Crenche
Not a Newbie
Posts:15
Registered Users
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| 11/03/2007 10:33 PM |
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So I'm sure I'm not the only one who has thought of this but I am wondering why don't we change out our Onan gensets with newer, more reliable, more efficient generators? For instance. I own a Onan 6.5 Kw genset. It runs fine but it is starting to blow blue smoke and seems to run poorly. It is too bad too because it only has about 317 hrs on it. I don't have any money to get a brand new Onan. And Onan seems to have many problems such as poor starting and trouble running. Plus all of the maintanance that is due. According to the manual it uses 1.3 gallons per hour. I thought that to be very inefficient.
I came across another generator much like the ones you can buy from harbor freight or murrays auto discount store. This one that I saw was awesome. Same if not better power rating. Electric start. Lighter, only 0.7 gallons per hour and quieter, smaller generator. VERY cheap too! compared to new Onans etc.
So why not change it out to a newer more up to date reliable machine that will be nicer in the long run and easier on the pocket book?
What do you guys think?
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travcoman45
Camper
Posts:63
Registered Users
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| 11/04/2007 9:44 AM |
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| You want to watch those cheap generators. They do not always regulate the power output real well. Many will not run electronics without the danger of damaging them. I would have no problem upgrading to a newer rv generator, just got to watch the cheap ones. |
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COOPERHAWK
Moderator
Expert
Posts:838
Administrators
East Central Minnesota
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| 11/04/2007 9:51 AM |
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| Actually, after chasing down some gremlins in my Onan 6.5, it now runs really good. I do have the manuals for them in a PDF file if you need them. |
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1985 Airstream 345 Turbo-Diesel
VFW,Legion, NRA
FAA Air Traffic Control Supervisor (Retired)
http://www.cooperhawk.net
mailto:jimcooper@cooperhawk.net
"People are okay in ones and twos. After that number they tend to choose up sides and wear arm bands and berets." |
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Jim Elliott
Camper
Posts:61
Registered Users
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| 11/04/2007 11:27 AM |
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Well, At 317 hours on the genny it should be in great shape...Mine is approaching 1000 hours with ZERO problems and by the way fuel consumption is 1 GPH with both airs and a PD9140 running.
Now for a fix....Grab a 2 gallon gas can....Add 1/2 of a bottle of "SEAFOAM" and fill it up with gas.
Remove the inlet side (fuel pump) and install a 5/16 or 1/4 hose (whatever size you have) and drop that line into the gas can, Time the run time and turn on the AC or a electric heater or even both and let'r run under a load.
Yep, It's going to clean up real good (Carbon and carbon around the ring lands) plus the carb internals and see how good it will run and the "blue smoke" should disappear also.
Behind the carb is a knob which can be turned (NOT RECOMENDED FOR NEWBEE'S) which will lean or richen up the mixture for a perfect running genny.
Last step is testing the voltage & cycle output with a "Kill o watt" meter BUT setting or resetting is better done by the experts.
Jim
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Crenche
Not a Newbie
Posts:15
Registered Users
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| 11/04/2007 6:00 PM |
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I will definitely try the sea foam trick. I will have to do it later. Probably next weekend. I hope you are right about the carbon build up. I hope that is all it is. You are right Jim the Gen SHOULD be in great condition. It does run like a top but just has a lot of exhaust and the blue smoke. I am a newbie at mechanical stuff but you gotta start somewhere if you want to learn.
I already pulled the head off the left side and resealed the head gasket. It was leaking oil. Retorqued it and everything. I enjoy doing mechanical stuff.
The sea foam idea really gets me excited about the generator.
I am still curious about the generic gen sets. Are they really that bad? I mean they seam very maintenance free and they are more efficient. If I had an extra 500 I would buy one and try it out.
Thanks for the help guys I really enjoy the thoughts.
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Jim Elliott
Camper
Posts:61
Registered Users
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| 11/04/2007 7:29 PM |
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I'm not into bashing other gensets or what folk's think are OK, I let them spend their time and money as they see fit.
Indeed "Seafoam" does a great job and is kinda pricey at $7.00 per 16 oz can BUT it's well worth it.
Another great product is "Berryman B-12" and I use it in the carbed stuff all the time, It's injector cleaner works fine and you just dump it in the tank (I use it to blow out the carbs 100%) and run the solution "1 16 oz can per 20 gallons of gas.
Good luck and enjoy.
Jim |
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Crenche
Not a Newbie
Posts:15
Registered Users
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| 11/04/2007 8:32 PM |
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I appreciate your input Jim . Thank you so much.
I will definitely use your advice on the Sea foam and as well as the Berrymans stuff.
You are probably right on the carbonation. You see I bought the RV and it had been sitting for quite a while along with the gas in the tank. I have run the old stuff through and now I am using new gas. So the old stuff may have gunked up the gen set. I should also probably pull the spark plugs and give them a cleaning.
I definitely want to do more mechanical stuff. I ain't scared of taring into a carberator and doing the maintence. 
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Jim Elliott
Camper
Posts:61
Registered Users
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| 11/04/2007 9:41 PM |
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The fuel in my motor home (83) was 18 months old and it was sick.....
Removed the air cleaner and started to SLOWLY pour the Seafoam down the carb (@1500 RPM) and SLOWLY increased the foam till the engine died.
Now the engine hasta be HOT to start with and when it dies just let it sit for at least 90 minutes so the stuff can run thru the engine completely.
When you refire that engine it will look like your spraying for bugs and just let it run and clean out.
My engine/rig only had 20,000 miles on it and peeking into the cylinders with a bore scope you could see the original X marks in the cylinders and the genny had 325 or so hours on it.
Rochester carbs are somewhat of a PITA but with time & patience they are great once setup, My carb has 73 primary jets and you might want to see what you have.
Enjoy the fun.
Jim |
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Airstream345
Site Host
Classic Master
Posts:1265
Administrators
Louisville, KY
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| 11/04/2007 9:47 PM |
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| I have to try this seafoam. Can you buy it anywhere? |
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Steven Webster
1986 Airstream Classic 345
Host, ThisOldRV.com |
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Jim Elliott
Camper
Posts:61
Registered Users
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| 11/04/2007 9:50 PM |
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Yes you can purchase it about anywhere, Out here I get it from Car Quest (discount).
Jim |
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