Removing a generator for maintenance

[JucenBrudi]

Hi All,

We have a Winnebago Adventurer, 2004, with an Onan Marquis 5500 genset. We have some miles on our rig and I expect things to start needing attention. How feasible is it for a home DIYer to remove the genset for maintenance?

I got to thinking about it when I saw a device for removing and working on a car engine. It wasn't too outrageous an investment and I wondered if there is something like it for RV generators.

Bruce

[billr30656]

Bruce,
I have a metal cart. I drop the exhaust (its very easy on my Marquis 7000 Onan). I jack up the RV about 4 inches in the rear. I put the cart under the genset then put a couple of wood blocks on the cart leaving about an inch drop. I remove the front screws first and let it slowly drop down then remove the back two screw. The reason for jacking it up is so when I roll it back in I can jack it down and easily line up the screw holes. I just roll it out on the cart and work on it right on the cart. It is a very easy process.

[JucenBrudi]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll be studying our setup to see if it squares with your description. I understand from the Onan service manual that there are different methods of mounting them in different RVs.

I guess I am a real novice. What sort of metal cart? Is it a standard auto workshop thing?

When you "Jack it up 4 inches" is that with the built in leveling jacks?

If I remember right our generator weighs about 300 pounds, so "letting it down easy" doesn't sound so easy. When you loosen the screws, is that the letting it down easy then reversing it to pull it back up into place?

Thanks again,

Bruce

[billr30656]

Bruce,
Below are the answers to your questions.


I guess I am a real novice. What sort of metal cart? Is it a standard auto workshop thing? I got it from an old chemical company. It's very sturdy. You may have to look around

When you "Jack it up 4 inches" is that with the built in leveling jacks? Actually I use a bottle jack underneath so I can watch it come down to where the screws are.

If I remember right our generator weighs about 300 pounds, so "letting it down easy" doesn't sound so easy. When you loosen the screws, is that the letting it down easy then reversing it to pull it back up into place? Mine is in there tightly. It drops slowly without me putting any pressure on it. There are four screws on each side. I remove the middle two on each side then up front to move the front two. Remember, its only dropping one inch or less. And yes mine is about 300 pounds. The blocks keep my hands from getting pinched on the cart. My blocks are 4 inches thick (two 4x4's cut to the length of the genset). My cart is about 3 inches wider than the genset on each side. Reversing it is sliding the genset back in to place and letting the RV down on it to align the screw holes. You can look for a cart on here. Google material handling carts. Mine has 8 inch wheels and is about 12 inches off the ground.

Bill

[Nutmeg]

Harbor freight has this lift table on casters that may work for this. Picture did not transfer you can see it on their website.

1000 Lb. Capacity Hydraulic Scissor Table Cart
Includes Nonslip Protective Table Mat
Move heavy objects to your workbench or truckbed without straining your back.

• Rugged all steel construction
• Locking swivel casters
• Foot-action pump

Table dimensions: 32" L x 19-3/4" W; Table height: 11" min., 34-1/2" max.; Caster size: 5" diameter x 2" W (2 ridgid, 2 swivel); Overall dimensions: 43" L x 19-3/4" W x 38-1/4" H
Weight: 180 lbs.



ITEM 93116-1VGA


$259.99