Onan P-213 Carburetor Issue

[rmaynard 15,848]

Years ago I was having surging problems with my 416-H (Onan P-216). A shot of carburetor cleaner usually fixed it until next time. I cleaned the carburetor properly the next time and that worked for about two years. Then it got to the point where the same problem was back and nothing worked, so I replaced that carburetor. I thought my problems were over, and they were for the a few years. Then I could not get the engine to start without spraying a shot of starter fluid into the throat of the carb. So, after reading on here a lot of posts about fuel pumps, check valves and such, I replaced the pump with a known good Onan pump, and I put check valves on either side of the pump. No help. I could crank the starter until the wires started to smoke and it would not start. However, if I put the palm of my hand over the intake throat of the carburetor, completely blocking all incoming air (more than the normal choke plate could do), it would start immediately. I would remove my hand and it would keep running. As long as I didn't let it sit more than 48 hours, it would start fine. That's where I am now. It's a pain in the a$$ to have to take the air cleaner off all the time. I'm getting too old for this. I need solutions rather than temporary fixes.

 

Couple of notes:

1. I use nothing but fresh ethanol-free gas.

2. My gas cap vent is not clogged.

3. All of my gas lines are new, within the last two years.

4. The fuel shut-off valve and screen are new.

5. I have a see-through fuel filter which always has gas showing.

6. If I crank the starter with the fuel line off of the carb, I have a good stream.

 

 

[JCM 9,962]

I've had similar issues with my 417-8 after i replaced all fuel lines with NAPA ones. Didn't even make it 2 years and again hard starting problems, a lot of cranking. Made a trip to the Maine WH dealer and told him what was happening. He told me to replace with the ones they carry because they were having issues with another brand. i did and the problem went away and never returned. To back up a bit the fuel bowl was full of bits of black rubber hose from the lining breakdown from the NAPA hose. The new hose is real smooth on the inner as well as the outer. If I can find out the brand I will pass it on Bob. Worth a try. The new line was more $$$ than the ones I removed.   @rmaynard         By the way   

Edited Monday at 10:09 PM by JCM

[RED-Z06 2,430]

Are you completely confident the choke plate is shutting tightly?  If its not, some onans will fight you to start.  I usually start my onans at idle also, all 3 can sit a month plus, fire right up.

[rmaynard 15,848]

6 hours ago, RED-Z06 said:

Are you completely confident the choke plate is shutting tightly? 

Yes, it is closed completely. However, in the past I never even had to close the choke to start. I know that many guys are using electric pumps. Maybe I'll try one.

[RED-Z06 2,430]

2 hours ago, rmaynard said:

Yes, it is closed completely. However, in the past I never even had to close the choke to start. I know that many guys are using electric pumps. Maybe I'll try one.

If there's fuel in the bowl (it starts instantly with hand choke), an electric pump shouldn't make any difference up to that point.