LPG generator won’t start

[Baron Von Schweinhund]

Hey gang. We have a 2008 Winnie view with an Onan lpg generator and it seems like every time we refill the propane tank the gennie won’t start. It’ll crank but it won’t catch. I’ve been to the University of YouTube on this but it seems to have no knowledge on the subject. It’s time I consult the masters…..any ideas?
Thanks
Steve

 

[Mountain high]

Tahoe, California. Sierra Nevada = freezing temperatures. What weight oil is in the generator?

Cummins Onan RV QG 3600 LP Oil Capacity, Oil Type, and Tips

In the LP generators, the recommendation was SAE 30W but in 2020 the company changed its recommendation to 10W 30 with API "SP" / ILSAC GF-6.

thecampingadvisor.com

 

[Matt_C]

Steve,
If it cranks, it is unlikely to be the lube oil viscosity.
It could be that the feed to the generator got shut off or that the tank is now marginally over full - thus shutting the feed off.
Do you have a way to crack open the vapor feed line to the generator to test for flow?
Matt

 

[Mountain high]

Possibly. I wouldn't rule it out entirely.

"If the oil is too thick (aka, the viscosity is high), your car "(as well as a generator)" may not start in cold temperatures (cold weather places more strain on a vehicle in any case). When this happens, the thick liquid can't properly lubricate every part, and it creates enough resistance to impair the most important function–ignition.Apr 29, 2019"

Signs You're Using the Wrong Oil - Doc Motor Works

With so much information available about motor oil and its importance, it can be hard to know which one works for your vehicle. While no one can overstate the significance of using high-quality oil to protect your engine, there are ways your car lets you know when it’s unhappy. If you notice any...

www.docmotorworks.com

"Generally, running your generator in extremely cold temperatures will require a lower-viscosity oil, such as 5W-30, to ensure it will start."

Generator Oil Guide - How to Maintain Your Generator In Extreme Conditions

Your generator needs an oil change just like your lawn mower or car in order to function properly. Read our expert step-by-step guide to choosing and changing your generator's oil, along with related maintenance.

www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com

 

[Utclmjmpr]

You said "every time you have filled the tank" this happens,, How have you delt with it in the past.??.>>>Dan

 

[John From Detroit]

They are supposed to close out outlets before filling the tank
Also the generator normally draws from the bottom of the tank and everything else fro the top. Thus if the tank is "Contaminated" it would affect the generator first.
I am NOT an expert in how to fix that.

 

[Kirk]

it seems like every time we refill the propane tank the gennie won’t start. It’ll crank but it won’t catch.

That isn't a lot for us to go on. What have to done so far? How have you gotten it started in the past?

 

[johnhicks]

Close the valve when filling, the slowly open the valve back up. If you think it's contaminated with water or oil you can get the tank purged. Does your gen use liquid or vapor?

 

[Utclmjmpr]

On most tanks that lay down,, If you "close" the valve it will not fill..>>>Dan

 

[Old_Crow]

On my '00 Bounder the valve goes to the line going out of the tank to the RV. The filler port is separate from the valve.

 

[fpaplnj]

Close the valve when filling, the slowly open the valve back up. If you think it's contaminated with water or oil you can get the tank purged. Does your gen use liquid or vapor

 

[fpaplnj]

High there! Not sure what you mean by liquid or vapor.

 

[johnhicks]

Do you have one or two valves on your propane tank, a valve for liquid and a valve for gas, or just one for gas?

 

[Larry N.]

High there! Not sure what you mean by liquid or vapor.

LP gas is stored as mostly a liquid but some of it turns to vapor while in the tank. So it's a reference to whether the LPG is taken from the tank as a liquid (piping at the bottom) or as a gas (piping at the top).

 

[Isaac-1]

First thing to ALWAYS try on an Onan Propane generator that will not start is change the spark plug, and only use the OEM plug, usually this is a Champion brand plug repackaged for Onan. Do this even if you just changed the spark plugs a month or two ago.

If this does not fix it look at the propane regulator and get the vacuum tested on the delivery regulator using a manometer or magnehelic gauge.

 

[CharlesinGA]

I had the same Onan 3600LP in my 2007 Winnebago View and never had a minutes problem with it. Make sure that the oil is not too full. Mid range on the hashed area when you wipe the stick off, screw it in and unscrew it, better mid range or at the low limit than full.

For some reason, WBO never created LP piping drawings.

Has the OP attempted to start the generator from the generator itself? Open door, remove cover, use rocker switch to attempt to start.

If the OP will provide what model View (rear corner bed ie J model; or rear bunk bed ie B model; or jackknife couch/cab over bed ie H model) I can provide you links to the wiring diagrams & plumbing drawings for your model.

I highly recommend you down load these PDF files to a Thumb drive and carry them with you in the Black manuals and documents pouch.

I do recall that I think it was with the '08 models that WBO switched to Fairview regulators, and I know a lot of people on the View/Navion forum complained about problems with them. There is a Marshall Excelsior model that will replace the Fairview. THAT could be an issue is having marginal gas pressure.

There are one or two people who still own older Views that bought them new and know every trick in the book. Beginning with the '08 model I think you have an electric gas valve controlled by a switch on the levels and controls panel, make sure it is turned on. One of the members found that if a small magnet were attached to the solenoid valve it would take less current to hold it open, and not drain your battery while boondocking.

I highly recommend you join the View forums (three of them, general discussion forum, tech forum and mods forum) on groups..io

You have to join all three forums separately and be careful with your choice of settings or you will get swamped with emails. Folks there are very friendly and helpful.

discussion groups.io Group

discussion-tech groups.io Group

discussion-mods groups.io Group

Charles

 

[CharlesinGA]

High there! Not sure what you mean by liquid or vapor.

Its a vapor generator