Community Forums

reubenray · 01-25-2015, 09:59 AM

What type of oil do I need to get? I checked the sticker on the generator and plan on getting 10w30 weight, but does it make any difference what brand.

I have the Onan filter number which is 122-0836. Where would I get this and are there any alternatives to it?

I also need to get the Onan 4200577 filter wrench. Are there any alternatives to this and where is the best place to get it?

98FPA · 01-25-2015, 12:42 PM

Just did a quick check on Baldwin's cross reference site; it appears they make a replacement filter for it. Baldwin B7238, so I would imagine probably Fram, Wix, etc. would also have a replacement. These filters should be readily available at about any parts house or they should be able to get one for you at a cheaper price too.

As for the wrench, I did a google on it and it appears to be readily available as well. eBay, RV deales, etc. probably have it on hand?.

reubenray · 01-25-2015, 12:45 PM

I did find this comparison website. Now to figure out which one would be the best. Walmart had several type of filter wrenches that may fit one of these filters.

ONAN 122-0836 - Alternative oil filters

98FPA · 01-25-2015, 01:07 PM

I don't think a regular filter wrench will work on the Onan type filter. On my MH there isn't any room to put a wrench around the filter like a typical application. So make sure your wrench will fit on to the filter can.

There are many good filter replacements out there, I'd go with a brand name though. I guess I'm just partial to Baldwin as they are located in my home town.

DMTTRANSPORT · 01-25-2015, 01:15 PM

I run the same oil in the gen as the big Motor Shell Rotella 15/40 Amazon has a filter wrench that fits in tight spots for 10 bucks, it has three arms with red tips works great!

Here you go $8.99

reubenray · 01-26-2015, 12:13 PM

Napa had everything I needed.

Dutch Star Don · 01-26-2015, 03:30 PM

I don't understand why people go out of their way to buy a less expensive oil filter for a very expensive engine. The Onan filter probably costs $2-$4 more, yet many just have to get that deal. Guess what....buy the OEM filters and you'll never have an issue, like getting a cheap aftermarket that doesn't have an internal bypass or other specification the Onan filters might have.

reubenray · 01-26-2015, 04:53 PM

I could not find a local source for the Onan filter. From what I have read the Napa Gold filters are very good.

vsheetz · 01-26-2015, 05:03 PM

I buy Onan oil, oil filter, and air filters online via Amazon.

SWDan · 01-26-2015, 05:10 PM

I used a WIX 57398 which I purchased at O'Reilly's along with a cap type wrench to remove the old filter. For oil I used Amsoil 4-cycle Small Engine Oil, the synthetic stuff.

UFO Pilot · 01-26-2015, 05:12 PM

If you want or need cross references:

Here are the cross references I found for the 122-0836 filter.

Oil Filter

Mobil M1-102
Fram PH3614
STP S3614

guardrail53 · 01-27-2015, 03:19 AM

In all the years of trucking I learned a thing or two about all production items! Now this does not account for all of the items out there, but about 80% of them. From canned vegetables to oil filters almost all are run on the same line, just different colors, labels, beginning of the run to the end of the run! Now for oil filters, they have different amount of filtering density, but most are run at the same plant on the same line! Just my observation over the years and seeing Wix, Fram, Napa, Onan, Baldwin, Fleetguard, all come from the same plant in Southern Illinois! Any filter that meet's the manufacture's specification will be just fine! Rail!

98FPA · 01-27-2015, 06:52 AM

Guardrail53, you are absolutely correct about your statement of vegetables to oil filters. I have real heartburn when someone makes a statement about buying a cheaper filter than OEM. Onan filters are made by filter manufacturer such as Fram. When I worked at Baldwin's they use to purchase their transmissions from ATP (if I recall correctly) and they were just reboxed (who would have ever thought and this was in the 70's). I remember walking down the production line and seeimg Baldwin producing Caterpillar filters (you surely would have thought they would know better of all people and they probably did). In most instances the filtering media in a filter such as Baldwins would probably have more media in their filter than OEM. This practice has been going on for quite a long time and will certainly continue without a doubt. Again you get what you pay for but there are many after market filters equally as good as Onan if not better. As the old Fram commercial said "pay me now of pay me later". The cheapest maintenance you can do on an engine is to change the oil and filter when or before it is supposed to be changed.

Dutch Star Don · 01-27-2015, 12:09 PM

Yes....and Kelly Springfield tires are made by Goodyear, but it doesn't mean they are the same quality as the Goodyear labeled tire! They're several layers lower in quality and performance, but are there for those not willing to pay the Goodyear price.

Like I've always said, if they were changing the batteries in your pacemaker, would you have them use the Duracell or Kirkland?