Generator Air Intake (Onan 12k)

[spinn]

I was having fluids and filters changed a couple of days ago and the fellow doing the service commented on how generator air intakes are not screened. He took my air filter out and sure enough a couple of dried out oak leaves were in the housing.
I haven't crawled under to take a look yet but was interested to get your comments on this. I think I will try and build a screen (air flow is my consideration) to go over the intake vent which is located on the bottom side of the generator.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks Steve

[94-Newmar]

There is most definitely a large mesh screen, but it does not need to cover the area where you access the filter assembly. Once you crawl under it will be self-explanatory. I would suggest the air filter assembly was not replaced properly the last time it was changed. The air filter element itself is placed against the housing and tightened down with 1 wing nut. Then the outer filter assembly plastic cover plate is slid over the stud and tightened down with another wing nut. This plastic outer cover can be put on slightly crooked and tightened down yet still leaving a 3/4" gap at the top side. I see this very often.

[camper33]

It sounds like someone did not put the plastic housing back on after the last air filter change. I've seen that before.

[spinn]

Thanks all, the tech I used to service it last pointed that out to me. He mentioned that there was no screen of any kind at the bottom of the generator (where the air intake is)
Steve