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Topic: Propane Generator mouse nest (Read 475 times) previous topic - next topic

Propane Generator mouse nest

Tried to start the generator Thanksgiving Day, wouldn't start, checked it visually and could see paper inside around the fins of the engine. Didn't have time to deal with it then. Cleaned out the nesting materials today, checked for anything chewed, found nothing, changed spark plugs. I seem to be getting a spark, generator is turning over, but no start. Seems like it's not getting fuel, but I'm not sure how to check. Used the generator about a month ago with no issues. Any ideas?
Michael & Roxene, Aussie the wonder dog & his daughter Luna the lunatic.
1993 Grand Villa Unihome 280 build #4203
36' 8.3 Cummins 300 hp- 2001 Chevrolet Tracker toad

Re: Propane Generator mouse nest

Reply #1 –
 There is a plug in the line from the regulator around the engine where you can hook up a Manometer to check to see if you have 10-11 INCHES of WATER going to the engine.

If your gen uses liquid side the vaporizer (changes the liquid to a gas) could be stopped up with gunk from the liquid.

Have you had your propane tank filled sense the last time the gen was ran?  If so make sure that the tank valve wasn't left shut off while filling. If it was filled and the valve is on then the fill could have stirred up some gunk and plugged the line from the tank.

Just the first thoughts that popped into my mind.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Propane Generator mouse nest

Reply #2 –
Let us know if your generator is vapor or liquid LP generator.
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 mouse nest

Reply #3 –
Generator is hooked to the liquid side of the propane, I've used the generator since we had the tank filled, the valve is open. I rebuilt the regulator 3 years ago, but maybe it's clogged again. Brett, I know you've told me I should convert to vapor, just haven't done it yet.
Michael & Roxene, Aussie the wonder dog & his daughter Luna the lunatic.
1993 Grand Villa Unihome 280 build #4203
36' 8.3 Cummins 300 hp- 2001 Chevrolet Tracker toad

Re: Propane Generator mouse nest

Reply #4 –
One thing I do to determine if it's getting fuel is to smell the exhaust immediately after cranking.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Propane Generator mouse nest

Reply #5 –
I checked my spark plugs and I only get a spark once I let off the starter. I don't get a spark while I'm trying to start it. I changed the ignition coil and I also changed the ignition module. I at first only change the coil with no change and then I found a thread in a forum that listed my exact problem of the plug only sparking once I let off the starter button. I was excited as this was the exact problem I was having and the solution was to change the ignition module that connects to the coil. So I ordered a new one and changed it and still no spark. I was really counting on that being the problem. Open to suggestions/ideas. I'm really trying to not have to take it to Cummins for service but I feel that's my only resort at this point.
Michael & Roxene, Aussie the wonder dog & his daughter Luna the lunatic.
1993 Grand Villa Unihome 280 build #4203
36' 8.3 Cummins 300 hp- 2001 Chevrolet Tracker toad

Re: Propane Generator mouse nest

Reply #6 –
Try going to 5 inches of water,may be too much fuel.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Propane Generator mouse nest

Reply #7 –
Quote from: John44 –
Try going to 5 inches of water,may be too much fuel.

Not aware that the in-generator regulator is/should be adjusted.

At least I have never heard of doing that, and would verify it with Onan/Cummins before modifying the on-generator regulator.
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 mouse nest

Reply #8 –
It could be there is no continuity on the start circuit. Check with a test light at the coil when the starter
is turning the engine over that you have power at the coil.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Propane Generator mouse nest

Reply #9 –
The other possibility would be a bad circuit board. If I was home I could look in the service manual. I won't be home for several more days. Can you download a manual for the nhm onan?
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins
 

Re: Propane Generator mouse nest

Reply #10 –
Just an update about my generator, with phone help from Red Tractor, it's been determined that one leg of my ignition rotor is broken. Good news that I know what the problem is, bad news is the extent of repair. Can't tackle it right now, hopefully can get by with no generator. No plans to dry camp, but one never knows when they need to fire up the generator. I will post updates as they occur. I appreciate all the advice I receive here and I can't say enough about all the help I've received from Ron. Glad he's home now to regain his strength and get back at it.
Michael & Roxene, Aussie the wonder dog & his daughter Luna the lunatic.
1993 Grand Villa Unihome 280 build #4203
36' 8.3 Cummins 300 hp- 2001 Chevrolet Tracker toad