Community Forums

Larry Geese · 02-12-2013, 12:42 PM

We have been dry camping using the Onan 10KVW generator several hours a day. I keep feeding the fuel tank with 10 gals of diesel trying to keep it in the upper fuel level. Seems almost every other day I need to "feed the beast".
Question?? How much diesel fuel is used under moderate loads per hour??
I notice black soot on the ground by the exhaust, we are at sea level. Does the soot mean it's too rich or normal for sea level.
Larry

C-PHartley · 02-12-2013, 01:11 PM

I would guesstimate between .5 and 1 gallon per hour depending on the load. Black soot tells me it is running rich. A little soot at start up is normal, but it should clear up quickly. Just my $ .02.

Gorlininc · 02-12-2013, 01:30 PM

Hi. My diesel 7.5kw generator also puts black soot on the ground. I thought it was normal, but maybe not. Next time it's in the shop I'll ask.
I agree with the fuel estimate.
Rick

Larry Geese · 02-12-2013, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-PHartley

I would guesstimate between .5 and 1 gallon per hour depending on the load. Black soot tells me it is running rich. A little soot at start up is normal, but it should clear up quickly. Just my $ .02.

Dear Mr. PHartley. I think you are correct. I asked this question because a post stated about a gallon every 4 hours. Seems my unit uses uses about a gallon per hour.
Thanks.
Larry

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-12-2013, 01:45 PM

See page 2 for fuel consumption of an Onan 10 ( might not be same model ).
http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/html/...ets/a-1483.pdf
Cliff

Libero · 02-12-2013, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Geese

We have been dry camping using the Onan 10KVW generator several hours a day. I keep feeding the fuel tank with 10 gals of diesel trying to keep it in the upper fuel level. Seems almost every other day I need to "feed the beast".
Question?? How much diesel fuel is used under moderate loads per hour??
I notice black soot on the ground by the exhaust, we are at sea level. Does the soot mean it's too rich or normal for sea level.
Larry

Could your gen be 10KW. Suspect a typo. 10KVA would likely be 8KW. Most generators have a power factor of about .8. KVW would mean Kilo-Volt-Watt which is not a known rating.

I agree you should look at fuel consumption tables vs gen load. Load is a big factor on fuel consumption and you say "moderate load".

Moderate black soot on the exhaust is not uncommon for any deisel

YC1 · 02-12-2013, 05:31 PM

Our 8KW running hard burns close to a gallon an hour. That is full tilt running two AC's in hot sun. If we find shade the generator runs about .6 gallons an hour. I do find some soot when running hard for several days in a row.

ruffian · 02-15-2013, 09:59 PM

My Onan manual for my 7.5 KW says 0.96 gal/hr. at full load.

OLYLEN · 02-16-2013, 08:55 AM

On average we use about 1/2-3/4 gallon per hour. There are 7.5 8 and 10 onan quiet diesel gens. We camp/boondock with a number of rigs with the onans and all have a soot spot after several days of use. A few boondockers use a honda 1000 or 2000 during the day for long time boondocking for battery charging and for the newer rigs with the house hold refers and can run on just a gallon or so a day then fire the big gen when heavy load is needed. But the down side xtra GAS and GEN but is more fuel efficient.

LEN