Onan generator

[JWM686]

My class 3 Eagle, 1999, generator is being balky. From a cold start, it runs for approx 15 minutes with no load on it, then shuts down. Can't immediately restart it until it is "cold" again. Then, it will start again for 15 minutes, then auto shuts off. Some mornings, it does not want to run at all. What should I be trying for a fix ?

[nylyon]

Does it shut down like someone turned it off, or does it die like it's running out of gas?

[JWM686]

It sputters, and dies a slow death like it is running out of gas.

[nylyon]

So it's likely fuel related since electrical will just shut it down. It sounds like there's a restriction. It could be as simple as the gas cap not venting which you can test by loosing the cap and see if it runs for more than 15 minutes. If it does, replace the cap. If it shuts off then it's likely clogged somewhere. Many small engine gas tanks have a strainer, it could have become plugged. If it has a fuel filter, then just go ahead and replace it. Other than that I would need to know what the fuel delivery system looks like (maybe a picture?)

[JWM686]

Nylyon:
Your suggestion on the gas cap was spot on. Today I started the Onan generator and then unscrewed the gas cap. It purred like a kitten for a full hour. About 35 minutes into its run, I flipped on some lights and air conditioner to put a load on it. Runs great; Thanks !!

[nylyon]

Sometimes there's a metal plate on the inside. If there's rust on it you likely have / had condensation in there. Try to either keep the fuel tank completely full (usually easier to do) or completely empty when storing for any length of time and be sure to use stabil so nothing gums up. It's great when it's an inexpensive (and easy to fix) problem.

[smoothy]

Yes the gas cap is a common issue that people seem to overlook. There is a tiny hole/vent you might be able to blow out with compressed air.