Maintaining your RVs Onan Generator 

Thanks

Have you been keeping up with the maintenance and, most importantly, exercising the generator every month? I would start with cheapest parts and work up from there: replace fuel filter first. If problem persists replace fuel pump. If problem persists either replace the carb or take it apart and clean it (Technically it's not a serviceable item but it can be broken down and cleaned). I like to keep a spare fuel filter and pump on hand because they get clogged / varnished easily. The stock fuel filter that comes off the pump is not much of a filter - even though it's got a bulge like it contains a filter all it has is a fine mesh screen. If gasoline without treatment has sat for an extended period it starts to varnish and clog the pores. I suggest exercising the generator under load twice a month, but at a minimum you need to be running it under a load once a month for at least an hour. My 2017 Onan has 2,500 hours on it and still runs like new......the worst thing you can do to these generators is not use them.

@@cruisinguy6024 I can run the generator but adding load shuts it down… will try the filter and then maybe the voltage regulator…. I can measure the voltage and there is plenty but can’t verify the phase.

Thanks for giving me a like but I still did not get a answer to the question. Will Rec fuel hurt the generator

Soft starts!! Problem solved!!

@@theautotoyboxfollowyourdre9722 *facepalm* a 7500 watt generator does NOT benefit from a soft start installed on the AC units.

The house batteries have nothing to do with the the AC units and generator, the only potential involvement of the house batteries is to start the generator. How old is it and how many hours are on your generator? Are you current on all maintenance? Specifically which breaker is tripping? Each AC should have its own breaker.

@@cruisinguy6024the generator wasn’t getting enough fuel, changed the fuel filter, good to go.

Check oil levels.

Great tip. Thanks for sharing.

Hi, Newby here with an older Onan 4000 Microlite. I know you should replace the generator cover when running the under a load, but should the RV generator door be propped open or closed while it’s running?

@DanPusateri I run my genny with the cover on while operating. My manual says Do NOT run with cover off!

@@DanPusateriI'm not familiar with the 4000 but the larger Onan gas generators pull air from underneath the generator. Opening the door on the RV doesn't change anything. I'm looking at pictures of your model generator now and see there's vents cutaway on the front of the generator so I wonder if it's pulling air in from the front - in which chase the RV compartment should have a way for fresh air to pass through. If not then you'd need to open the door - but the whole point of an onboard generator is to run it while driving and without having to do anything physically (other than starting it of course)

That would be quite surprising as Onan has separate product lines for RV, Commercial Mobile Power, and Marine applications. A big difference between Marine and RV is a) Marine are diesel, b) marine are rated for constant use and have longer warranties and c) marine generators have significantly longer service intervals.