Community Forums

LickingTexas · 01-31-2019, 06:21 AM

What do you use to help start your diesel generator in the winter? I haven't checked to see if Cummins has a water heater for there engine blocks in Onan generators. I think it's Cummins engine? Thank you...Randy

barmcd · 01-31-2019, 06:29 AM

I don't use anything. I notice it cranks a little longer in the winter, but it starts within a few seconds even in below freezing temps. Start seems almost immediate in summer.

RichnSue · 01-31-2019, 06:34 AM

My 2008 Onan 10K is a diesel Kubota engine. Nothing special on starting, hold the start button until she fires up. In this frigid weather it will struggle to stay running the first time, I just press the start button again, second time she stays running as normal. I do use Howe's additive

ga traveler · 01-31-2019, 06:44 AM

The start system has a prewarmer built in. Hold the start button down until the engine starts. In the summer time that will be immeadiatly. The colder it gets the longer it takes before starting. That is because the engine is preheating.

LickingTexas · 01-31-2019, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichnSue

My 2008 Onan 10K is a diesel Kubota engine. Nothing special on starting, hold the start button until she fires up. In this frigid weather it will struggle to stay running the first time, I just press the start button again, second time she stays running as normal. I do use Howe's additive

Thank you, my Onan is a 05, so I'm sure it's Kubota also. My generator has 432 hours on it. There times I have to hold the bottom of the start switch, in for 60 second, then push the top start button in, to get it started. I just got the motorhome this summer. We had 0 here in Mo. last night, but I didn't try starting my generator, it's suppose to a be low of 30 tonight, I'll try it in the morning. Just got done spending day with Dr.

LickingTexas · 01-31-2019, 04:22 PM

Thank you everyone for your information.

Ivylog · 02-01-2019, 07:46 AM

Your Kobota engine has electric glow plugs that takes longer to get to temperature when it’s cold...hold the switch down until it turns over. Do you need the generator for power or are you into starting it every month? I only stat mine when I need it to power the rig. Sometimes that’s 6 months and I only did that for 14 years with my previous rig.
I have a portable generator that’s 40+ years old and has sat for 10 years between use. How many millions of them sit for years between use and work fine when needed?

Chief Alen · 02-01-2019, 08:49 AM

I start my gen-set every month let it run for a half hour at least .

Never needed my last MH gen-set but i did the same thing with that one.

My Sticks house i have a portable, however it's gas that one i can have the carb cleaned in about 5 minutes never had to cause i run the carb dry after use.