Onan Generators

Front 1

Checks that should be made at the start of the day and every 8 hours of generator operation after that

Back 1

- check oil level
- check exhaust system for leaks
- check fuel system for leaks and make sure there is adequate supply
- check battery terminals for corrosion and battery for good condition

Front 2

Starting and stopping procedures (should be done without loads)

Back 2

- turn off air conditioner and other large loads before starting
- if diesel, preheat according to owner's manual before starting. QuietDiesel units had automatic preheat.
- before stopping, turn off a/c and heave loads and allow set to run for two minutes.
- avoid running for long periods with no load or loads under 1kW

Front 3

When starting generator, push and hold switch for how long? How long until you try to start again?

Back 3

Do not crank for more that 10 seconds

wait at least 30 seconds before trying again

Front 4

How do you restart a stalled generator?

Back 4

- Disconnect or turn off as many appliances as possible and try restarting

- Reconnect appliances one by one up to a total load that does not overload the generator

Front 5

What to do if breaker trips:

Back 5

Disconnect/turn off as many appliances as possible and reset circuit breaker. Reconnect appliances one by one to a total load that does not overload generator or trip breaker

- if one trips, either short circuit OR too many appliances being operated

Front 6

How much power lost by high altitude?

Back 6

Power output will decrease by 3.5% for each 1000 ft above the Onan base rate altitude of 500 ft.

Lower density air causes loss of power.

Set altitude adjustment knob if equipped.

Front 7

How much power lost by high temperature?

Back 7

1% for each 10 degrees F increase in ambient temperature above 85 degrees F.

Loss of power from lower density air.

Also note A/C require more power to run in high temperatures.

Set the summer/winter preheat lever if equipped to winter if temp below 55 F

Front 8

What oil does Onan recommend?

Back 8

OnaMax 15W40

Front 9

Why should I run my generator during storage?

Back 9

prevent:
- moisture build-up
- fuel system damage
- poor performance

Front 10

What should I do if I'm storing it for an extended period of time?

Back 10

If storing 2 months or more, use OnaFresh fuel stabilizer

refer to manual for instruction

Front 11

how often should I exercise the generator?

Back 11

at least 2 hours ever 4 weeks at approx. 1/2 load.

calculate load with chart in operator's manual

Front 12

Why does it fail to crank?

Back 12

- low battery
- bad battery connections
- blown fuses

try:
- checking battery fluid level
- clean/tighten terminals
- replace fuse on control panel

Front 13

Why does it crank slowly?

Back 13

- low battery
- bad battery connections
- incorrect oil viscosity
- load connected

try:
- check battery fluid level
- clean/tighten connections
- replace oil (viscosity)
- disconnect load before starting

Front 14

why does it crank but not start?

Back 14

- low fuel
- fuel supply shutoff valve closed
- carbon deposits on spark plugs
- low oil level

try:
- adding fuel
- full open fuel supply valve
- remove spark plugs/replace
- add oil

Front 15

Why is it exhausting black smoke?

Back 15

- dirty air filter
- choke stuck or misadjusted

try:
- replacing the air filter
- take in for service

Front 16

Unit runs then stops, or stops when driving around corner.

Back 16

- low fuel
- low oil level
- excess oil

try:
- adding fuel
- add oil
- reducing engine oil

Front 17

Unit starts and runs, then stops when the start switch is released.

Back 17

- low fluid levels
- possible overheating
- other functional problem
- no AC output

try:
- check and bring fluid levels up to the appropriate levels.
- check for blocked air flow or other possible causes of overheating
- contact Onan

Front 18

Unit runs then surges.

Back 18

- loose or worn spark plug leads
- defective ignition coil, wiring, or control components
- faulty spark plugs
- governor out of adjustment
- combustion air preheat malfunction
- carburetor icing
- carburetor varnishing

try:
- check spark plug leads at spark plug and ignition coil
remove spark plugs and clean/replace
- move carburetor pre-heater to the winter position
try fuel system cleaner and contact dealer if no change