up.  I have since built a filter around the end of the tube and all is still well.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #39 –
Another cause of hard starting/poor running on Liquid LP generators is that the very good quality on-generator regulator is laid on its side instead of being installed vertically.  That causes the longer chain hydrocarbon contaminants in the propane to accumulate in the regulator and eventually clog it up.  The regulators can be replaced or rebuilt.  If rebuilt, make sure to specify the HIGH TEMP/SILICONE gasket kit needed because of the regulator's location in the generator.

Note, I am not suggesting this is the cause of the OP's issue, he could easily have an electrical/control board issue.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Propane Generator - It starts and runs as long as you hold down the start button

Reply #40 –
It rained a lot this morning with thunderstorms since 7am. I was not able to do anything but this afternoon I am going to try to at least clean the regulator vent pipe. In addition to help from all of you I have also found this ( Cleaning out the regulator vent hose on your RV's Onan MicroQuiet 3600LP... ) I am hoping to get lucky & have the Gen running going back home Sunday. If not Next week I have an appointment at FT to convert the dash air from R-22 to new ... At that time I hope I can get them to look at the Gen too. I sure hope I can fix it myself.
Thank you,
AL
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)