Onan MicroLite 4000 turns over but will not run

[Tena]

Our Onan 4000. We prime and push start it sounds health but won't start. Small the gas. Took gas line off and see gas come out when we crank it over. It like spits and runs out out the gas line. Should it be a a steady stream of gas?
Been about 3 months now it won't start

 

[cgmartin]

Yes, it should be more like a steady stream of gas. It's a rather small pump, so the the flow will be slighly diminished. Try removing both ends of the fuel line between the fuel pump and carburetor. If you have a compressor, try blowing on it to dislodge any obstructions, but better yet, you might as well replace it while it is off. You should also consider replacing the fuel filter. If you still get a fuel flow in spurts, then replace the fuel pump.

 

[QZ]

Small engine spark tester.

https://www.ebay.com/i/171079170676?chn=ps&dispItem=1

 

[Lou Schneider]

You cold have a leaky rubber fuel line between where it comes out of the top of the gas tank and where it connects to the metal fuel line on the chassis..  The fuel pump has to suck fuel out of the tank like drinking through a straw.  It's designed that way so any small cracks or leaks in the fuel line will let air into the line and break suction instead of leaking fuel.

Try letting the fuel pump suck fuel out of a small container using a new piece of flexible line and see if the flow smooths out.

 

[youracman]

Small engine spark tester.

https://www.ebay.com/i/171079170676?chn=ps&dispItem=1

What QZ says ^^^^^^^ IMHO. Or, you can buy (other type) spark testers at your local car parts house......some of them will give you a relative "figure of merit" re how good (strong) the spark is.  Also, one could just buy a new spark plug, gap it to .025" and screw it in.  If the new plug doesn't help you haven't spent much and you can always use a spare spare plug.....just sayin'

Assuming a typo where Tena wrote "Small the gas" s/b "Smell the gas" ???  In which case I would not jump at the fuel pump as a reason that particular Onan will not start.  If you can smell the gas, you should at least have gotten a "pop" or an attempt to start ............ even with a lousy fuel pump, methinks.

Of course if Tena's Onan has not been started in 3 months, there will possibly be (well documented) problems with the carburetor from just sitting..... even if the Onan can be made to "start". 

Just my 'sperience. 

These little Onan dudes can bruise your ego............and your wallet too. 

Good luck on a fix for the problem....... and safe travels.