Swapping generators

Ken-55 · 10-09-2011, 11:37 AM

Bought our first RV 2 years ago, 1991 Itasca Sunflyer, with a Kohler generator. The generator put out good power when running but keeping it running was a problem. I made the mistake of having a "small engine" repair guy work on it . . . he cleaned the carb and replaced a few small worn parts . . . it ran great, but while attempting to adjust it he over-revved the generator head and it started spitting out little parts, basically tearing itself apart. I've talked to several generator repair companies and everyone that I've talked to says that while it can be repaired, it's not economically feasible.

I've been limping along with a portable generator mounted on a hitch cargo rack but I long for a built-in RV style generator.

I found an Onan for sale that's in the power range I need, assuming that it fits in my generator bay, what else should I be concerned about in making this work?

Thanks!

Ragingbull · 10-09-2011, 01:44 PM

Ken what KW range was your previous generator? 4 KW is about the minimum I'd go with. As far as wiring goes there are differences in how they are wired into your motor home but its easily adapted. First check out this website for information and manuals for the onan.

Onan Generators - SmokStak

Ken-55 · 10-09-2011, 03:33 PM

My Kohler was a 4.5, the Onan is a 4.0. I'm currently using a 3500 watt portable and it gets the job done.

Dave78Chief · 10-09-2011, 06:10 PM

Size, cooling, and exhaust requirements will be your concerns (possibly weight also). Onan has made several different 4K models so would need to know the complete model number you are looking in order to point you to the information you need to make a decision.

Dave

blackf3504dr · 10-11-2011, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken-55

I made the mistake of having a "small engine" repair guy work on it . . . he cleaned the carb and replaced a few small worn parts . . . it ran great, but while attempting to adjust it he over-revved the generator head and it started spitting out little parts, basically tearing itself apart. I've talked to several generator repair companies and everyone that I've talked to says that while it can be repaired, it's not economically feasible.

Thanks!

This guy IS paying to fix/replace you generator isn't he?

Ken-55 · 10-11-2011, 11:16 PM

Nope, it really wasn't his fault. I asked him to work on it knowing that he didn't have generator experience. He cleaned and repaired the carberator and it was running fine for the first time ever. When I tried the AC, it wouldn't run properly. He asked if the motor ran at the same speed all the time and I said that I didn't think so because it sounded different when a load was applied. I now know that was the wrong answer, it was supposed to run at 1800 rpm. When he started reving it up, it tore itself apart.