Service on Onan 7500 quiet diesel Generator

[1ciderdog]

The maintenance on this generator calls for replacing the V-belt, coolant hoses & thermostat, and cleaning the crankcase breather but says these must be performed by a qualified mechanic. I don't think I need a "qualified mechanic" to change a belt, thermostat. etc. Does the generator need to be removed to access those parts? (This generator is not on a slid out tray). Any other thought or comments would be appreciated by anyone who has done this service.
Thanks
Bob

[KIX]

If you have the service manual and are mechanically inclined you can do your own service. Getting to the V-belt can be a problem. My gen is on a slide out so it may be different than yours. to get to the v-belt the cover must be removed from that side of the gen. You'll have to loosen the others to get the side one off. If you don't have the room to remove the cover then you'll have to pull then gen. To lift out remove the square (about 8") cover from the top sound shield. A lifting hook is under the square plate.

[1ciderdog]

Kix, Thanks for the reply. Yes, I can do the work and will probably have to pull the generator. I haven't been able to find a service manual for that engine online. I wonder if these generators are installed by Winnebago or by Freightliner? They may have some information.
Safe Travels
Bob

[KIX]

You're welcome. I think the gen is installed by the coach builder vs. the chassis builder.

I found a service (shop) manual online a year or so ago. I can't remember where I got it. But, I remember just Google-ing and found it for around $10. I looked on my copy and there is no indication of where it came from. Sorry I can't help more.

[Martind4]

Without having the gennie on a slideout, the process to remove it is fairly difficult. I don't remember for sure, but I think it weighs over 500 lbs. On ours, there wasn't enough clearance to just drop the gennie down, the front of the MH also had to be raised to get it out.

We ended up paying an Onan shop about $500 just to pull it and replace it. Of course some of the bolts were seized, broke and had to be drilled/tapped. With the right equipment I don't think it would be too bad a job; for a shade tree mechanic like me, I opted to hire the pros. Once you get the covers off, you'll see how to change the belt, etc.

It would have been different if it was on a slide, our next MH will have a gennie slide or we won't buy it.

[KIX]

Seems like I heard that a friend used a forklift to remove his gen from a non-slide moho. After removal he had them out it on a trailer he was towing and took it home to service.

BTW....to remove and re-install the v-belt you unbolt the top pullet to separate it. There is no tension adjustment on the belt.

[Gary RVRoamer]

The V belt is at the back and requires removal of the top and rear covers to get at it. The top has to come off the remove the back, and I had to remove most of the screws on the sides to get the top off.

Mine is on a slide and it is still a PITA to get at it. At 1500 hours I took the top cover off and loosened the back enough to see the belt (but still couldn't remove it.) I could see it was still going to be a big job to get the back cover off, due to limited access. The belt still looked like new, so I opted to leave it on. Now it's 2 years and 400 hours later and it's still going strong. I suppose someday I'll wish I had changed it, but my feeling is that Onan is ultra-conservative in their change recommendation. YMMV.

[the4js]

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog

The maintenance on this generator calls for replacing the V-belt, coolant hoses & thermostat, and cleaning the crankcase breather but says these must be performed by a qualified mechanic. I don't think I need a "qualified mechanic" to change a belt, thermostat. etc. Does the generator need to be removed to access those parts? (This generator is not on a slid out tray). Any other thought or comments would be appreciated by anyone who has done this service.
Thanks
Bob

How many hours is this supposed to be done?

[1ciderdog]

The4js, the operators manual calls for replacement of belt, coolant & thermostat and for cleaning the crankcase breather every 1,000 hours or at least once very five years. This generator does not have the hours but does have about seven years on it. I'm pretty sure the previous owner did not have this service performed. I think I'll wait until after the Christmas Holidays before I really dig into the generator.
Safe Travels
Bob

[Dave78Chief]

Assuming you have the 7500 HDKAJ Quiet Diesel model:

Operators: http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/pdf/manuals/981-0161.pdf
Service: http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/pdf/m.../981-0522B.pdf
Kubota Engine: http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/pdf/manuals/981-0514.pdf

Dave

[1ciderdog]

Dave78Chief, Thank you. Those manuals should be a great help when I tackle this thing. I do have the first manual but a different edition. Mine has specification H and the one you provide is somewhat newer but shouldn't be much difference. A cursory review indicates the newer manual has more "safety" comments.
Again, Thank you
Safe Travels
Bob

[Tha_Rooster]

I agree the big part is dropping it mines the same way, bad design.