RV Repair: RV generator wont start, rv generator, question thanks

Question
QUESTION: When my Onan Microlite 2800 generator is cold it won't start. It will fire up for about 5 seconds then quit running. After about 30 minutes of trying to start it, it get warm enough to start. I pulled the spark plug when it was cold and it was coated with a runny liquid such as gas or water. What do you think my problem could be. I would like to get it working properly before I start taking my vacations. Thanks!

ANSWER: Vern, The best I can tell you is check to see it is in the summer setting and that you always make sure that the cover is on. You never want to run them without it on. Also if it has over 100 hours then change the oil and air filter. This should fix your trouble but if for any reason it doesn't let me know and we can go from there. Thanks, Bill

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your reply, I used my wives hairdryer to warm the generator up and I got it to start in about 15 minutes, plus or minus. Your reply and my experiment tells me that it's a flooding problem when generator is cold and I need to figure out what's causing it. The question I have is this; what do you recommend in the way of cleaners, such as a carburator cleaner or do you think I should rebuild the carburator? By the way I have already changed the oil, replaced the air filter and spark plug. Also I can't find where the switch that allows me to go between the summer and winter settings. There's an arrow on the air filter cover pointing to a little brass wire that doesn't move no matter what I do to it.

Thanks,
Vern

Answer
Vern, As for rebuilding the carb I don't believe they sell rebuild kits anymore and you have to buy one rebuilt. I would try and run a Onan Carb cleaner through it and the way they tell you to on the can. This should more than likely clean the carb good enough for you to use it. Try that and let me know how it does. I hope this helps, Bill