Check for a bad or inadequate
fuel supply.
Check oil level. Some generators have a low oil shut off switch.
My generator runs only when the button is pressed.
Run Relay or fuse.
Control board (provided it uses one).
Voltage regulator.
Brushes. Onan generators run partially off the electricity they
create. If the brushes are worn, there is no electricity to convert
to 12v. to energize the coil, fuel pump choke etc.
Open or shorted stator or rotor. Same reason as brushes.
My generator runs until I put it under a load.
Too
large of a load.
Brushes. Weak brushes cause the generator to work harder to provide
the needed electricity for the load.
Shorted stator or rotor. A shorted winding in either of these causes
a lower voltage yield. Thus the generator has to work harder or not
at all.
Check to see if the load has a short or is damaged.
My generator smokes.
(Black Smoke)
Probably a fuel mixture problem.
Have the generator tuned. Change points, plugs etc.
Decarbon the generator.
(White or Blue smoke)
The generator is most likely burning oil
Check the compression
Replace the rings
Good time to replace rod bearings too
How do I figure out the Kilowatt rating?
Wattage = Voltage * Current
OR Current = Wattage / Voltage
Therefore 4800W = 120V * 40amps
OR 41.67amps = 5000W / 120V
My
generator turns over, but won’t run.
