I see where RichA <richatpa*nospam*@epix.net> contributed:

Read the thread, Rich, and tell me who owes whom an apology. Here are
the relevant posts (omitting all the irrelevant ones):

Rick P, the OP, posted back on 11/22, verbatim:

==============================

I just purchased my fathers 1986 Southwind Eagle 33'. The generator
stops when you after releasing switch.  I took the motor home to
Camping World in Ft. Myers, FL 2-1/2 weeks ago and they still have not
identified the problem. I am up to 6 hours on diagnostics and no
answers. The tech told me there 18 different items to troubleshoot.  I
have had to call them every couple of days to get updates.  Does it
take isat long to troubleshoot?  In the future I plan to do more
truobleshooting on my own.  I just don't want to be ripped off.
============================
[note 2nd sentence]

Next there were several responses about which I said nothing,
Then Alan wrote this accurate, comple and helpful response:
==============================
It would help to know WHICH Onan generator you have - but in general,
the symptoms you describe are caused by one of three things:

low oil pressure, bad oil pressure switch, bad wiring from switch to
controls

stop signal (ground) from remote switch, or the wiring to the switch

generator not generating, thus not switching to 'run' mode

Figuring out if one of these is the cause should take no more than 1/2
hour. Once isolated to one of these, no more than another hour to
identify the specific problem - and if it's not one of these, it's in
the controls, which is a MAX of another hour troubleshooting (15
minutes if your set uses a control circuit board). So, a maximum of 1
1/2 hours troubleshooting to identify what's causing your problem.
(How long to fix from that point depends on what the cause is).

You are being ripped off - it sounds like the tech doesn't even have
the Onan service manual, because the manuals for sets of that era have
very good, step-by-step troubleshooting instructions.

If you let me know what the model and spec of the genset is, I'll be
glad to give you instructions on determining and fixing what the
problem is - or you could go to the Onan site http://www.funroads.com
and order the service manual for your set. If you're not comfortable
doing your own work, the dealer locator shows Cummins/Onan in Fort
Myers - they should be able to diagnose it quickly <g>.
==================================
Then on 12/10, D Waite wrote this incorrect remark:
===========================

Take the cap off the distributor, it's a metal cover that protects the
points.  There's a wire that is being grounded out as it passes
through the cover.  Wrap it in tape, you'll be good as new, after you
replace the cover.

Had it happen to mine.  The Onan mechanic showed me how to fix it
without even looking at it. (Bad design from Onan)
=====================================

On 2/11, Alan wrote, with remarkable restraint, in response:

Patience...must practice patience. Patience patience patience.

PLEASE go to groups.google.com and find the original post that started
this thread. The OP's generator will start, and run as long as the
switch is held - but dies when the switch is released. If the points
were shorting to the cover, it wouldn't start at all.

I realize that this is Usenet, but you could at least try to offer a
response that matches the symptoms.
===========================

Then Jim Redelfs stuck his nose in to harangue Alan with this
irrelevant crap:
=======================

No need for me since I use a "real" newsreader that has an [Open All
References] command.  Once invoked, the function retrieves and
displays "all" the articles in the thread that still remain on my news
server.  The original article was posted November 22.

Soooooo...  Here it is:

=========================

Your move.

Will Sill
Don't worry about what people think, they don't do
it very often.