Generator (how long to exercise )

[WV Bum]

Hey, I am sure that this has been discussed before, I was checking the op Manuel and it is some what confusing . How long do you exercise the Oman generator and under what load. OP Manuel says two hours at least once a month under 1/2 rated power. Dealer said 1Hr a month while A C is on. I assume one should go by Manuel . Just seems like a long time (2 Hrs ? )

[NMRVer]

I run mine 1 hour every 2-3 weeks under max load (2 ac's) then under no load for 5-10 minutes for cool down. my 2 cents.

[96 Wideglide]

I usually run mine for an hour. Two AC's, or two heatpumps, depending on weather.

[HR2004]

I run about 2 hrs, more or less, with two air conditioners on. probably not right on schedule but at least every other month.

[Crasher]

I think the two hour time under a moderate load (two A/C's) is to allow the gen to get up to and maintain full operating temperature to remove any condensation that could accumulate in the engine and alternator.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by Crasher

I think the two hour time under a moderate load (two A/C's) is to allow the gen to get up to and maintain full operating temperature to remove any condensation that could accumulate in the engine and alternator.

That is my understanding also. It takes time and operating temperature to evaporate all moisture from oil.

A side note to this subject;
My 3,000W portable genset gets an oil change every spring. Last oil change the last remnants of oil was a milky light brown color = water-in-oil, and it is stored indoors.

[WV Bum]

Thanks, didn't know to run for 10 -15 mins with no load at end. Makes sense!

[Traps90]

Originally Posted by WV Bum

Thanks, didn't know to run for 10 -15 mins with no load at end. Makes sense!

I think 5 minutes to cool down with no load would be more than adequate.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by WV Bum

Hey, I am sure that this has been discussed before, I was checking the op Manuel and it is some what confusing . How long do you exercise the Oman generator and under what load. OP Manuel says two hours at least once a month under 1/2 rated power. Dealer said 1Hr a month while A C is on. I assume one should go by Manuel . Just seems like a long time (2 Hrs ? )

I think Onan recommends at least 1 hour per month but I usually only run it for 30 minutes with both A/C's and the fridge on!

[Papa_Jim]

As we travel, we usually park for the night each night somewhere with no services. The generator runs about an hour to charge the batteries before bedtime. My wife and I both use CPAPs. The generator usually runs about an hour and a half in the morning to charge the batteries before we start out again to travel for the day. That's each and every day.

If we park with full services for an extended time, I usually disconnect from services after a couple of weeks, wait a day and then run the generator for a couple of hours to charge the batteries up again. Then I connect to services again.

When I disconnect the load from the generator, I usually let it run with no load for five minutes or so.

We bought our coach in 2008. We had a lot of generator trouble for the first two or three years. I think it was because the previous owner didn't use the generator much, and the propane system was all gunked up. With the amount we use the generator, it continually runs like a champ!

Jim

[Skip426]

Humidity in the gen set is it's enemy . If you live in an area of high humidity , or park on dirt. The maintenance becomes doubly important.
I try to run my gen set after trips when I've driven in the rain, but not always possible if I'm pulling into a park when it's still raining.

[mpierce]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

That is my understanding also. It takes time and operating temperature to evaporate all moisture from oil.

A side note to this subject;
My 3,000W portable genset gets an oil change every spring. Last oil change the last remnants of oil was a milky light brown color = water-in-oil, and it is stored indoors.

One NEEDS to get all the moisture out of the alternator too. That takes more time, and the reason for at least 1/2 load. Takes longer than it would if you just had the engine. Over time, that moisture will corrode things in the generator if left in there.

[HHg]

My owners manual for my 10k Onan says 2 hours per month under a load. I always exercise mine as recommended.

Hhg

[vsheetz]

I do one hour a month with one air conditioner. Unless have camped with using the genny.