RV Generator Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Complete Guide
Keep your RV generator running reliably with this comprehensive maintenance and troubleshooting guide for Onan, Generac, and Cummins units.
Keep your RV generator running reliably with this comprehensive maintenance and troubleshooting guide for Onan, Generac, and Cummins units.
F53 460 timing marks on harmonic balancer viewed through timing pointer. Clean and mark with white paint for visibility. Use timing light at idle.
Generator surging is typically caused by a dirty carburetor, fuel system issues, or governor problems. Start by cleaning the carburetor and air filter, then check fuel quality and governor linkage.
The Onan 5500 can be tuned up with quality aftermarket parts when OEM parts are unavailable. Use NGK 3432 spark plugs, Wix 57358 oil filter (not 57398), and zinc-containing oils like Rotella T6 for optimal performance.
Code 14 is overspeed but your real issue is carburetor gummed from sitting. Choke mechanism needs cleaning to operate automatically. Clean carburetor thoroughly - jets and choke linkage. Use fresh fuel and add stabilizer to prevent future issues.
Year of storage without stabilizer causes carburetor varnish. Carburetor needs thorough cleaning or rebuild - soaking, jet cleaning, new gaskets. Running rough and stalling under load are classic symptoms of blocked jets from old fuel residue.
After running out of gas, air is in fuel system. Hold start switch longer (15-30 seconds) to purge air. May take several attempts. Check oil level is correct after change.
For the Jamboree fridge, check LP gas flow, burner for debris, and 12V power. Ford 460 EFI conversion costs more than the RV is worth - maintain the carburetor instead.
Shutting down under load after rebuild suggests carburetor still not delivering enough fuel or governor sticking. Watch governor arm movement during load test. Try gradual load increase to find threshold. Check fuel pump output if equipped.
Your 1988 E350 Class C with 460 EFI has spark, fuel pressure, and timing but won't start even with ether - this points to either a faulty Mass Air Flow sensor, clogged injectors, or ECM failure. The fact that ether doesn't help is the key diagnostic clue here.
If total repairs exceed 50% of replacement cost with problems continuing, replacement makes sense. Refurbished Onan from reputable source with warranty is good option. Get thorough diagnosis before deciding - intermittent issues can often be isolated.
Modern AGS systems are designed to handle starting with AC load. Built-in delay lets generator warm up before transfer switch engages. Old advice about no-load starts applied to older systems. Your AGS setup for pet comfort is fine.
Your 1989 Ford Tioga's 460 EFI system is experiencing classic symptoms of fuel pressure loss, likely due to a failing fuel pump or clogged pickup screen in the tank. The dead battery jump may have damaged the fuel pump relay circuit.
The burnt spot with carbon buildup 18 inches from the end of your 2013 Thor Challenger's V10 Triton dipstick indicates the dipstick tube is allowing hot gases or oil to contact that specific area. This commonly occurs due to a cracked dipstick tube, worn O-ring seal, or internal engine pressure issues.
Used Onan 4000 generators range $800-2500 based on hours and condition. Check hour meter, run under load, and inspect for carburetor issues before buying.