Community Forums

ajaysarin · 10-18-2021, 06:10 AM

I am currently on the fence with my generator. Seems my newly purchased rig has a bad generator, long story but shop is telling me I need to replace it. Well seems even if I want to just drop $10k plus for a new one it can't be found no one has one in stock within the 50 states of this great country. And all it really needs is to have the engine rebuilt, well most shops won't rebuild they just want to replace, and I do understand their theory behind that logic but leaves me in a bad spot. There has to be someone out there who knows of a shop that will do a rebuild on my Kubota 3 cylinder engine Onan uses. Any help would be helpful. I am in southern California and I am willing to travel to get this done, but must be done right of course that's another thing finding someone to get the the job done right. Did I mention it only has 325hr on it. Last owner had a mobile guy come out to get it running using starting fluid, which totally destroyed the engine.

Twomed · 10-18-2021, 07:10 AM

https://www.kumarbrosusa.com/kubota/...kit-parts.html

Great parts site! This will give you an idea on parts cost. If you can figure out your Kubota series engine you will save $$. ONLY onan sells the parts gold plated.

Any Kubota tractor dealer with a good back shop can rebuild it for you. I would remove ithe genset from the coach and take it in to them. Pickup or rental trailer, easy to pull with a rental cherry picker engine hoist. Just me

MSHappyCampers · 10-18-2021, 03:42 PM

I would contact Onan for the name of the nearest factory-authorized repair facility. Let them diagnose the problem before you spend big bucks for a new one!

Dutch Star Don · 10-18-2021, 05:08 PM

Did you try this place, it's near you.....

https://www.advancedgeneratorservice.com/contact

There is also a Cummins/Onan shop in Ventura, called Cummins Cal Pacific........805) 644-7281. I've used them for some minor repairs and recalls.

IND2SLC · 10-18-2021, 05:09 PM

This is a diesel generator. The mobile mechanic should have known not to use starting fluid in diesels. Diesel engines don't operate like gas engines, for which starting fluid/ether is intended. Talk to an attorney.

FWIW, eBay is littered with an assortment of Onan generators. You should also try Visone RV in Kentucky, a large RV salvage operation. They presently have an Onan 7.5 generator for sale.

grldst · 10-18-2021, 06:48 PM

Over the years I have used starting fluid (ether) on numerous different Diesel engines However one has to know what you’re doing. Any engine that automatically pre heats is a definite no-no to use starting fluid. Using too much starting fluid will/can score the pistons. When I was a young punk I did this to a 15 liter Cummins diesel trying to start it on a cold cold day. Scored two pistons. Expensive lesson learned.

Now back to your problem. The QD7500 automatically pre heats. So, do you know the extent of the damage that was done to the engine? If it’s just scored pistons that can be easily repaired. If your damage is more significant, it may be beyond repair.