Generator starting and running problems

[Occo]

I have been having a generator problem with starting and running lately. It starts and runs for about 10-15 seconds then quits. It takes 3-5 trys before it will run and then it does fine. I have tried both tanks. They are full. I removed the line below the propane tank and found some oil in it. I drained it and the problem still happens. When the generator is warm it starts fine. Scratching head over this... Any ideas out there?

2009 Bighorn 3400RL Propane fueled generator

 

[BigGuy82]

I have been having a generator problem with starting and running lately. It starts and runs for about 10-15 seconds then quits. It takes 3-5 trys before it will run and then it does fine. I have tried both tanks. They are full. I removed the line below the propane tank and found some oil in it. I drained it and the problem still happens. When the generator is warm it starts fine. Scratching head over this... Any ideas out there?

2009 Bighorn 3400RL Propane fueled generator

Don't know which model you have but mine is an Onan 5500. I don't know where it could possibly be coming from, but I'm pretty sure that oil has no business in that line. It sounds like multiple tries might be needed to "purge" the oil and when that makes it's way into the cylinder, the thing starts. Don't have much else to offer other than take it to an Onan (or whatever brand yiou have) specialist.

 

[danemayer]

I've had oil in the line coming out of the dual regulator. I'd suggest you disconnect the line feeding the generator at both ends and use compressed air to blow it out. You may also have oil in the coach regulators and pigtails restricting propane flow enough to cause a problem. The regulators and pigtails might need to be replaced.

I'd replace the single regulator and its pigtail first to see if there's improvement.

 

[Occo]

Thanks all. A clue to the oil source comes to me from a propane dealer here. He says the oil most likely comes from the propane pump that filled my tanks. If the seal is leaking it can let lubricating oil from the pump into the propane. I have blown the lines and the first retest was the same result. Then another test I watched the 'propane level' gage on the automatic changeover regulator when the genset is being started. It goes from green to red then back to green. I am going to replace the regulator asap. I'm pretty sure this is the culprit. I hope anyway.