Onan 4KW generator hard starting

[ebergler]

I have a Onan 4kw generator that takes too long to start. I prime for 15 second and crank - no start. 15 more sec and no start, after around 45 sec of prime it will start easy. Once it is warm it also needs much priming! this is not normal!
Today I asked a neighbor with the same 4kw generator to start and it was running with 5 sec cranking and no priming required!!!!
I need help with finding who can look at and fix this - I tried the local Cummings dealer but could not find anyone that was knowledgeable!
where do you find somebody with knowledge???
thanks for helping!
Abe Bergler

[A32Deuce]

When was the last time the fuel filter changed and any rubber fuel lines? Replace any rubber with fuel injection line. It withstands the alli fuel better.

[Honest Abe]

I had the same problem with my FR3 Onan 4K since day-1. I just installed a new air filter and a properly gapped, E3.22 spark plug. The E3 series of spark plugs is similar in function to the multi (dual) electrode spark plugs made by Split-Fire several years ago. After the change-out I cranked for five-eight seconds to full start, without priming.

[Creedmore P Crawley]

This is also one of the hard starting issues...YMMV...
i.e. a stuck or sticky choke...