3 Common Onan Generator Fuel Pump Problems (Troubleshooting)

Onan Generator Fuel Pump Troubleshooting
Onan Generator Fuel Pump Troubleshooting

RVs have become increasingly popular lately, thanks to the convenience they offer. Modern RVs come with electric appliances for users’ convenience.

These appliances are powered by RV generators. These generators are the most reliable source of electricity.

For eight decades, Onan has been the pioneer in the generator industry. Its generators are used by millions of RVers, and it is certainly among the respected names in the industry.

Despite all the good things, their generators can also show a few problems sometimes. In this piece, we’ll discuss how to identify and fix the fuel pump issues in Onan generators. Let’s dive deeper into them!

Onan Generator Fuel Pump Troubleshooting

1. Damaged Fuel Pump

The fuel pump is primarily responsible for supplying the engine with the necessary fuel at predetermined intervals. To maintain the engine running smoothly, it must control the fuel pressure.

If your Onan engine is getting too hot, it’s probably because the fuel pump is broken and not delivering a continuous supply of fuel, causing the engine to work too hard and ultimately break down.

If you’re having problems with your generator’s performance, switching to a different fuel brand is the first thing to try. Low-quality fuel can sometimes lead to similar issues.

While using low-quality fuel may be less expensive up front, it will end up costing you a lot more in repairs to your engine in the long term.

Thus, if your engine is frequently overheating, it is suggested that you switch to a higher-quality fuel. To ensure that your Onan generator runs well, it is essential to read the user manual (that comes up with each Onan generator).

If the problem persists, you can take your generator to a repair shop to get it fixed professionally. That way, you can be sure that specialists have thoroughly checked your fuel pump.

2. Improper Fuel Delivery

Another frequently seen problem with a fuel pump is a decline in engine efficiency. Most of the time, erratic fuel delivery from the pump to the engine is to blame for the problem.

The fuel pump is responsible for delivering the correct fuel to the engine. If the fuel pump puts too much gas into the engine, some of it will leak out and be lost to the system as steam, reducing the engine’s efficiency.

The fuel valve’s integrity must be verified before starting any troubleshooting step. Replacing the fuel pump’s internal valves will likely do the trick.

If that doesn’t work, you will have to replace the fuel pump. Invest in a reputable brand for the replacement; otherwise, you’ll be back where you started in no time.

Replace The Fuel Pump

3. Not Bearing Load

Some users have reported that the generator sometimes shuts off when they try to use the generator’s power or perform any task that puts even a minimal demand on the engine. Not only that, but it takes a long time to restart.

If you find yourself in a similar difficulty, it’s imperative that you get your generator checked out as soon as possible by a technician. They will check it and other components of the generator and suggest a suitable solution.

Generally speaking, a complete fuel system replacement is the best option. This will ensure you never have to deal with this problem again.

If you don’t want to replace your fuel pump, make sure to use premium-quality fuel. A little extra fuel is needed for the engine to function correctly when subjected to stress.

4. Contact The Company

If none of these methods works, your last resort is to contact the manufacturer. If you describe the issue in detail, the help desk will be able to suggest a potential workaround.

Also, check your generator’s warranty. The Onan generator’s warranty card and user manual are included in the package. Usually, the warranty period is three years.

The Bottom Line

Onan has been producing high-quality generators for a long time; thus, the company has earned its reputation as a trustworthy manufacturer. However, you may deal with fuel pump issues while using an Onan generator.

In this article, we’ve outlined a few simple ways to deal with this issue. Regular maintenance is the key to your generator’s performance, so get it serviced regularly.

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