Community Forums

Stewfish · 01-19-2018, 08:40 PM

Oops repost

BFlinn181 · 01-20-2018, 08:31 PM

Check for access to oil, filter changes, etc. I've read that some generators put between the frame rails in Class B and C units require dropping the generator to do simple periodic maintenance.

Stewfish · 02-26-2018, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

Check for access to oil, filter changes, etc. I've read that some generators put between the frame rails in Class B and C units require dropping the generator to do simple periodic maintenance.

Do all the generators that have side access panels have open comparments inside there for wind flow? Are they enclosed and you only run them while the panel is open and not driving. Mine is hanging in the back as I mentioned. We were wondering if the old 1985 chevy van AC can't keep up during our family driving this summer could we run the generator that is not enclosed at all and has an exhuast pipe sticking out the back of the RV? That way we can run the roof AC of the generator while driving if need be.

Also, The tail pipe doesn't stick out past the bumper much and I worry about fumes building under the back bed while were are not driving, do people add a slip on "extension" pipe? Maybe with some motocycle exhuast pipe wrap to keep people from getting burned.

Thanks

pardon my grammar, I have to get some sleep

BFlinn181 · 02-26-2018, 06:49 PM

We run our generator when underway on hot days, no problem. A pretty chrome tip could extend the pipe a bit if it's too short to clear the vehicle body. Many people use a Gen-turi to extend the exhaust up above the roofline to disperse the exhaust - when parked. You can buy the original or check out the many home-built versions made from big box home improvement stores.

In my air-cooled VW days of old, it was not uncommon to drop the engine to change the spark plugs. In Europe, if you had engine problems a garage would have you back on the road within an hour with a rebuilt engine they had for such problems. Your engine would then be rebuilt and put in the next one that pulled into the garage with a problem. I would hope the generators mounted under Class B RVs could be dropped as easily as a VW engine.

Old Crows · 02-26-2018, 07:36 PM

Onan 2500 LP generators are designed to operate with the covers closed. They can be operated when stationary or while moving in your RV. Never operate with cover open or removed.

Undermounts are a little more difficult to routine service but don't require dropping the unit. Same with the side units. Major repairs ..yes. LP gennys burn cleaner and have fewer issues than petro & diesel units and require less maintainence. Oil drain is on the bottom. Or you can use a vacuum extractor like a Pela. There is no oil filter. Make sure the air filter is correctly installed. Suggest ONAN ONAMAX 15-40 oil. It is for aircooled motors.

The oil dipper stick unscrews and is placed on the lip of the opening. Cold oil level is correct when the level is 1/2 to 2/3 up on the hashed area of the dipstick. Oil volume increases when hot and it will be correct when running.

Exhaust pipes generally terminate near the RV sides or bumper. Wasted effort to try to insulate them. An extension could be useful. If I did that, I'd get a larger diameter extension and install it with the exhaust pipe about 1/3 way in. You are in effect making an exhaust augmentor. It won't give you any measureable increase in gnerator performance but it will draw air into the hot exhaust stream and dilute and cool it.

Yes you can run the AC while driving. Remember to always shut off the LP when refueling!!