Onan microquiet 4000 won't start

[Yamaha314]

When priming prior to starting generator, what used to be a mild rapid thumping noise from the fuel pump has now turned into a loud rapid clacking noise. I believe I ran the fuel tank empty while excercising the generator last time, so I just put 10 gallons of fresh gas in, primed, and now get this clacking noise. I am wondering if the fuel pump has gone bad???

[MacEFL]

Is the light on the switch flashing when you try and start. Count the flashes and look at the trouble shooting section in you manual. The flashes are a code for what is ailing your genny.

[Yamaha314]

Thanks for the reply! The light flashes AS I try to start it, but the only time it will flash any code at the end of the startup attempt is when I hold it in start mode too long. That's when I get an over-run code, because I held the bitton too long. The system thinks things are normal because .everything is working, including the fuel pump trying to pump ( I think ). It's just that the genny is fuel starved, I am assuming due to a bad fuel pump.

I am just going to buy a new pump and try it. They are not very expensive on ebay. I will be money ahead no matter what by keeping it away from the shops and trying it myself.

My Jayco should be renamed Joke-o. It's been trouble for five years now!
1) premature tire FAILURE (3 out of 4)
2) bad a/c thermostat
3) roof leaks
4) improper skylight install cause roof leaks (more)
5) aluminum skin cancer eating holes in siding in several places from electrolosis
6) toilet flush valve leak
7) shower faucet leak
8) jayco support is a joke
9) local jayco dealer is a joke because they even talk bad about jayco but they keep selling them
10) generator is now crapped out

I am now a very smart rv owner! Never, never own a jayco!!!!

[tinlizzie23]

I notice that you say that Jayco support is a "joke". I'm puzzled, because I have a 2004 Jayco 5er, bought privately from the original owner, and have had several occasions to contact Jayco, mostly about schematics and other function questions, and a couple of requests for advice on repairs. In each and every case, Jayco has replied very quickly, and either provided the requested help, or referred me to individual manufacturers who supplied components to Jayco. They have always bent over backwards to help me - I couldn't ask for better service.

I wonder - have you actually contacted Jayco for help, or just tried the dealer (who may not have cared as much as Jayco about your issues) ?

I don't understand why Jayco would help one customer (who didn't even buy from them initially), and would leave another out in the cold. It just doesn't make sense to me.

[Yamaha314]

Well I say Jayco support is bad because I made four attempts through my dealer to Jayco to get a replacement skylight, giving the demensions, part number, and pics. I witnessed the phone conversations with Jayco in person, and Jayco sent a completely wrong part each time, repeatedly sending manual vent covers each time. It was during the rainy season and while making all attempts possible to keep the skylight from leaking too much, my camper suffered significant wayer damage durimg the three months it took to get the correct skylight in. Now my camper skin is failing due to electrolosis caused by the wet wood behind the skin. I ended up just spending thousands of dollars to keep my camper under cover, out of the weather.

Anyway, the fuel pump was bad. I got a new one off ebay for $65, replaced it myself so as not to habe to pay the $300+ at the stealer. Now it's on to the next repairs......... Toilet flush valve, leaking shower faucet, convection oven went out (no repair on this one), repair or patch up the skin cancer.

Thinking of trading it in on a car hauler and build it out myself.

[andrewsilver]

I was wondering if you figured out a solution. What you describe is the same issue I'm having with mine: "what used to be a mild rapid thumping noise from the fuel pump has now turned into a loud rapid clacking noise. I believe I ran the fuel tank empty while excercising the generator last time, so I just put 10 gallons of fresh gas in, primed, and now get this clacking noise". Were you able to get it fixed? Thanks.

[Cruzinfools]

if you run any electric fuel pump out of fuel on a generator or a vehicle it will trash it. I replace them all the time for customers. Read the owners manual and it will tell you not to run them dry. Also the fuel keeps the pumps cool. Just my 2 cents. I have replace 2 Onan generator fuel pumps this fall for the same reason.

[Seann45]

So you have never talked to Jayco... ??? From the sounds of it I think you have a bad dealer.. Jayco has been very helpful to me even when they did not have to be...