7.5 Onan Quiet Diesel Self Destructed

[BertD]

We purchased a very well maintained 2004 Dutch Star last year. Before heading out as full timers at the end of the month I took it to an Onan Service center this morning to have the belt changed on the generator. It had not been causing a problem, but according to the service manual the belt is to be changed every 5 years.

I stood there as the guy took the cover off and watched him start picking pieces of magnets from all over under the generator cover. The generator only has 163 hours on it, and as I said earlier I am certain that it was well maintained (I have records on every time the previous owner checked the air in the tires, AND THE PRESSURES OF EVERY TIRE).

I'm looking at thousands of dollars to fix what appears to be a very poorly constructed generator. I've seen that this failure appears to be quite normal. Has anyone else who had this problem received any relief from Newmar/Onan, even though the warranty had expired?

[TXiceman]

Sorry to hear of your problems. Low hours on a generator are more of a problem than higher hours. 163 hours is pretty low for a 7 year old generator. The problem with low hours is the windings absorb moisture and moisture and electricity do not mix.

It may appear to be well maintained, but it still needs to be run under partial aload.

Ken

[heybc]

Had same problem on my 2004 Dutchstar a couple of years ago. Onan paid for repairs even though out of warranty. Bad glue on magnets. No recall that I know of. Don't know if Onan is still doing that, but I sure would make some noise about it.