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Topic: U225 / Onan Emerald Plus Problem (Read 444 times) previous topic - next topic

U225 / Onan Emerald Plus Problem

I love this propane generator but I am currently having a problem with it starting. There is a choke lever on the front (see photo 1) and the linkage (photo 2) came off behind the assembly the choke shaft goes through. I have been in contact with Cummins-Onan but there is a difference between what the architect drew up (see drawing) and what's there. I believe part #22 on the drawing is what is the linkage that came loose. The bottom line is I can't see what's behind the altitude adjustment bowl (yellow label) and my hands are too big to get back there and reconnect this link.
Has anyone else had this problem? As always, any advice is welcome.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: U225 / Onan Emerald Plus Problem

Reply #1 –
None of that stuff is used to manipulate the propane fuel.  The stuff you're fiddling with is for gasoline.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: U225 / Onan Emerald Plus Problem

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
None of that stuff is used to manipulate the propane fuel.  The stuff you're fiddling with is for gasoline.

Page 6-31 has the adjustment for which you're looking, I think.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: U225 / Onan Emerald Plus Problem

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
Page 6-31 has the adjustment for which you're looking, I think.

Thanks OT. I think you are right. I'm glad Cummins-Onan doesn't have me on the clock while they look for what you just sent me. Do you have the rest of the manual???
BTW, it does start and run well but it takes some serious cranking before it starts.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: U225 / Onan Emerald Plus Problem

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Dakota Slim –
BTW, it does start and run well but it takes some serious cranking before it starts.

That tends to be the nature of the beast with propane fueled internal combustion engines.  You can adjust it so that it starts easier, but now you're entering 2-stroke motorcycle engine territory where you adjust the air valve(s) for that day's conditions.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: U225 / Onan Emerald Plus Problem

Reply #5 –
By the way, I believe the fitting with the hose connected to it in the picture is for propane. Same as our Onan Emerald III propane fueled generator. The hose comes off the regulator down on the right side of the frame.
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: U225 / Onan Emerald Plus Problem

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Dakota Slim –
Thanks OT. I think you are right. I'm glad Cummins-Onan doesn't have me on the clock while they look for what you just sent me. Do you have the rest of the manual???
BTW, it does start and run well but it takes some serious cranking before it starts.
I think that is a safety feature to delay the opening of the propane solenoid until it's spinning good and intake flow is established.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: U225 / Onan Emerald Plus Problem

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Old phart phred –
I think that is a safety feature to delay the opening of the propane solenoid until it's spinning good and intake flow is established.
If that's the case then my propane solenoid may be hanging up for some reason. What is the significance of the green light next to the start button on the dash? It seems like that takes much longer now than it did before, even though the engine is spinning away.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: U225 / Onan Emerald Plus Problem

Reply #8 –
On our coach the green light comes on and stays on as long as the generator is running. It will go off when you hold the STOP switch in until the generator stops running.
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: U225 / Onan Emerald Plus Problem

Reply #9 –
Final update on this starting problem. Old Toolmaker was right with his Reply #2. My generator starts faster than ever after adjusting the idle screw as indicated on page 6 - 31 on his LPcarb.pdf file.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird