Generator won’t stay running on manual.

[Shreck]

I have always used the remote start on the one source for my 4000 Conan generator and it has always worked well and it still does. But I went to change oil in it for the first time and tried to start it manually it will start right up but then shuts off. What am I missing is there something that needs to be done to get it to start and stay running on manual?

[bikendan]

Moved thread from the Tech and Repair section to the Forester and Sunseeker sub-forum since the OP's questions are specific to a Forester product.

[KyDan]

Silly question but I must ask-- are you sure you have the correct amount of oil in it??

[billcrews81]

Are you saying that when you start it from the onboard genny start switch it wont stay running? what about when you start it from inside the coach?

[Shreck]

Originally Posted by billcrews81

Are you saying that when you start it from the onboard genny start switch it wont stay running? what about when you start it from inside the coach?

Yes exactly but it will start from inside the coach every time. I always figured that if I ever had trouble with the remote start not working I would be able to start it from outside on the generator itself but now it is the exact opposite.

[jimmoore13]

I'm not familiar with onboard generators...so theres that confession.

But, I have a boat, and it has safety interlocks on the ignition. Sort of a dead man switch. If that's not on, the engine seems to start, but as soon as you release the spring-loaded start and move the key to run, the engine shuts off.

That experience inspires this shot in the dark. Any chance you need to put the INSIDE switch into the "run" position prior to attempting to start it from the generator engine bay? If the inside switch is off, does it override your attempts to run the engine?

Also, does the inside switch have both a start position and run position? Or do you just turn it "on" and the engine does the rest? If that's the case, my hunch is off the mark.

Just a wild guess, but there you have it.

[Shreck]

Originally Posted by jimmoore13

I'm not familiar with onboard generators...so theres that confession.

But, I have a boat, and it has safety interlocks on the ignition. Sort of a dead man switch. If that's not on, the engine seems to start, but as soon as you release the spring-loaded start and move the key to run, the engine shuts off.

That experience inspires this shot in the dark. Any chance you need to put the INSIDE switch into the "run" position prior to attempting to start it from the generator engine bay? If the inside switch is off, does it override your attempts to run the engine?

Also, does the inside switch have both a start position and run position? Or do you just turn it "on" and the engine does the rest? If that's the case, my hunch is off the mark.

Just a wild guess, but there you have it.

The inside control is on the One Control Touch panel and only has a start or stop option.When you tap the start it automatically primes the generator before trying to start it.

[jimmoore13]

Originally Posted by Shreck

The inside control is on the One Control Touch panel and only has a start or stop option.When you tap the start it automatically primes the generator before trying to start it.

Thanks...as I said, a wild guess. Good luck solving the problem.
Based on your description, however, I'll stick with the hunch. If you manually prime the genny, then push the starter and it appears to start and run until you release the starter button (all conjecture on my part), perhaps there is a run switch somewhere that's either off, disconnected, or malfunctioning.
This sounds too much like my boat issue to give up on the concept.

Again, good luck. I ended up paying a mechanic to throw the dead man switch into the run position...very embarrassing.

[billwww3]

to OP - i have the same unit - 2020 Forester 3011DS with Onan 4k gennie and OneControl operation. I have no trouble starting and running the gen from outside with no special procedures inside or outside. I don't know if i have started manually with the main battery disconnect in OFF position... will try that soon, maybe later today. One diagnostic aid that has helped me the most is a clear fuel filter i added just ahead of the carburetor; i can see/verify fuel flow so i can tell when fully primed and/or not getting fuel to run. That could tell you if the shutoff is from the ignition or the fuel pump. maybe that could help?
i cannot tell you anything about the difference between OneControl and manual control... i didn't know there was until your post!
billw

[billwww3]

Shreck, another thought... (i'm old so thoughts are sometimes slow!)
Are you priming the carb when starting from outside! the START button toggles left for prime and right for start. i ALWAYS have to prime or it will not run.
bw

[Shreck]

Originally Posted by billwww3

Shreck, another thought... (i'm old so thoughts are sometimes slow!)
Are you priming the carb when starting from outside! the START button toggles left for prime and right for start. i ALWAYS have to prime or it will not run.
bw

Yes I was priming it but apparently not long enough,after priming it for what seemed like way too long a couple times it finally started and stayed running.So that’s a good thing but I don’t understand why it has to be primed for such a long time at the generator but only a few seconds on the one source panel inside I would have thought it would be the same. Thanks to everyone who responded.

[billwww3]

Originally Posted by Shreck

Yes I was priming it but apparently not long enough,after priming it for what seemed like way too long a couple times it finally started and stayed running.So that’s a good thing but I don’t understand why it has to be primed for such a long time at the generator but only a few seconds on the one source panel inside I would have thought it would be the same. Thanks to everyone who responded.

Shreck, the clear filter i added is a major help to my generator foibles!! i can tell when fully primed, or also if there is some restriction to fuel flow. (as in the fuel line crimped by the factory with wire ties) Whatever. I just prime until i have a full filter and the gennie runs.
good luck!!

[karykatz]

did you replace the fuel filter? bad filter can cause issues