Onan Slow Starting

[Gllo1954]

I just purchased a Leprechaun 260 D this summer. It came with an Onan KY (Spec P-R) 400KW generator. From day one I have had to crank the generator for about 25 to 30 seconds before it starts. To start it I crank for 25 seconds, stop and it sputters, but doesn't start, then I crank and it kicks over. I prime as directed for 20 to 25 seconds before cranking over the generator. Now that's its colder, the cranking time has increased. The generator has about 25 hours on it.

Is this normal for this unit? Should I just crank until it finally kicks over? I would hate to burn out the starter motor.

[Blank]

It sounds like you may be over-priming and essentially flooding the engine.... I hold the STOP switch down for about 4-5 seconds and the light comes on. Immediately push START and engine fires within 5 seconds. Neither the wife or I experience any issues.

[Gllo1954]

Thanks for getting back to me, The instructions say to prime for 25 seconds. I will try less time and see what happens.