Troubleshooting guide

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IV: GENERATOR MAINTENANCE:
PARTS AND CHEMICALS
INSIST ON THE QUALITY OF GREEN LABEL PARTS
TM
Insist on Green Label Parts. Genuine Onan. These replacement and maintenance
products have been specially designed by Onan for RV generator use to provide
you with dependable power and performance for the life of your generator. They are
available from all Onan Authorized RV Service and Parts Dealers. Maintenance parts
can also be ordered online at Funroads
™
.com. See pages 30-33 for part numbers
by set.
Air Filters
Green Label Parts air filters are designed with a special foam pre-cleaner, for use
specifically in RV generators. Other manufacturers’ air filters may contain a lighter
density filter paper and the sealing surfaces may get hard and crack over time,
allowing dirty air into the engine intake system. Over time, it only takes about a
thimbleful of dirt to wear out piston rings and cylinders. (Replacement filters for some
older models may not include the pre-cleaner.)
Problem Probable Cause Solution
FAILS TO CRANK 1. Low battery. 1. Check battery fluid level.
2. Bad battery connection. 2. Clean & tighten all battery & cable connections.
3. Blown fuse. 3. Replace fuse on control panel.
CRANKS SLOWLY 1. Low battery. 1. Check battery fluid level.
2. Bad battery connection. 2. Clean & tighten all battery &
cable connections.
3. Incorrect oil viscosity. 3. Replace with recommended
viscosity oil.
4. Load connected. 4. Disconnect load before starting.
CRANKS BUT WON’T START 1. Fuel below generator pickup level 1. Add fuel.
in tank.
2. Fuel supply shutoff valve closed. 2. Fully open fuel supply valve.
3. Carbon deposits on spark plug(s). 3. Remove spark plug(s) and replace.
4. Low oil level. 4. Add oil.
EXHAUSTING BLACK SMOKE 1. Dirty air filter. 1. Replace air filter.
2. Choke stuck or misadjusted. 2. Contact an Onan Authorized RV Service & Parts Dealer.
UNIT RUNS THEN STOPS, 1. Low fuel level. 1. Add fuel.
OR STOPS WHEN DRIVING
2. Low oil level. 2. Add oil.
AROUND A CORNER
3. Excess oil. 3. Reduce engine oil level.
UNIT STARTS AND RUNS, 1. Low fluid levels. 1. Check & bring all fluids up to the
THEN STOPS WHEN THE START appropriate levels.
SWITCH IS RELEASED
2. Possible overheating. 2. Check for blocked air flow or other possible
causes of overheating.
3. Other functional problem. 3. Contact an Onan Authorized RV Service & Parts Dealer.
4. No AC output. 4. Contact an Onan Authorized RV Service & Parts Dealer.
UNIT RUNS THEN SURGES 1. Loose or worn spark plug leads. 1. Check spark plug leads at spark
plug & ignition coil.
2. Defective ignition coil, wiring, or 2. Contact an Onan Authorized RV Service & Parts Dealer.
control components.
3. Faulty spark plug. 3. Remove spark plug & clean or replace.
4. Governor out of adjustment. 4. Contact an Onan Authorized RV Service & Parts Dealer.
5. Combustion air pre-heat malfunction. 5. Contact an Onan Authorized RV Service & Parts Dealer.
6. Carburetor icing. 6. Move carburetor pre-heater to the winter position.
7. Carburetor varnishing. 7. Try fuel system cleaner and contact dealer
if no change.
CIRCUIT BREAKER TRIPS 1. Overloaded circuit. 1. Turn-off some of the electrical load,
and reset the circuit breaker.
WARNING! Incorrect troubleshooting procedures can result in risks of
property damage, or death from fire, explosion, electrocution, and
asphyxiation or being caught or hit by moving parts. DO NOT ATTEMPT
TROUBLESHOOTING unless you are trained and experienced in electrical
and mechanical maintenance.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Under normal operating conditions, you can expect your Onan
®
or Camp Power
™
generator to perform reliably without any problems. But if a problem does occur you
may be able to isolate the cause by using the following troubleshooting chart.
If you cannot discover and correct the problem, make a note of your generator model
and serial numbers and contact your local Onan Authorized RV Service and Parts
Dealer. Quiet Diesel
™
generators have a unique control system. Consult your Quiet
Diesel Owner’s Manual for troubleshooting information.
Trouble Shooting Guide