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Topic: Generator won't keep running (Read 761 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator won't keep running

Our propane generator will keep running as long as I hold the start toggle switch in.
Stumbles to a stop when I let go of the spring loaded toggle.
Two weeks ago I had tried starting it and didn't realize we were out of propane, but the stink let us know.
Now what?
Any of the old propane generator owners have any ideas?
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: Generator won't keep running

Reply #1 –
Vapor or liquid LP generator? Said another way, on the propane tank, is the tap for the generator off the vapor port or liquid port?
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: Generator won't keep running

Reply #2 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
Our propane generator will keep running as long as I hold the start toggle switch in.
Stumbles to a stop when I let go of the spring loaded toggle.
Two weeks ago I had tried starting it and didn't realize we were out of propane, but the stink let us know.
Now what?
Any of the old propane generator owners have any ideas?

 How many times have you started it up?
I'm wondering if you've bleed the liquid/vapor lines enough?
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Generator won't keep running

Reply #3 –
I know this one may be obvious, but check the oil level.  The old onan's have sensor that will not let you start if the oil level is too low.

Mike T
1986 GV 36' w/ 3208T Cat
Build #2614

Re: Generator won't keep running

Reply #4 –
Does that 10A fuse have to be good to crank also, or just start?
I forget.
  Brett?
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Generator won't keep running

Reply #5 –
Adding: The last three or four years (since I replumbed to one regulator on the tank) the generator ran great.
This is the first time (two weeks ago and now today, with propane) that I attempted to run the generator since it was in storage for eight months.
The regulator on the generator itself is still there.
Gas, not liquid, as the stove and fridge run off the same line.
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: Generator won't keep running

Reply #6 –
Assume the generator is running on HIGH pressure vapor ("T" off before house propane 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: Generator won't keep running

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Michaelther4 –
I know this one may be obvious, but check the oil level.  The old onan's have sensor that will not let you start if the oil level is too low.

Mike T
Mine was doing the same thing exactly. Michael is correct, and on the opposite side of his answer I checked the oil level, and mine was overfilled. Took a clear clean hose and sucked out about a pint and has run all day for a week now. Just my .02 cents from an ancient old man !!    :o
1992 FT U240
Vin# 1F96D3362NN054378
Model # G92401236SBIU240
Model # 4012
2007 Toyota FJ
2007 Cadillac
1984 Jeep Cherokee
2008 Polaris Ranger
2018 Polaris Ranger
More cars, pickup, and tractors than anyone 83 years old needs. :)

Re: Generator won't keep running

Reply #8 –
Mine was the control board that the switch is attached to.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Generator won't keep running

Reply #9 –
Tomorrow afternoon is when I start "digging" into the problem.
Morning is filled with DW's Rehab and we are picking up our new specs.
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: Generator won't keep running

Reply #10 –
Latest:
Oil was 1/2 qt low. Now filled right to the full mark.
Same issue. Gen runs as long as I hold the start toggle (right below the monitor) but shuts off when I let it go.
Remote toggle in the bedroom doesn't work. Start/stop toggle on the face of the generator also does not work.
I took the hose off the regulator by the generator and no stinky, yellow stuff on it.
When I hold the start toggle on the dash the generator runs long enough to fire up the 120 circuit.
Generator also runs nice and smooth with no pulsating or revving up or down. Just runs nice and smooth.
I took off the control board cover on the face of the generator and also checked the 5A fuse. All good.
It is an Onan Emerald III Genset and I do have installation and operator's manuals that can with the coach.
If it is the circuit board (Pt#300-3056) best place to purchase or how do I test it?
Now what?
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: Generator won't keep running

Reply #11 –
Our generator fuel cutoff solenoid went bad, would start for about 1 sec then cut off.
But ours is diesel.
Frank & Connie Williams
1999 U320 '36
Build: 5466
MC: 18335

Re: Generator won't keep running

Reply #12 –
I had an older Onan (1981) gas generator on my previous rig and that generator had similar problem once. Turned out to be a bad relay.
If you can't find a solution by searching Google, your best bet may be to have it serviced by an Onan Service provider.
1993 U225
Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Retired, Snowbird, Full time Off Grid

Re: Generator won't keep running

Reply #13 –
Based on all the troubleshooting videos and texts I think I will try replacing the circuit board.
Everything seems to point to the board as being the culprit.
Start/Stop on the circuit board doesn't work, and it did work when we bought the coach.
Remote start/stop in bedroom doesn't work and it did when we bought the coach.
Remote Start/Stop on dash only works if I hold the toggle in the start position.
Seems that the bedroom switch failed after the switch on the generator itself failed.
Being permanently mounted right on the circuit board surely indicated (because there is no connection or wiring to be chewed apart or disconnected) and failing I believe it is the circuit board.
Not having either the tools or knowledge I will be doing a part swap.
Like an old friend always says:" If I can't see it, taste it, smell it, or hear it and it can kill me if I touch it, I want nothing to do with it!"
It will be a $132 gamble, but everything points to the problem being the circuit board.
Boy, what is wrong with quality control back in 1989? This board only lasted 30 years!! Shame, shame!! :))  :))
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: Generator won't keep running

Reply #14 –
Sounds like a controller issue, as you have determined.
Please share you results. Thanks and good luck.

Re: Generator won't keep running

Reply #15 –
Might remove the plug for the remote wiring at the generator and then try the switch at the generator.
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: Generator won't keep running

Reply #16 –
I'll try it tomorrow
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: Generator won't keep running

Reply #17 –
The new Dinosaur board showed up today. Put it in.
Turned on propane at the tank. Rocked the rocker switch on the generator to "START" and guess what? IT STARTED AND KEPT RUNNING!!
Start and stop on the dash also works, but remote in the bedroom does nothing. Next project I guess.
Today I used a pole pruning saw to cut down some dead pine branches off up about 20' from the ground. Had to "Rube Goldberg" some extensions to get that far up.
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