Onan 12.5kw generator

[a k]

Wanna have some fun? Replace the fan belts on your generator. You know why Onan doesn't recomend adjusting the belts? Because the labor is so high they recomend you wait untill the shred. I having fun on this trip. First brake lights and 100 miles out of Rapid City I get high temp warning on Gen.

Oh by the way Napa can cross over belt #s.

Alt belt =0511-0218
water pump=0511-0214

A K

PS If your gen has the death rattles, change the belts.

["007"]

Thanks for the info a k, nothing like having problems on trips just make things more interesting been there.

[Iron Man]

How many hours were on your generator? I haven't looked was the hard part where the generator is located or where the belts are located?

[a k]

Just got off the phone wth parts up here in Rapid City and the belt #s are different then what they gave me Sat. I have an 5HDKCB11-506A Spec A Gen and it takes a
0511-0219 drive belt and a
0541-1293 water pump belt. They don't stock them and I think the price on the 1293 belt is $257. Un believable.

I have 331 HRs run time on gen.

You could yank the font end off and replace the whole gen faster than just replacing the belts. Don't wait until they go bad. You might be on a rock pad like I am when you have to change them. Besides it being 100 degrees out.
A K

[a k]

Parts just called back and the belts are in Memphis, the only thing is the 0219 belt is $18 and the 1293 belt is $303. same belts only one is about 2 inches longer.

[a k]

Just ordered belts. Overnight shipped to here in Custer $375. I'll get a picture of this little jewel and we'll find out what's so special.

[Iron Man]

What type of belts are they? V belt automotive? I would love to see a 300 dollar belt. I wonder where they mount the diamonds and gold inley. When is the recommended replacement interval?

[a k]

It's the replacement belt for the water pump. Original belt looks like a plain jane auto belt. I'm thinking it is going to come in sort of an upgrade kit. They don't recommend changing or adjusting because of the high cost of the labor. They want you to run them until they shred. I should get them in AM. Will post photos.
A K

[a k]

Yep, it's a kit.The original belt is a exact fit around the pully and the water pump with no adjustment. Onan won't sell you the belt anymore. I found an original from a small engine shop in Michigan. $8.12 plus shipping. If you can find one, I'd get a spare before they run out and you have to convert it over to the Cummins kit. I already have the kit coming but if it's too much trouble I'll wait till I get home and pull the generator out of the motor home. You can't get to anything.
A K
original PT# 511-0214

[MBnKen]

AK,
I had my 12.5 start to make the whining sound about 2 months ago and Cummins in Harrisburg said it was the water pump belt. I got the entire job done for less than $100, parts and labor. I wonder if it was the other belt they replaced? I am not near the invoice now but will check it to see what part was put on when I get back to the RV.

Yes, Please send pictures. It would be interesting to see the part and the install. Good Luck

[a k]

They just went to NAPA and picked up a belt.

The upgrade kit is a whole new crankshaft damper and hub. The original set up had two belts. One went from the damper pully around the water pump and to the alternator.Then there is another belt from the water pump down to the blower. The blower is monted on the end of the crankshaft that has a bearing in it. So the alt belt drives the water pump and also the fan. Now the new kit eliminates the belt from the water pump to the fan and now runs off the end of the crankshaft. They didn't do you a favor by just replacing the belt. Should of went with the upgrade. But I found that all Onan belts are made in Mexico. So do yourselfs a favor and pick up a A29 belt for the original fan and an A41 belt for the alternator.I had the new kit overnighted and they sent me the wrong belt for the alternator, but it was the right belt for the fan which they said they didn't have anymore. Cummins South don't even know about the replacement kit. I paid $303 for it but if you look I found it in Mich for $247.

I was just stuck out on the road. If you do the job, cut the brace that runs across the back of the generator that is part of the slide. That way the side will slide out the back
When I get back home(If nothing else falls off) I'll scan the pictures and instructions that came with the kit. If I would of knon the size of the belts, mine shreded, I would of just changed them. Had to by one from NAPA anyway. Total of $42. I did the labor.

When I got done my bluejeans were a mess so I thru them in my wonderfull Splendide WD2100 and that flopping around shorted out the control panel. Another $325. I 'm going to order a new one. This one shakes your teeth out.
I'm leaving Custer early am. TOO cold here. Going back to St. Louis where its 101.

[a k]

Here's the install guide on new fan kit. If you don't want to do the fan kit upgrade, at least change the belts. The A-29 is the original fan belt. And A-41 will fit the Alternator. Onan belts are plain Jane Made in Mexico belts. They are not automotive. They are appliance belts you can buy at hardware store. Don't let anybody say you need Onan belts because they won't sell you the original fan belt. They want to sell you the upgrade kit.

Also didn't realize it was Friday the 13th. Hit a post and tore off left basement door.
Trip from HELL. Can't get it in to Newmar bodyshop until Nov 1st. I thought things were slow?

A K

[AFChap]

Belts shot at only 331 hours ...and 4 yr old ...hmmmm... My 7500 has apx 1000 hours on it at 8 years. My belts have been checked, but not replaced....

How would you describe "the death rattles" .... ???

[a k]

Just not smooth running. Noisy. Your long overdue