Onan Generator Won't Start

[ue40hole5]

I recently acquired a 1997 Fleetwood Tioga Montera with an Onan 4000 Microlite generator. The generator cranks but doesn't start. My question is how/where can I find out what is a suitable replacement carburetor and where can I acquired same.

I was told by a technician that this sounds like a fuel problem and was quoted an astronomical sum to replace the fuel pump and carb. I also learned that the carb can gum up if it sits for a long period of time, and that the previous owner seldom used the generator. I checked the fuel pump and it appears to produce a good flow. I ran a considerable amount of Seafoam and gas mix through the system per instructions on the Seafoam website. The motor started and ran for a few seconds producing lots of white smoke. I theorize that this was the cleaner burning out of the system. Any advice or input will be much appreciated.  -  Ed

 

[Henry J Fate]

If you have fuel flowing to the carburetor inlet and spark at the plug, I would remove the carburetor and clean out the, bowl, bowl needle inlet, jets etc with a carburetor cleaner. Reassemble and try that. Also make sure your air intake is unobstructed. A new plug would help also. I dont remember if that carburetor has a single jet or 2 jets. I think its a single but in either case, all jets and passages should be carefully cleaned without damaging the surfaces. You should be able to drop the carburetor bowl easily to get in there. That may offer enough access to clean things out. Removing the carburetor completely is a little more complicated.

Also.... Get the model #'s off the generator and look for the service manual online. Generally Cummings (Onan) will email you the file if you call the customer service number.

Good Luck and Happy Thanksgiving

Henry