Community Forums

Kahoona · 07-10-2018, 02:35 PM

Hi
Is there any other generator putting out 4K that is as good or better than this Onan 4K I have that will be a drop in replacement? Something that will take gas from the main tank, start from inside with house batteries and not break down?

I have a Onan 4k that came with our coach. It could have a thousand hours but I doubt it. Making it run has always been a big part of using the motorhome but it mostly worked when we were parked. Last year I had to take it out and dismantle it including replacement of the electronics board with a new improved FlightSystems board. I learned a lot but this was no fun. Here we are again with won't start, doesn't run. I spent days doing troubleshooting for this last year even with the overhaul and I might have hit my limit. I need dependable cooling and power.

Maybe I can fix this one again, Maybe it won't leave me stranded in the desert! I doubt it.

okcnewbie · 07-12-2018, 12:53 PM

I don't believe you're going to like the answer. I'm pretty sure the only drop ins are going to be RV type and expensive. If you're keeping the RV it might be worth the cost to get a new one?

If you end up giving up on the Onan 4k I could possibly use the rotor if you're junking the unit. I've moved on from my Onan's after piecing them together for a few years. Now I have two bad rotors and probably wouldn't by a used Onan again.

I do like my HF predator 3500 inverter gen. It's not made to be installed in the RV though.

THenne1713 · 07-13-2018, 10:06 AM

I have seen salvaged Onans for as little as $100-$300, one from a deer camp, they would be worth that for spare parts.

Kahoona · 07-17-2018, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okcnewbie

I don't believe you're going to like the answer. I'm pretty sure the only drop ins are going to be RV type and expensive. If you're keeping the RV it might be worth the cost to get a new one?

If you end up giving up on the Onan 4k I could possibly use the rotor if you're junking the unit. I've moved on from my Onan's after piecing them together for a few years. Now I have two bad rotors and probably wouldn't by a used Onan again.

I do like my HF predator 3500 inverter gen. It's not made to be installed in the RV though.

The inverter gens are so much better. Wish there was a 4K for RV's. I had a Yamaha 2k back when they were new and loved it. Vert quiet and barely sipped the gas when not under load. Could couple 2 to make a 4k or 240volts. I am keeping this for now since I found the loose wire that caused it, still I am tired of having the chance of a failure when it is needed most hanging over my head while traveling.

Kahoona · 07-17-2018, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THenne1713

I have seen salvaged Onans for as little as $100-$300, one from a deer camp, they would be worth that for spare parts.

That is a good idea. I had it out last year and did a partial restoration

https://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=169720

Real pain getting the new parts but I spent 2 weeks on it. Went on vacation then came back in time to evacuate from Irma. On return it was our only source of electricity (AC) for weeks and it quit again. I need something different next time!