Generator fuel pump inefficient on Talon?

[jmichal]

I have a 2018 Talon with an Onan 5500 Generator in front compartment. Fuel station tank is at the rear 30 ft from the Generator. Generator has bad issues for starting at times. Other times it starts second or third try. I think the fuel may run back to tank at times. I was thinking about adding another pump back at the tank. Has anyone done this and can I just splice the 12v wire into the original pump wires?

[Jagiven]

No direct help with your question, but I have a couple questions. Have you replaced the fuel filter? If so, I assume it still behaves the same. Also what type of fuel are you using? Regular pump gas (with ethanol)? My want to use ethanol free, it lasts a lot longer, it does not varnish as quickly. Ethanol based gas has a 30 day shelf life, one of the issues, it absorbs water out of the atmosphere.

[jmichal]

I do use Stabil in my fuel. I am putting in a new Filter but do not think that is the issue.

[RetiredOne]

Originally Posted by jmichal

Generator has bad issues for starting at times. Other times it starts second or third try. I think the fuel may run back to tank at times.

How long do you prime it for, before you hit the start switch?

[jmichal]

30 seconds, sometimes a couple times. Won't fire after 5 tries. A day or two later I can start it in 20 seconds.with a 30 second prime.

[theracqueteer]

If you are not already doing it, you need to run the genny at least once a month. Also, I would suggest putting a can of Sea Foam in with every fill up and maybe in between, depending on how long you go between fill ups. I might also suggest premium gas. Ethanol free is very difficult to find in my area. Since going with premium fuel and adding Sea Foam I have had no problems with starting my genny each month.

[jmichal]

I have been starting every month. I have used

stabil marine instead of seafoam.

[Colorado]

What’s your spark plug look like, gap, dirty?

[Dbunke]

I have heard on the inter webs of bad and or weak fuel pumps. Mine is a 2020 and starts just fine. No priming needed on the newer units. Your unit may still be under warranty. I believe they are covered for 3 years.

[nylyon]

On my tractors I've installed check valves in the fuel line to prevent the fuel from moving back to the tank. On one, I installed a bulb type primer similar to those used on small outboard boats. Couple of pumps with the bulb and the fuel is good to go.

I can't answer about adding an electric fuel pump, may reach out to Onan to see if that's a viable option.

[Brooksb]

They drain back to keep the carbs clean. It supposed to be this way....

[1HasBeen]

Once fuel passes the inlet needle, and drops into the bowl, I don't see how fuel will "jump" out of the bowl to prevent clogging the jets.

[jmichal]

Spark plugs good. Genny runs great when it starts.

[Brooksb]

Maybe thats why they say to run it at half load once a month. That jumps the gas out the bowl and gets new in. I just read its a drain back system. Maybe it keeps the squirrels that chew people's lines and wires from getting a sip of gas. BTW, i run mine for a hour once a month or so. It usually takes 10 seconds of cranking to fire up.

[jmichal]

Originally Posted by 1HasBeen

Once fuel passes the inlet needle, and drops into the bowl, I don't see how fuel will "jump" out of the bowl to prevent clogging the jets.

???

[jmichal]

Originally Posted by Brooksb

Maybe thats why they say to run it at half load once a month. That jumps the gas out the bowl and gets new in. I just read its a drain back system. Maybe it keeps the squirrels that chew people's lines and wires from getting a sip of gas. BTW, i run mine for a hour once a month or so. It usually takes 10 seconds of cranking to fire up.

I run it at least once a month for an hour or Two at 1/2 load. Have been for the past Two years. It just started getting real touchy to start the last trip.