Onan 4000 storage

I checked my generator for monthly start.  I did not get any gas out of carburetor from the drain screw before running generator.   It started right up and ran fine. 

Blue Blaze your generator may have had other issues because it was not run for couple years.  Onan recommends monthly starts to maintain it in top condition. 

Ron S

I checked my generator for monthly start.  I did not get any gas out of carburetor from the drain screw before running generator.   It started right up and ran fine. 

Blue Blaze your generator may have had other issues because it was not run for couple years.  Onan recommends monthly starts to maintain it in top condition. 

Ron S

Maybe it's just my fuel pump that leaks through to the carb. It seems to work fine since I installed the shutoff valve.  At least I haven't needed any more carbs. All mechanical things benefit from regular usage, but I don't have to start my mower every month during the off season, so long as I use Stabil in the tank and drain the carb when I put away it away for the season.  Ought to be good enough for a generator.  Sorry, I'm to lazy to back the RV out of the garage every month just to start the genny.

By the way, are they not putting an hour meter on the Onan starting panel inside the coach anymore?  That's where mine is.

I am with you on running the generator.  A pain for me because I have to take the battery with me to storage, start the engine then run generator.  If it is nice out I will go for a ride.  We have yet to use it camping. 

Here is what Onan says:  Exercising a genset drives off moisture, re-lubri- cates the engine, replaces stale fuel and removes oxides from electrical contacts. The result is better starting, more reliable operation and longer engine life.

I do have an hour meter on the remote panel.  However, it does not work.  Can’t find just the meter or one that fits.   Have to buy the whole used panel at about $55.  Maybe Carol at PC has one?.??  Have to call her. 

Michigan State campgrounds open June 22.  Can’t wait. 

Ron S

I installed a fuel valve in mine a few years ago, while replacing my ruined carb.  I thought I didn't really need to exercise the generator every month, if I just used the drain screw to drain the carb before storage, any time I used it.  But after it sat unused for a couple of years, I discovered that it wouldn't start when I needed it during a power outage at a Nashville park.

I think the real reason you need a shutoff valve is that, after you think you've drained the carb, fuel slowly leaks through the fuel pump and fills it back up again, anyway. 

By the way, after turning off the valve and running the generator until it dies, you should still use the drain screw to drain the last bit of fuel from the carb bowl.

Jon

I presume you opened the fuel shutoff valve when you tried to start it, but did you prime the carb bowl first and after trying to start, was there fuel in the bowl (screw on bottom of carb).

There shouldn't be a problem starting after a few years being unused as long as you have the magic 3 things, fuel, air and spark.

Doesn't mean the generator portion will be happy, but the engine should start.   Make sure the choke rod moves properly.

Just my thoughts.

Don

Quote from: BlueBlaze on May 23, 2020, 09:30:16 am

I installed a fuel valve in mine a few years ago, while replacing my ruined carb.  I thought I didn't really need to exercise the generator every month, if I just used the drain screw to drain the carb before storage, any time I used it.  But after it sat unused for a couple of years, I discovered that it wouldn't start when I needed it during a power outage at a Nashville park.

I think the real reason you need a shutoff valve is that, after you think you've drained the carb, fuel slowly leaks through the fuel pump and fills it back up again, anyway. 

By the way, after turning off the valve and running the generator until it dies, you should still use the drain screw to drain the last bit of fuel from the carb bowl.

Jon

I presume you opened the fuel shutoff valve when you tried to start it, but did you prime the carb bowl first and after trying to start, was there fuel in the bowl (screw on bottom of carb).

There shouldn't be a problem starting after a few years being unused as long as you have the magic 3 things, fuel, air and spark.

Doesn't mean the generator portion will be happy, but the engine should start.   Make sure the choke rod moves properly.

Just my thoughts.

Don

Oh yeah, I could get it to start by priming it, but it wouldn't keep running. I was pretty P.O.'d to find a bunch of gunk in the float bowl when I took apart, since I knew I'd drained the carb the last time I'd used it.  That's what prompted me to add the cutoff valve. 

I left it sitting in kerosene overnight, and blew it out with carb cleaner, but still couldn't find the clog. It still wouldn't run.  The only thing that fixed it was a new carb.  Hopefully the shutoff valve will prevent the new carb from being ruined the next time I need it,

Blue, I went thru the same and even after cleaning , soaking in sea foam, holding my breath, praying , etc it still wouldn’t run without surging. I spent $50 for a new carb and was done with it. Looking back I spent half that on cleaners not to mention all the frustration and time spent. In time when this one starts to cause surging  I won’t bother fighting it and just spend the $50 and the 30 mins to change it out and be done with it.

I might just spring for a spare carb to have one around. For sure it will always run fine in the driveway, then fail out in the boonies.

If I have a spare, I'll likely never need it....Lucky's Logic rule #1.

Lucky, one hint for an easy change out should you ever need to is buy the smallest tube of High Tack gasket sealant.  The gasket sits vertical so of course as you slide the carb in place the gasket falls out. I use just a couple tiny spots of the high tack to hold the gasket in place for install. Saves some frustration. 

Is this the correct carburetor replacement ?  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KQQ6FD9/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A16MP6R2VB2XI3&psc=1

I’ll post the one I used when I get home . I’m up in the mountains for the weekend.  The one I used was right at $50

Thanks

The carb I used was The Annpee  Carburetor Carb for Onan Cummins 146-0785 RV Generator KY Series A042P619 Replaces 146-0803. It goes for $46 plus tax on Amazon. There are several out there, here's another on Amazon for $44. 
Jinkaye 146-0785 Annpee Carb for Onan 146-0785 146-0803 Generator Carburetor KY Series A042P619.

They all come with gaskets and possibly a filter you won't need due to this carb fits some lawn tractors as well. After install my gen started immediately and has run great for over a year now.  They are so readily available I won't keep an extra on hand when you can get one in couple days from amazon. That and you know well in advance when they start getting hard to start.

The carb I used was The Annpee  Carburetor Carb for Onan Cummins 146-0785 RV Generator KY Series A042P619 Replaces 146-0803. It goes for $46 plus tax on Amazon. There are several out there, here's another on Amazon for $44. 
Jinkaye 146-0785 Annpee Carb for Onan 146-0785 146-0803 Generator Carburetor KY Series A042P619.

They all come with gaskets and possibly a filter you won't need due to this carb fits some lawn tractors as well. After install my gen started immediately and has run great for over a year now.  They are so readily available I won't keep an extra on hand when you can get one in couple days from amazon. That and you know well in advance when they start getting hard to start.

Link - https://www.amazon.com/Jinkaye-Carburetor-A042P619-Generator-146-0785/dp/B01N6I92K0

I will be keeping one on hand. I dont want to be waiting days, it will probably fail when I need it NOW.        THANKS!! 

Volk. even if you never end top needing it the cost is low enough that it's not an issue having an extra. . Get your self the smallest tube of high tack gasket sealer. Just a tiny spot will hold the vertical gasket while you slide the carb in place. It can be done without but with some unwanted frustration.

I have not run my V10 or Onan since August 2018.  I should video what happens.  The gas in the main tank is that old, and I don't add Stabil.  It is a bit "testy" even for me.  I hope indoor control-temp storage will have helped enough to avoid some extra work.

Late 2018 and 2019 were vacations spent in The Holy Land and Egypt, and watching our grand daughters weekly prevented RV trips, so it has been 22 months since running our PC.