oldtrucks
Grass Valley, CA
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I have a Onan 5500 in a Ragen 5th wheel. Since we dont use it often I run it from time to time to keep fuel and oil moving through it. I tried starting it the other day and the engine fires and runs but as soon as I release the starter switch it dies. Tried it at the interior panel as well as on the generator, same issue. Checked oil, all wiring and connections and I don't see anything wrong. I can hold the switch and it runs fine, (tried it for 10-15 seconds I know not good for the starter), but I wanted to make sure it ran. As soon as either switch is released it dies. Any ideas where to look?
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pulsar
Lewisville, NC
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Moved from Forum Technical Support to Tech Issues.
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Brodie3Az
Chandler, Arizona
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Are you certain that the motor is running and not just cranking easily?
Mine would not run, found that the electric fuel solenoid under the carbuerator bowl had varnished in the closed position not allowing fuel to the jets. Unplugged the solenoid, unscrewed from carb, cleaned and reinstalled. Generator fired and ran nice.
Darn Varnish.
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stevesandidge
kingsport tn
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on onans, that sounds like a voltage regulater. you can get one from onan, or try flightsystems.com. they have a good reputation, and will help you troubleshoot it to boot.
steve
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oldtrucks
Grass Valley, CA
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Thanks for the move.
Yes it's running, I can get rpm to increase by pulling on carb. Goes through the normal start up, crank twice before starting, light on switch comes on and as soon as I release it dies. It's just over a year old and I'm not sure if the dealer will do anything since it part of the Warrior family. Guess I'll call Onan and see if they can offer any assistance.
Steve the voltage regulator never crossed my mind, why do you suspect that?
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Admiral
Upstate Ohio
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I had the same symptoms as you do with the switch on my 4000 Onan also. If the unit doesn't sense a voltage output when the starter switch is released the unit will shut down. Mine was the voltage reg also.
Alas, twas a $600+ repair @ CW back in 03. Good luck to you.
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gunny357
North Carolina
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Onan has a 3 year warranty.
Probably be a good idea to take it to them.
They will not stay running if they don't make oil pressure or have output voltage. Unless you have the service manual and a VOM, might be a little more than what you can do in your driveway.
Agree that if a voltage regulator, Flight Systems makes a better product than OEM with a better warranty and a better price.
By the way..............shutting them down while powering a load is about the best way I know of to kill a voltage regulator. A couple of lights are OK but the AC or the battery charger are not.
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oldtrucks
Grass Valley, CA
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I rechecked everything this am just to make sure I didn't miss something. Glad to hear that Onan has that kind of warranty, it has a whopping 3.5 hours on it so far.
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Triker33
Homestead, FL
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Onan service center will look for at least 2 hours a month it has been in service. They say run it 2 hours a month at least 1/2 load to exercise it.
They may refuse warranty on a over year old with only 3.5 hours.
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Kirk
Livingston, Texas.
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The Onan will do exactly what you describe if there is no voltage output. When you hold the start switch the required current is supplied by the coach batteries. Once you release it the power has to come from the generator output. While it could be a voltage regulator, it could also be something as simple as a fuse.
Good travelin! ........Kirk
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