Onan Generator Over Fueling Issue

[OldWEB]

Once you get the manual for your model look up the choke setting procedure. I believe you stated earlier it stays open even after running awhile. As a result it's flooding.

The addition of air to fuel will lean the mixture out.

Read your two comments and agree they contradict each other.

 

[CWI-Guy]

The choke plate closes when cranking and as soon as it starts the plate opens allowing air in. I picked up a pressure gauge for the fuel but ended up breaking my wrist the same day and haven't been able to do much with one hand. Once I get the fuel pressure verified, I'll have to go from there. I do have the manual now, just haven't invested much time towards it lately...

 

[OldWEB]

My 4000 has a mechanical choke when at ambient, the choke plate should be closed from a thermal spring which as it warms up, it opens up the plate.
Mine would also "open" when the unit cooled down, so I have learned to 'release' the stuck choke before starting, otherwise I would need to crank the unit for 'sometime' before it would fire up.

 

[CWI-Guy]

My 4000 has a mechanical choke when at ambient, the choke plate should be closed from a thermal spring which as it warms up, it opens up the plate.
Mine would also "open" when the unit cooled down, so I have learned to 'release' the stuck choke before starting, otherwise I would need to crank the unit for 'sometime' before it would fire up.

OK, I'll definitely keep an eye out for that next time I'm cranking it. I've never payed any attention to see if mine stays open when cooling or not. It cranks right up with a fresh plug. It just doesn't stay happy very long. Maybe 20 minutes before it sputters out.

 

[DonTom]

OK, I'll definitely keep an eye out for that next time I'm cranking it. I've never payed any attention to see if mine stays open when cooling or not. It cranks right up with a fresh plug. It just doesn't stay happy very long. Maybe 20 minutes before it sputters out.

A stuck closed choke is somewhat common on Onans. It has happened to my Onan. It was the first thing I checked when I once had your symptoms of running way too rich.

You should be able to force it open by hand after the genny starts and runs for a half minute or so and see if that fixes it temporally and then go for a permanent fix. Be sure to check the cheap tubing piece that transfers the heat from the exhaust to the choke:



-Don- Reno, NV

 

[OldWEB]

OK, I'll definitely keep an eye out for that next time I'm cranking it. I've never payed any attention to see if mine stays open when cooling or not. It cranks right up with a fresh plug. It just doesn't stay happy very long. Maybe 20 minutes before it sputters out.

If yours is flooding, it possibly could stay "closed" when warming up, that would definitely cause it to quit. I posted the image of an older Onan, I dunno if new ones still have the mechanical-style of choke.

 

[DonTom]

OK, I'll definitely keep an eye out for that next time I'm cranking it. I've never payed any attention to see if mine stays open when cooling or not. It cranks right up with a fresh plug. It just doesn't stay happy very long. Maybe 20 minutes before it sputters out.

The tubing I showed in message 45 is shown at the extreme right on message number 43 when the photo is opened up and much larger.

That tubing is VERY important to turn off the choke and fails often. Before you even start the genny next time, check that tube when the genny is COLD. Make sure it has no tears, holes and is in both slots. It is connected from the bottom of the choke box to the exhaust. Without that heat from the exhaust on the coke coil, the genny will run VERY rich when it warms up and then will die.

And it's such a common failure, buy a spare. You can get them on E-bay here.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[udidwht]

Get the model number off your generator and go her to locate the manual...

Onan Manuals

Within the manual you'll find the procedure for adjusting the choke.

 

[udidwht]

Choke adjustment: Onan manual (8-17)

1. Allow the genset to cool down. The tempera-
ture inside the housing must be the same as
the ambient temperature.

2. Loosen the adjustment screw holding the ad-
justment plate.

3. Slowly rotate the adjustment plate until the bi-
metal choke shaft connection is visible in the
sight window. This is the correct setting for an
ambient temperature of 70° F (21° C).

If the ambient temperature is higher or lower
than 70° F (21° C), make a mark on the choke
coil housing opposite the center mark on the
adjustment plate. Each mark on the adjustment
plate is equal to 10° F (12.2° C) of difference
from 70° F (21° C). If it is warmer than 70° F (21°
C), rotate the plate clockwise. If the tempera-
ture is less than 70° F (21° C), rotate the plate
counterclockwise. Tighten the adjustment
screw.

Example: If the ambient temperature is 90° F
(32° C), rotate the adjustment plate two marks
clockwise from the 70° F (21° C) position
marked on the housing.

4. Move the choke lever back and forth to check
for free movement. Verify that the choke does
not bind or stick.