Community Forums

ScottB123 · 01-15-2025, 01:56 PM

Hello All, thought we would post here as a Hail Mary. Our ONAN generator is in the shop at Cummins.

Generator has produced a fail CODE 11 for over current.

The indication is we my have other component failures as with inverter and transformer.

I have attached work order:

Generator worked fine this last season. We did need to do a reset 8 moths ago. But been working great since

Any advice would be super helpful. We have a 2003 Revolution, we would need to drop out the generator to continue to test the other two components.
Those items could be bad as well.

So our options are continue with repair @ Cummins dropping generator out and proceed with finding out where problem is, replace failing component(s) $6k-8k, order a new generator $12k-$14k (2wks-6mo), or we bring her back closer to home and get second opinion.

We only have 2 Cummins repair shops here in the bay area. They both have pretty bad reviews on Yelp. Any suggestions or opinions are welcome.

GrantR · 01-16-2025, 11:20 AM

At a minimum, you need a second opinion from a non Cummins shop - It is hard to find a good shop willing to work on MH Generators.
- The “Added 3 Quarts of Oil” seems a bit odd, a full oil change on a 10 or 12.5 is 6 Quarts.
- You could look for a second hand Gennerator - Depending on location, It may actually not be that big a deal to swap out, I did it last year on my 10KVA. Gen.

Good luck
GR

d23haynes57 · 01-16-2025, 11:32 AM

I agree another opinion. If you do go with generator replacement, consider going 10 or 12Kw. No more inverter, constant speed so a bit more noise and fuel consumption but more power and reliability. 12Kw is direct match for 50-amp connection.

SJ-Chris · 01-16-2025, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottB123

Hello All, thought we would post here as a Hail Mary.

Welcome! You came to the right place. These forums are amazing. And...I likely have an answer to your prayer...

I too am from the Bay Area. I have 3 RVs and have dealt with Onan generator issues. I found the unicorn you are looking for. A retired NASA engineer who now spends his days rebuilding Onan generators. One of the nicest guys you'll meet. Master Onan mechanic. Rebuilds/repairs Onans. Amazing workshop with every part/tool he needs. Beyond fair with what he charges. He loves when you help and he's happy to teach. I don't trust anyone else (including certified Onan shops) with my generators...that's how good/fair/honest/nice this guy is.

He doesn't want me to make his info public, but if you message me with your contact info I would be happy to put you in touch.

Good luck!
Chris

ScottB123 · 01-17-2025, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrantR

At a minimum, you need a second opinion from a non Cummins shop - It is hard to find a good shop willing to work on MH Generators.
- The “Added 3 Quarts of Oil” seems a bit odd, a full oil change on a 10 or 12.5 is 6 Quarts.
- You could look for a second hand Gennerator - Depending on location, It may actually not be that big a deal to swap out, I did it last year on my 10KVA. Gen.

Good luck
GR

Thank you everything helps.

ScottB123 · 01-17-2025, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d23haynes57

I agree another opinion. If you do go with generator replacement, consider going 10 or 12Kw. No more inverter, constant speed so a bit more noise and fuel consumption but more power and reliability. 12Kw is direct match for 50-amp connection.

Howdy there @d23haynes57 can you send an example link to this 10 or 12kw.

Is it diesel? That is a really good idea.

d23haynes57 · 01-17-2025, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottB123

Howdy there @d23haynes57 can you send an example link to this 10 or 12kw.

Is it diesel? That is a really good idea.

Here you go.
https://www.cummins.com/generators/rv-generators

The QD series is what you want to look at. The 6 and 8K are variable speed inverter-based generators focused on fuel efficiency and quietness. The 10 and 12 are constant speed, 1,800 rpm, 4 pole to give 60 hertz power. Since they almost directly feed the load, they are more resilient to abusive loads. You will need to check dimensions and wire size/compatibility to the transfer switch. Last RV had the QD7500 and it worked well but still had to manage power demand. Now have the QD12500 and love it.

ScottB123 · 01-17-2025, 09:27 AM

Can you send a link of what type of gen 10 or kw your meaning? We arent too savvy with different types of genreators. Thank you!

ScottB123 · 01-17-2025, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJ-Chris

Welcome! You came to the right place. These forums are amazing. And...I likely have an answer to your prayer...

I too am from the Bay Area. I have 3 RVs and have dealt with Onan generator issues. I found the unicorn you are looking for. A retired NASA engineer who now spends his days rebuilding Onan generators. One of the nicest guys you'll meet. Master Onan mechanic. Rebuilds/repairs Onans. Amazing workshop with every part/tool he needs. Beyond fair with what he charges. He loves when you help and he's happy to teach. I don't trust anyone else (including certified Onan shops) with my generators...that's how good/fair/honest/nice this guy is.

He doesn't want me to make his info public, but if you message me with your contact info I would be happy to put you in touch.

Good luck!
Chris

Hi Chris can you send his contact info?

ScottB123 · 01-17-2025, 09:37 AM

In the repair quote it says L1-L-2 windings are shorted, leading to failed stater.

What causes a stater to go bad? I believe it is a 2003 Genreator. Only had 400-800 hours on it.

Thanks!

d23haynes57 · 01-17-2025, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottB123

Can you send a link of what type of gen 10 or kw your meaning? We arent too savvy with different types of genreators. Thank you!

https://www.cummins.com/generators/onan-qd-10000

d23haynes57 · 01-17-2025, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottB123

In the repair quote it says L1-L-2 windings are shorted, leading to failed stater.

What causes a stater to go bad? I believe it is a 2003 Genreator. Only had 400-800 hours on it.

Thanks!

I am doubtful of the stator failure diagnoses. These winding can either fail open or short. Testing for insulation failure is usually done with a high potential insulation tester, not an ohm meter and usually the failure would be a short to ground. Insulation can fail from overload, overheating damage or moisture breakdown, failure over time. Lack of use is not good for these machines.