Onan 2.8

[Jarrod]

I have an issue with the generator not running smooth. It causes the lights to flicker. I can not get to the hose to run a cleaner directly to the generator. Can anyone give me suggestions on how to fix or how much it would cost to get someone to fix?

[mkguitar]

Most likely a gummed up carb if you are on gas ( not propane)


if you take it in you may be looking at $600 to $1000


on my van I have a petcock on the fuel line and have taken the fuel line apart where the petcock is to get a 25% mix of seafoam cleaner and fresh gas into the system and this will help


my onan, and I think most, has a fuel pump and will suck up a gas mix from a jar on the ground nearby

the petcock closed on the vehicle side of the fuel line


I work on cars and gas and stuff so it's not big deal

but raising a heavy van and messing around with gas is no fun- and dangerous


mike

[Jarrod]

The really strange thing is when the lights are on battery they are brighter than on the generator.

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by Jarrod

I have an issue with the generator not running smooth. It causes the lights to flicker. I can not get to the hose to run a cleaner directly to the generator. Can anyone give me suggestions on how to fix or how much it would cost to get someone to fix?

You can purchase 2-3 cans of Sea Foam. Run your gas tank down to 30 percent full. Pour in all 3 cans of Sea Foam. Start the genny. Allow it to run for 1 to 2 hours. Allow to sit overnight. Start again next day and run for another 1-2 hours. Allow to sit again. Sometimes, the Sea Foam in high enough concentration will clean out carburetor. Just need to get high concentration and allow to sit for long enough. You might get luck with this!

[themexicandoctor]

It's Miracle Stuff - I concur

[SteveJ]

I've found, at least IMHO, that Berryman's works better.

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by SteveJ

I've found, at least IMHO, that Berryman's works better.

I have used both. The Berryman is way less expensive. I found Sea Foam has a fuel stabilizer. I used to add these routinely as preventive measure when I had the carburetor genny. Just change to new 2800i with fuel injection. I may still use the additives annually?

[mikeehlert]

I prefer Berryman for cleaning, but Seafoam for storage.

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by Jarrod

I have an issue with the generator not running smooth. It causes the lights to flicker. I can not get to the hose to run a cleaner directly to the generator. Can anyone give me suggestions on how to fix or how much it would cost to get someone to fix?

I forgot to mention. Maybe 2nd day place load onto genny so if moisture is in the winding. I have seen people use a 50/50 mix of Seafoam. As long as you can get the genny to start. You will have a decent chance of correcting partially gummed up carburetor?

[Davydd]

Originally Posted by Jarrod

The really strange thing is when the lights are on battery they are brighter than on the generator.

Educate me. Don't lights run off the 12v batteries and not the Onan generated AC that has to be converted first to DC to charge the batteries? Do lights burn brighter on a battery at 100% charge vs a 50% charge. What makes lights flicker?

[themexicandoctor]

Does Seafoam or Berrymans at such high concentration, does it it damage, dry out the Rig's fuel injectors because as a full timer, I drive everyday?

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by themexicandoctor

Does Seafoam or Berrymans at such high concentration, does it it damage, dry out the Rig's fuel injectors because as a full timer, I drive everyday?

I have seen use 50/50 mix of Sea Foam to clean up genny carburetors. They were running directly into genny from a bottle. If you are running genny daily your carburetor is probably pretty clean. Maybe run a can annually as a preventive precaution. These gasoline additives are not harmful to auto fuel systems. They were made for auto motors. I have seen some people add small quantities into the oil? Think Chevron Techron in gasoline to clean out injectors.

[Scottie409]

I had to take my Onan out for maintenance and found huge mice nest inside it which could have caused a fire! While Had it out I put the electric fuel pump on the outside and now I can access the suction hose in order to run stabilizer directly into the unit prior to parking for the season. I also run it on non ethanol gas prior to shut down. it helps

[leva56]

What fuel pump did you use?

[themexicandoctor]

Originally Posted by Rlum

I have seen use 50/50 mix of Sea Foam to clean up genny carburetors. They were running directly into genny from a bottle. If you are running genny daily your carburetor is probably pretty clean. Maybe run a can annually as a preventive precaution. These gasoline additives are not harmful to auto fuel systems. They were made for auto motors. I have seen some people add small quantities into the oil? Think Chevron Techron in gasoline to clean out injectors.

Thank you - recently I was talking to a mechanic & he claimed overuse (of other additives), dried out the injectors.

But that was only one opinion.

I use Seafoam in my Italian Scooters - it really is a Tune Up in a bottle

[Scottie409]

used the pump that was mounted on the inside of the Onan, just ran new lines and mounted outside for better access as well added an inline see through fuel filter