Generator Fuel Starvation 2019 Sunstar 29VE

[ttroxLV]

Sunstar with a 5Kw Onan generator. After sitting for 2 months not being used generator would start but only run for a short time. Tried new filter, carb cleaner nothing worked. Noticed only a drip from the gas tank line when I removed it from old filter. I blew into the gas line and gas flowed. Put gas line back on filter. Generator started but stopped within 30/40 seconds. What to do next? Dare I run a wire thru the gas line? Suggestions please

[202235f]

If your gas tank isn't at least 1/4 full, the generator won't run.

Also, are you getting an error code?

[Lv2Roam2]

When you cleared the fuel line was there any debris in the fuel? And may be worthwhile to pull and clear the line again and see what happens. You're looking at things like fuel priming, algae growth, dirt, etc. After that it could be worth replacing your start and run relays - available at Amazon for a much better price.

[bigb]

There is also a fuel supply check procedure for the fuel pump. It is not very sophisticated, you just unhook the line and stick it in a container then run the pump. Onan will have a spec of how much fuel during a certain time but really if it pumps fuel into the container at a decent rate it's probably good. Since your gen is gasoline extra precautions need to be taken when pumping raw fuel including a fire extinguisher at the ready and a line extension to bring it away from any possible spark/ignition source.

[deckape]

How old is you coach > Might be a bad gas line that has failed with today's gas .

[ttroxLV]

Gas tank is 3/4 full, just shot 4/5 shots of compressed air thru line, heard "bubbles" in gas tank but no gas flowed out of the hose, RV is a 2019, i run 91 octane gas & use Techron, I am stumped!!

[deckape]

Reinstall fuel filter and make sure that you have only one gasket on top . Could be sucking air but won't leak fuel . Have seen were old gasket stays in housing .

[ttroxLV]

Gave line 3/4 more shots of air and gas flowed, attached. to filter, started gen, ran smooth until I applied load of ac then started to surge but continued to pull with load, still stumped as to what is wrong

[Eagle5]

Hi ttroxRV
It sounds like to me you are getting deposits caused by Ethanol in the fuel. Now that you have the blockage cleared, you have the classic generator surging under load problem. I recommend that you add one ounce of Sea Foam to every gallon in your main tank, drive a little to get it mixed, and then run your generator. I did the same last week, and all of my generator surging issues have gone away, and my generator starts much more quickly now. I understand that Sea Foam also acts as a fuel stabilizer, which is a nice perk. I am recommending therefore that you stop using the Techron and use Sea Foam instead.
Eagle5

[Ray,IN]

Another thought; "rubber" fuel lines can go bad/fail internally while the outside appears new.. This can cause a hidden blockage in the fuel system. This was a common problem on older/1990's diesel Dodge trucks.

[ttroxLV]

Thanks for all the advice. Think I'll try the sea foam in the gas on our next trip in Jan 25.

[ttroxLV]

Have about 60 gals in the gas tank, dumped 4 big btls of Sea Foam in tank drove around, started gen and ran for 30 minutes, smoothed out and held a load. Thanks for the advice. Everyone have wonderful Holidays.

[Eagle5]

Hi ttroxLV,
An excellent report! So glad it worked for you too.
Merry Christmas, Eagle5

[Tipton1]

I see you got your generator going but if that does not sustain I would suggest looking to the fuel pump as the issue. I had the same symptoms with my 5K Onan and it was the pump.

[Morich]

I might first jump to testing the fuel pump as they can be funky. But then any gasoline engine is prone to the same problem if we don't do some small points. It is not the gas itself but the way it evaporates when we don't use the engine . Same happens on lots of lawnmowers when spring comes!
If we don't pay attention and add some form of stabilizer or drain the gas tank, we get places stopped up and engine problems.
So how many of you have gas engines that will set all winter and give problems in the spring?
There's an old saying about being smarter than our toys!

As a starter, this is what one RV owners manual has about storing the RV!


DANG! Do they mean to tell me I need to open those books they put in the info bag??