Community Forums

Bilgerat · 08-08-2014, 05:48 AM

Howdy, sorry to thread crash i was getting ready to post and came here instead.
I have a Onan 5500 gen, Model # 5.5BGMFA26105H.
I am picking up;oil, oil filter, fuel filter and air cleaner. I have a standard round automotive oil drain pan.
The oil filter is mounted horizontal, after i drain the oil is the oil filter drained enough to only worry about dripping? I need to ensure I'm not going to cause a huge mess here at the campsite. I have permission to conduct the oil change and gave my word if IRV2 says good chance of mess, I will take to a mech.
Thanks for your help.

Gocoffeer · 08-08-2014, 06:12 AM

The oil filter will drip too.... I have a similar ONAN....and when I replaced the oil and filter I had to make sure the pan was up under the filter as I pulled it out of the cut out cover thru which it is slid. Though it was not a huge amount...it was several blobs of oil that dripped. But the pan caught it.... and I ragged up the rest. If you have any kitty litter...get out a small can of the dry litter...I use it and so do many mechanics as an absorbent. It can even help lift stains off the cement.

Bilgerat · 08-08-2014, 08:11 AM

Thanks Graig, that's what I was hoping. Will service the gen tomorrow.
Any tips of things to look for. my unit does have an altitude adjustment. Will not be using that for a while.

Tha_Rooster · 08-08-2014, 12:48 PM

With the proper oil pan to catch it you should not lose a drop. It is messy and you will need some rags to clean up.

Gocoffeer · 08-08-2014, 12:56 PM

Bilgerat....remember how the locals in the high altitude adjust their gas powered machines at altitude....LOWER OCTANE Fuel at altitude.... seriously. They DETUNE using lower rated fuel for upper altitude use. You can too.... buy what you see them buying and your gennie will run OK at altitude...unless you are heading up EVEREST or K9....

Servicing the onan is easy.... the air filter comes off in stupid fashion but still with ease if you stare at it for a moment. the oil filter easily.... and it is a no brainer fill. I wash mine before I work on it so I can look it over....I will take it to a car wash and hit the gennie with tire cleaner....then rinse. Onan (Cummins) use good motors and they will give great service. I always look at my GROUND cable...and make sure it is not rusted onto my chassis. If it is rusted...I will remove clean area of attachment and end of cable and bolt back into place. Then...after done run gennie and test. Make note of the hours on dash board gauge and service accordingly again.

marilarue · 08-08-2014, 01:04 PM

We serviced our Onan 7.5 KW recently. Replaced oil, filter, plugs, fuel filter. Yes, the oil did drip a bit out of the filter onto the frame of the generator, but most of it was caught by the pan underneath. Kitty litter did wonders for cleaning up the stuff that spilled.

YC1 · 08-08-2014, 01:12 PM

Before running the generator to warm it before the oil change give the filter a twist to loosen it. Then gently tighten it again. You won't be fighting a stuck filter when things are burning hot.

Use a large plastic trash bag beneath the oil pan to catch any errant spills or drops.

**CountryFit** · 08-08-2014, 03:45 PM

use a mightyvac, your fingers will not get wet and you will not have a drop of oil.

charliej · 08-08-2014, 05:51 PM

I cut a paper plate so it had a flat edge that I slid under the oil filter so it created sort of a funnel so the oil would run off it into my pan. Was a lot cleaner than the first time I did it. I posted a picture somewhere on this site, but can't find it now.

TQ60 · 08-08-2014, 06:05 PM

If end of filter is in the open place container under it and use nail to punch hole to drain in container

1ciderdog · 08-09-2014, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TQ60

If end of filter is in the open place container under it and use nail to punch hole to drain in container

I do that with a drill but only after I make sure I can turn the filter. Don't want to be left with a stuck filter with a hole in it.

AttilaKara72 · 08-09-2014, 01:06 PM

Maybe this will help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxqkHAAH818

vettenuts · 08-10-2014, 08:29 AM

I have an upside down filter on my Zero Turn mower. I pack paper towels under and around the filter before loosening and then once I can move it by hand remove quickly. The paper towels will absorb the spill. I then get an old plastic bag and put the paper towels straight into the bag. Funny thing is they make a remote filter setup but it cost more (for the mower). Not sure if Onan has something similar.

Bilgerat · 08-10-2014, 08:23 PM

Thanks so much everyone for all the great tips. Replace plugs?!?

hadn't thought of that so have added to list. Have not found Onan parts in stock, some folks here have other brands that cross reference, but I only want Onan, it will be the same thing for the Ford V-10. Camping World could of ordered them, but I hadn't planned on staying so long here at Cedar Falls

Big Woods Lake Campground in Iowa. The folks here are so kind and friendly, my neighbor loaned me his pickup to make a provisions, supply run the other day so we stayed here at $24.00 per night to continue to repair, organize and re-fit. We have got a "TON" of chores done, but the list keeps getting longer,

..... Tomorrow morning we head north on 27 to Minnesota (maybe MN 14) on State and County Roads about 30 miles North of Interstate 90, then left turn West to Madison South Dakota. So far the Maiden Voyage has gone well.
Take Care All, I So Hope To Cross Roads With You All!.

"Haze Grey, And Underway Domani"...