Onan 4000 gas generator

[ijon]

How long should you hold down the primer button ? Possibly till the light on it goes off on it.

[jb4xx]

Hold ours until light comes on then start

[ijon]

My light is on when I am priming the generator.

[Kevin & Judy]

Usually 20-30 seconds per Onan manual.

[jaherbst]

My tank is 25' away from Onan and 6-8" lower than the generator. I have to have my tank 1/2 full to operate only the start. I usually have to hold the prime part of the rocker switch down at least a minute with light on, try to start and then down again for 15 more seconds with light on and then the Gen starts. ??

Jack

[ActionJackson]

4K onan’s Do have a sticking choke rod problem. Once I found that out and manually moved the rod, Genni starts right up with the first short push of the rocker switch after 15 seconds on the prime button.

[BobHanke]

The longer between use, the more likely it is for me to re prime if the jenny doesn't start the first time. Our light comes on after holding the rocker down for a bit. Sounds like some are reversed. We had a problem with not starting from dash remote. Repair shop ran a new wire and solved that issue.

[pribbens]

Originally Posted by ActionJackson

4K onan’s Do have a sticking choke rod problem. Once I found that out and manually moved the rod, Genni starts right up with the first short push of the rocker switch after 15 seconds on the prime button.

My 4K onan has the "sticking choke rod problem" too.

Good to know I'm not alone.

Even before it got frigid here in Minneapolis area--mid-30's, I had to go out, take the genny side panel off, twiddle the sticky choke rod, and viola, starts. Today after a run of sub-zero, did the same thing, prime, lots of chugging, and varoom, running. It's a whopping 12 degrees right now, 20 degrees warmer than yesterday;-)

And tomorrow our babe goes in for all the nitty gritty warranty work--so run the genny for 15 minutes, took the MH for a drive around the block, preparing for the 45 minute drive to the dealer tomorrow.

I wish I had the propane genny--just seemed better. Time will tell.

I did note the little black knobby near the carburetor throat to adjust for higher altitudes-- now I'll need to read the manual one of these cold winter nights to learn how and when to set it.

[Hoglou]

Chiming in.. We hold down the switch until the light changes (on or off, forgot), hit the start for about 5 seconds. Repeat prime and it fires off after about 10 seconds. It does seem to help if the coach engine is running, guess it assits in the fuel pressure. Exercise the genny the first of every month for 5 minute warm up then 55 minute under heat pump or air cond

[polishapple]

I also had a problem starting generator found starting from the generator started very easy. Holding switch in side cab not able to start as fast.

[jaherbst]

Originally Posted by ActionJackson

4K onan’s Do have a sticking choke rod problem. Once I found that out and manually moved the rod, Genni starts right up with the first short push of the rocker switch after 15 seconds on the prime button.

Did you lube with WD-40 or Silicone to get it to work properly or was it a one time fix? Will check mine today. If my fuel level in tank is above 1/2 it helps some.

Jack

[Wolverine 1945]

Should start & run as long as tank is above 1/4 full !!!