How the generator got in this condition is worth reviewing.
Since we have owned our LD, we have been on the road over half of each year so the generator was used as we eschew campgrounds with hookups. However, camping wo popcorn is way too primitive. [It’s not the hookups, we mind, it’s that the people that frequent these CG’s are just not “our people”. We have little in common with them. Concrete Campers and Boondockers are two different species]
At home, I run the generator with a load for 45-60 minutes a month.
Using the generator, keeps the gasoline in the carburetor from turning to varnish and gumming it up.
A health issue prevented me from doing the monthly exercise for well over six months.
In hindsight, had I thought about it I could have drained the carburetor. But that bypasses the other reason for exercising the generator.
Not using the generator is true for most LD’s. I suspect few do a monthly exercise. (*) So there should be a lot of gummed up carbs out there. Mine sure was after months without use.
Symtoms:
It would run for 3-4 minutes, constantly surging. I could see the butterfly valves rapidly swinging back and forth. It would throw a 3-3 code which is not a documented code.
Trying to figure out the problem, I entertained all sorts of suggested remedies. Few had any bearing on the issue. One was too drain some oil out of the crankcase. Really! I noted the fuel pump supplied seemingly copious quantities of gas. After cleaning the carb bowl of varnish () it ran a few minutes longer. I finally bit the bullet and ordered a Onan (not a knock off) fuel filter and pump. ($200+) I then embarked on the extremely PIA procedure to replace them. ()
Worth doing:
1) Put colored tape on the wires you disconnect so you know where they go.
2) Take pictures before you take it apart.
3) Try see where the wires will have to be tucked back in as you carefully and slowly remove the control board. I failed this.
When I got it put back together, I primed it and it fired up and ran perfectly. Bob’s your uncle.
Be sure and tighten the fuel supply line from the pump before replacing the control board. I failed this and got to remove the board to access the fuel line. Also check for any other fuel leaks.
* If you see an aged RV advertised with low hours on the generator, figure it does not work. A 10 year old LD, should show 120 hours minimum on the meter.