onan generators

[flydixie1415]

I have a 20 kw Onan generator on a 56' that I am about to loose my mind over. We have done the following: Replaced the computer board, replaced the water pump, took it apart and and checked the head and replaced the head gasket. Found that the water intake hose was to small and had them totally replaced with a complete new system.

The problem lies that it continues to shut off. First it always shut off as it seemed to be over heating and tried all the above things. The reset button on the generator always seems to pop out and will not stay in until the generator cools off for about 20 minutes, but no guarantee that is would run with any load on it.

What I want to know now has anyone had any luck with changing the red reset button to see if this will solve my problem of the thing shutting down all the time.

Hatteras wannabe????

 

[Nonchalant1]

It has at least two shutoff sensors. Mine (MDJF 15Kw) has overheat and low oil pressure sensors. On mine, if the reset button pops, it's the oil pressure, not the temp sensor. The overheat sensor just shuts off power to the fuel valve solenoid directly. The low oil pressure sensor sends power to the coil that pops the reset button, which then shuts down the fuel valve solenoid.

If your genny oil pressure is not low on the gauge, but it keeps shutting down, replace your low oil pressure sensor. That fixed mine when I had the identical problem.

Doug Shuman

 

[Yacht Obsession]

I have a 20 kw Onan generator on a 56' that I am about to loose my mind over. We have done the following: Replaced the computer board, replaced the water pump, took it apart and and checked the head and replaced the head gasket. Found that the water intake hose was to small and had them totally replaced with a complete new system.

The problem lies that it continues to shut off. First it always shut off as it seemed to be over heating and tried all the above things. The reset button on the generator always seems to pop out and will not stay in until the generator cools off for about 20 minutes, but no guarantee that is would run with any load on it.

What I want to know now has anyone had any luck with changing the red reset button to see if this will solve my problem of the thing shutting down all the time.

Hatteras wannabe????

I had an 8kw Onan on a (ugh)Sea Ray, it had at least 15 shut-down codes, low water flow, intake water temp, oil level, it even shut off if the Fire System was disabled. Does your's have a flashing light on the front of the housing after it shuts down? By counting the flashes, you can determine the cause of the shut-down.
Capt. Randy

 

[flydixie1415]

Unfortunately the Onan generator does not have any mechanical displays at all. But I might try the sensors for the oil and the fuel as you stated as see if this solves anything. I have even had the Onan Specialist to come and see what was wrong, but I think I knew more than the two of them combined all they did was to replace the water pump at the tune of $1200.00. I really got shafted on that one.

Its the pits when the ones that are suppose to service the damn things that they can't even figure it out.

 

[Nonchalant1]

I would start by replacing the low oil pressure sender only, then try it. My Onan does not have any lights either, just oil pressure gauge and cooling water temp gauge.

If you find out that it's the oil pressure sender, I'd bitch to senior managment at Cummins with a copy of your bill. Maybe they'll send you some $$ back.

BTW - Onan has the parts manual and service manual for your genny. I have both and they're very good.

Doug