Onan Genset Whisper Quiet 4000 stops running

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MichaelW*

New member
Joined
Oct 3, 2024
Posts
4
Location
Columbia, SC 29210
After the Hurricane all power was knocked out. I was using the Genset to charge my battery powered lights. I turned on the A/C and set it at 85 degrees and connected 3 lights which were low in power. At this time the A/C was not running. Later I added a battery PC backup and shortly afterward the A/C turned on. The Genset cut off. I checked the codes the 1st was a 3 and checked the secondary codes which was a 41. The Genset will start but will not stay running. I checked 41 which is generator rotor. My Genset model is 4KYFA26100K S/N E040639539 SPEC :K Could this be a fuse blown or major problems with the rotor? Help would be appreciated. Thankyou
 
The generator codes can be mis- leading. First thing I would try is to test the generator with a known adequate load of about 50% of the generators rating.

Use the 120 volt power panel to shut off or turn on certain loads. Chances are that your house batteries have been depleted and the generator is spending lots of energy to recharge them.

A good experiment would be to shut off all the breakers (except for the main breaker) at the 120 volt service panel. Start the generator and then turn on the breaker for the air conditioner. This should ensure that the only load on the generator is the air conditioning. However, the air conditioner probably needs 12 volts for the control circuit and any other power management system that the air conditioning is dependent on. This 12 volts will be provided by your house batteries. The batteries must be at an adequate state of charge to start the generator and for the control circuits.
 
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The idea of this test is to have a known load on the generator. Preferably a single appliance of an adequate load for the generator to power. This will give you a better idea of what is going on.
 
The Genset is primed then started and will run for 2 to 3 seconds then stop. When it stops the code lights will blink 3 times. I have tried this several times with the same results. I will try what you have suggested and will get back to you. I do want to thank you for the help.
 
Make sure there is a half tank or better of fuel in the tank. The generator will not run below about 1/4 tank.

Charles
Hi Charles, after following the advice from Mr. Fate I tested my batteries. The MH battery needed servicing and I ran the MH for an hour to bring the charge up. I did not check the fuel gauge. The Genset would not start. I rechecked everything and reread all the posts again. I filled her up and the Genset cranked and kept running for 30 minutes and the codes were gone. To you sir thanks much
 
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