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Propane generator starts, runs, then dies

A friend's '89 GV has a problem with the generator. The generator starts easily enough, but then slows down & dies. The propane tank is full, the shutoff valve is open, stove lights, everything but the gen works as they should.
Is the problem the regulator or the solenoid located just before the "carb"?
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Propane generator starts, runs, then dies

Reply #1 –
Is the gen running long enough to satisfy the oil pressure shutdown?,had that problem with mine.If he does not have a gauge
for the fuel pressure,you can make one with a clear plastic tube and water and measure WC,water column.WC should be
3 to 5 inches coming out of the carb when not running.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Propane generator starts, runs, then dies

Reply #2 –
In a previous coach, I had the same problem. I had overfilled the oil after a change. Siphoning off a few ounces cured the problem.
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: Propane generator starts, runs, then dies

Reply #3 –
Norm,

Is it a liquid or vapor LP generator? Very different terms of regulator issues.
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 starts, runs, then dies

Reply #4 –
Sorry, Brett, don't know. The coach is in Florida.
How would one determine which it is?
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Propane generator starts, runs, then dies

Reply #5 –
It will either have a "T" off the vapor port on the propane tank that goes to the generator.

OR

A liquid tap on the propane tank.  If this is what he has-- two choices:
1. There is a vertically installed regulator BEFORE the generator
2. Liquid LP arrives at the generator and the regulator is built into the generator itself.  THESE are the ones that are most prone to regulator issues.

Let me know what you find out.  Will be working on the boat most of the day (need to pull the transmission), but will be back on-line later.
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 starts, runs, then dies

Reply #6 –
Brett, my friend is in Tampa and I don't know when he will be at his coach, so don't hold your breath! :))
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Propane generator starts, runs, then dies

Reply #7 –
Breathing now............
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 starts, runs, then dies

Reply #8 –
I'd say, time for a tune-up. Ours was converted to "vapor" with a shut-off by the PO (who is enjoying his day pulling the trans from his boat). The plugs were changed, spark arrestor cleaned, torque on inboard head checked, regulator re-built w/silicone diaphragm,fuel element replaced, oil & filter, air filter replaced. She runs perfect! One thing I did notice, is I added a tee to install a aux propane tank, to avoid moving the coach when sitting for a spell. Worked great, but would not fire the gen set. Going to the big tank works fine.  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Propane generator starts, runs, then dies

Reply #9 –
Well, it is in a 1989 34' GV and is an Onan III propane generator with 1700 hours on it. I was told it ran just great all the way from Washington state last year.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Propane generator starts, runs, then dies

Reply #10 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
Well, it is in a 1989 34' GV and is an Onan III propane generator with 1700 hours on it.

1700 hrs. is A LOT without service.  :-[
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Propane generator starts, runs, then dies

Reply #11 –
Mike, I don't know when or even if it has been serviced. Only trying to help a friend who just happens to have the dreaded 8.2 DD V8.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Propane generator starts, runs, then dies

Reply #12 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
  I don't know when or even if it has been serviced.

Onans are not junk, I'm on my third in different coaches. They all got/get 100 hour service. Your friend may have one that actually has (gasp), points and condenser!  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'