Question on Onan RV Generator

gdtractor · Mar 21, 2020

Since I had SO MUCH good luck getting the right answers from this forum .. here is a little different question ..
I have a small RV (Ford 350 - V10 - with 20ft Coachman with an Onan generator).

When I push the Generator starter button from the inside or the on on the generator .. it starts and runs AS LONG AS I HOLD THE BUTTON IN ... as soon as I release it .. the generator engine dies!!! won't run ..
Typically, when I push the starter button .. it starts and runs great .. now it won't run unless I hold the starter button in (which I don't think is good for it) ...
Any ideas .. or have you had this experience ?
Thanks much
Gary

lpgasonly · Mar 21, 2020

be sure the gas tank on the RV is over 1/4 full. It has a safety set so you have enough gas to get back to a station to fill it up.

gdtractor · Mar 21, 2020

Yes .. the tank is full ..
THanks much
Gary

jm. · Mar 21, 2020

You have lost the HOT wire or ignition wire to the unit. It is getting hot thru or from the starter solenoid as long as you are cranking on the engine. Would have to look and see how it is wired but the fact that it runs when in the crank mode makes me feel like that is the problem.

gdtractor · Mar 21, 2020

Makes sense!!

tn terry t · Mar 21, 2020

oil switch bad or low of oil?

gdtractor · Mar 21, 2020

It is not low on oil but I have not checked the oil switch. Thx.
Gary

MNGB · Mar 21, 2020

Its been awhile since I've worked on these it maybe a blown fuse I've seen this and its pretty simple
GB in MN

Steve@Advance · Mar 21, 2020

Looking at the Onan remote schematic, it shows the toggle switch providing the ground for either function.

Ground the start, it cranks and runs.

Ground the stop, it shuts it down.

I would go to the control board, disconnect the remote wires, jump the ground to the start, see if it will run. If it does, sounds like a short to ground on the stop wire.

If it still won't continue to run, look for a fault signal, low oil, low fuel, high temp, etc.
Onan Wiring

John T · Mar 21, 2020

I've owned RV's for 49 years many of which were equipped with Onan Gensets. On the later models that used a solid state control circuit board when they acted exactly as you described IT WAS A CIRCUIT BOARD PROBLEM. However you may luck out and its a minor connection problem or an oil pressure or heat sensor.

John T

Billy Shafer · Mar 21, 2020

Depends on what model you have. But most common is no AC output.Or a bad control board. The oil level or pressure switch is no longer used. On the older K units the switch was removed because of false shut downs

Billy Shafer · Mar 21, 2020

You are correct.There is nothing in the tank. That will stop the engine from running. At 1/4 tank it simply runs out of fuel.It was made that way for the reason you gave.

Onan tech since 1980 and no I don't care for the 3600 style units. But that is all Onan makes.

gdtractor · Mar 21, 2020

Thx Makes a lot of sense ..
It is not at my house now .. but will check this when I get it ..
Gary

gdtractor · Mar 21, 2020

Thanks so much ... nothing like experience .... but ... I am a novice at this .. where and what is the CIRCUIT BOARD?
thanks again
Gary

Billy Shafer · Mar 21, 2020

The circuit board is in the box where the start stop switch is. On some models the start switch is mounted on the board.

Billy Shafer · Mar 21, 2020

My email in case you need it.
Phone 903-536-2816

Billy Shafer · Mar 21, 2020

Sorry [email protected]

Billy Shafer · Mar 22, 2020

John T is correct. Most common problem is the board. I would check with Flight Systems. See if they have one.I have used them for over 30 years.Good people that know what they are doing.

zuhnc · Mar 22, 2020

Please post model and serial number of the generator. Your problem depends on what you have. Mr. Schafer is the Onan guru; I also frequent the Onan board on Smokstak. He has probably forgotten more than most of us know. zuhnc

zuhnc · Mar 22, 2020

Mr. Shafer: I apologize for not spelling your name correctly. Editing seems to be disabled, temporarily. zuhnc

Billy Shafer · Mar 22, 2020

Nothing to apologize for. It is a German name and I think eight ways to spell it.I just got lucky and got the simple way.

Yes when asking for help with anything.It is best to give the full model and serial number.I know that can be impossible at times.So any information you can give will help.

I get request for help with it's an Onan.I tell them. Well Onan has been making genets since 1925. Which one do you have.I am sure the guys on this site. Have hears the same with tractors.

Question on Onan RV Generator

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