Onan Microquiet 4000 Oil Change

twinbubba · 04-19-2006, 02:56 PM

When I was doing research about 1 1/2 years ago I read a thread about
a MOD that made it easier to drain the oil but I can't find it now.
As I remember it an elbow and a valve replaced the drain plug to simplify the oil change process. Has anyone done this or can you help me find that original thread.
I had a heck of a time getting one of the screws off that holds the plate over the drain plug. 3/4 of the head of the screw was covered up by the main beam down the side of the trailer. If at all possible I would prefer not to have to put the plate back on.
Anyone with a WW FS2300 that has come up with a better way to access the drain plug, let me know.

TB

P.S. What grade/name brand would you use in Texas weather where the temps can range from 10deg to 100+deg.

WWFan · 04-19-2006, 04:46 PM

Hey TB! Howdy!

Boy...I wish I could help you here...I've been purusing the Onan sites to see if they offer any oil change kit...I don' see any, but then again, I think their sites are a little shy of a load. Our Marquis' already have the valve and the drop tube that really makes it easier (and therefore easier to do more often).

As far as the oil, I've resigned myself to buying the Onan oil- it's actually cheaper than the stuff I originally was buying from Kragen auto Parts per their spec (needs the API SF/SG/SJ spec)- and that's buying it from that darn CW! I always keep about 6 quarts of it around, along with 2-3 oil filters, a fuel filter, and an extra air filter.

I'm going to create a shortcut to the 5th -Probs & Solutions forum to give you a little airtime here....good luck!

Sean

WWFan · 04-19-2006, 04:49 PM

TB:

I also linked it to the RV systems & Appliances...

Hoverbug · 04-19-2006, 05:05 PM

TB, I was looking at one of those thingys yesterday at our local BI-Mart store. Bi-Marts are only in OR,Wa & MT so that won't help you but I am going there tomorrow and will get the product name. Since the drain plug on the Ford V-10 is directly over an I beam when I changed the oil it went everywhere but the drain pan. This gizmo is a valve which screws into the oil pan, to drain you attach a piece of tubing and open the valve. I'll check it out and get back to you. Happy Trails!! BTW I just flushed my water heater and got a bunch of cr** out of it. Does everyone now have an in line filter on the hose to filter the alkaline before putting it in your rig???

WWFan · 04-19-2006, 05:10 PM

Hey Dave! Howdy partn'r!!

I think you're referring to a Fumoto Valve...I've got one on my F350, but they're only speced by vehicle. Unless you can find one with the same thread as TB's 4000, then I think it'd be a tough time finding one that will fit. But great idea- the guys at the local oil change shop have discounted my changes partially due to me adding it!

As far as your water filter, I would think you could adpat one of those off-the-shelf drinking water filters that you can get from Home Depot or Lowes or anywhere to use to filter your water.

Hoverbug · 04-19-2006, 05:23 PM

Good point on the valve. My present genset is a Generac but the drain is the same as an Onan, 1/2" pipe threads. I think a fitting to match is available. As for the filter I use the Camco hose filter I posted here last fall and it works well. I also have a filter contraption I made a few yerars ago. It consists of 2 standard filter housings mounted in a large battery box with holes cut in the box top to accomadate the filters and fittings to attach a hose in and out. In the first filter I use a pleated sand filter and a short pipe attaches it to the second filter with a charcoal filter inside. But to be honest the Camco hose filter does just as well. Whatsup in SOCAL buddy?

Hoverbug · 04-19-2006, 05:31 PM

I have to report that today the ole Hoverbug is an official FOP(thats a Forgetful Old Person. You can use whatever F word you choose) born in NYC 19 Apr 1941. You do the math. The Hovergirl and I have just finished of a very nice home cooked prime rib dinner and a wonderful cabernet and some other adult beverages. Life is good and... The Night Is Still Young!!

WWFan · 04-19-2006, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hoverbug:
I have to report that today the ole Hoverbug is an official FOP(thats a Forgetful Old Person. You can use whatever F word you choose) born in NYC 19 Apr 1941. You do the math. The Hovergirl and I have just finished of a very nice home cooked prime rib dinner and a wonderful cabernet and some other adult beverages. Life is good and... The Night Is Still Young!!

Hey buddy!! Well HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Here's a

to ya!

WWFan · 04-23-2006, 06:32 PM

TB:

Have you found anything yet?

twinbubba · 04-24-2006, 04:23 AM

Bubba and I worked it out this last weekend. We bought a small funnel that fit over the drain hole. As soon as I pulled the brass plug, Bubba slapped the funnel over the drain hole to minimize the amount of splatter. After it drained we screwed about a 3" brass nipple into the drain hole and capped it. In the future, this should prevent any drained oil from getting between the bottom of the gen and the compartment floor it sits in.

We also washed the rig top to bottom, sanitized the water system and started stocking it for your first trip in it this coming weekend. We are going up to the hunting lease for some spring turkey hunting.

TB

WWFan · 04-24-2006, 06:00 AM

I sure whudda thought they would've made some better provisions for draining the oil on that thing- the 5500's are a dream- easiest thing to do (except that darn oil filter can get a little tight).

So you're all set, huh? Did you find some type of valve to add to it?

I would've done the same thing this weekend, but it was raining off and on- it really needs a bath- BADLY. I darn near took it to the Little Sister's Truck Wash last weekend...glad I didn't at that time.

So you're all ready to beat feet and get some hunting done? Good deal!

Sean