Onan Generator

[Kinggartk]

I have Onan 4000 generator in my Class C.

I suspect this is not unusual, but thought I would ask.

My generator usually takes at least two or three cranks to start up. If it has set for a week or two...sometimes more cranking is required.

I think I was told during the PDI...that I need to press the "stop" button a few seconds to prime the generator before I press start.

Am I correct about the stop button? Does everyone else usually need 2 or three cranks to get the gen started?

On last question...when in winter storage...how often should I go out and start the generator and how long should I let it run?

[Jopopsy]

Some take a bit of cranking to get moving. Depends on the generator, the age of the gas in the line, and how long the gas line is from the fuel tank to the generator. Yes, priming it for a few seconds prior to starting it is a good idea, unless its been run recently (within the same day its not needed in my experience).

You manual spells out exercising the generator for 2 hours a month w/ approx. 50% load.

[Bullitt6283]

I readjusted the choke. It starts without a whole lot of cranking now.

[pconroy]

Originally Posted by Kinggartk

I have Onan 4000 generator in my Class C.

I suspect this is not unusual, but thought I would ask.

My generator usually takes at least two or three cranks to start up. If it has set for a week or two...sometimes more cranking is required.

I think I was told during the PDI...that I need to press the "stop" button a few seconds to prime the generator before I press start.

Am I correct about the stop button? Does everyone else usually need 2 or three cranks to get the gen started?

On last question...when in winter storage...how often should I go out and start the generator and how long should I let it run?

Exercise it for 45-60 mins every 30 days. Put some load on the generator, like running the AC, Fan, a heater.

Yes, I typically prime mine for a 10 count and then it'll take two 5-8 second cranking attempts before catching.

More in the winter.

[rjules24ft]

I am about the same. 5 count after red light comes on. Normally 2-3 cranks about 5 count each. 2018 model.

[Kinggartk]

Thank you all for your input.

[Camper_bob]

I give mine a good 10 count if it's been sitting for a while, then crank for a few seconds. If no start, I give the prime another 5 count, and it almost always fires right up then.

As for winter storage, I'll echo the others and say once a month under some load. But I'll add that you should store it with stabilized fuel. The ethanol fuel that we get these days is no good after sitting for some time. The carb in the generator can get gummed up easily too (my FIL has replaced his carb twice for this, you'd think he would learn). I find that when I stabilize the fuel, things run A LOT smoother after a "long sleep" in storage.

I use Schaeffer's fuel stabilizer that I get from one of my clients who owns a diesel shop. He swears by it, and it has done well for me.

https://www.schaefferoil.com/neutra.html

[pconroy]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

The carb in the generator can get gummed up easily too (my FIL has replaced his carb twice for this, you'd think he would learn).

$750 if the Cummins shop does it.
Don't ask me how I know this...