Generator (Onan)

[Pete Peterson]

http://www.flightsystems.com/pdf/onanrvtshootgd608.pdf

I had a problem with my generator, it would start and run but the RPMs fluctuated.  It ran that way for the past couple of years.  I ran into this site that had not only parts but a very good Q and A and troubleshooting guide.  Who would have ever thought that you would need to winterize your generator?  Well, I was guilty as charged and that's where my problem came from, gas trouble.  That started me thinking, I have my motor home sitting in my driveway all winter, maybe I ought to winterize my fuel?  I have to winterize the generator and it's running from the same tank.  I put fuel saver in my stupid lawn mower and the boat gas....but the motor home?  That's allot more fuel to have to treat, it may break the $10 barrier!  

[John "T" Nordhoff]

  You DEDFINITELY must winterize the genset or else the carbs gum and varnish up so when she runs it surges up n down in RPM as the govenor keeps trying to compensate for fuel starvation. In the winter or during long storage periods use plenty of Sta Bil and Heet water remover (if needed) etc. in the gas and run and exercise the genset under a load quite often (at least 15 to 20 mins every few weeks or so). Its good to change oil BEFORE winter storage and service the air cleaner and fuel filter as needed. Other things like a mis adjusted carb can also cause surging and uneven RPM, Id take a look at that which may cure the surging/hunting problem, but Id still winterize and exercise it.

 

  John T 

[Pete Peterson]

You're absolutely right John, I can't believe it took me so long to figure it out.  We had a friend visiting from out of state and he had the same problem.  In fact, once I saw what he was experiencing is what caused me to check out the troubleshooting guide.  After I discovered what the problem was, it made me think of my motor home sitting there with untreated fuel because the generator runs off the same fuel tank.  Got me thinking, I wonder how many people let their stored vehicles sit untreated (you can take me off the list now, I finally treat everthing).