DougL3 63 #1 Posted March 8, 2016 How simple is the carb to clean on this Onan compared to the Carter on the Kohler? Tear it apart, clean it, and put it back on or buy a rebuild kit and go through it? I filled the motor full of gas today trying to start it...had to do an oil change before spreading the gravel. It's normally hard to start, but I always figured it was because of having to reprime itself. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cheesegrader 433 #2 Posted March 10, 2016 I don't know anything about Carter carbs. The Onan (Nikki) carb is easy to take apart and clean. The gaskets on the '94 are pretty sturdy, and will hold up to a few tear-downs. Some of the gaskets on the '96 and '97 are coated paper, and will tear when separating components. I soak the disassembled parts overnight, blow them out with compressed air, and soak them another night. Cleaning them just once will not always work. Getting it off can be a chore. I take the whole intake manifold off (have to remove some heat shields, muffler, and the upper bolts on the PTO mount). Getting under the carb to unbolt it without this step is a PIA. Be careful when re-assembling. Steel bolts into the aluminum body will strip threads in a flash if you arent careful. Don't ask how i learned this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rokon 64 #3 Posted March 10, 2016 my 520's will crank for a while before they start if they sit for a few months. the last 520 carb I cleaned on the motor, I believe you can get to everything you need to without taking it off the engine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yzf450motoxrider 20 #4 Posted March 13, 2016 I have a similar issue with my 520h only starts by spraying carb cleaner into the intake and when it runs it surges. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,847 #5 Posted March 13, 2016 The best answer I have is to pull the intake and carb. Inspect the intake at the split for leaks and take the carb apart to clean it right. Then remove the valve covers and adjust the valves. Glass bead and paint the exhaust with high temperature paint. Reassemble using genuine Onan gaskets. Replace the fuel line and filter. Now you have a fuel system that works, valves that wont burn, an expensive muffler that will last and clean fuel going into the engine. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
