Community Forums

mfire1339 · 07-12-2021, 09:07 AM

Look up "Flight systems" for onan control board. No more mystery codes.

Mike

SLOweather · 07-12-2021, 10:43 AM

If the Troy Built has a gravity fuel feed, and you add a fuel pump, you may overpressure the carb float needle valve and at the very least flood the engine. At the worst, you might have a fuel spill and fire hazard. At least add a pressure regulator to it.

twinboat · 07-12-2021, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ4

Actually .... this TB is rated at 5500 CONTINUOUS and 8350 Startup.
The 120/240 receptacle is rated as 30 amps.
The cautious advice on the flex-hose is a point well taken.

AGAIN ... I am not totally certain that I will end up doing this .
I bought the TB but I may just mount it on the rear , for safety reasons in ALL aspects.

Thanks for the input ..... MJ

The receptcal can be rated for 20, 30 or 50 amps, what's the generator output rated ?

5500 watts is 45 amps at 240 volts. Spit it between 2 legs and you have 22.5 amps.

Alpine36 · 07-12-2021, 11:04 AM

Use the Troy Built as an outside generator as designed. Plug it in to your coach via a 30a cord intil you have the onboard Onan repaired.
Portable generators are not designed for permanant enclosure use. Period.

Talloaks · 07-12-2021, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpine36

Portable generators are not designed for permanant enclosure use. Period.

This. You need to be aware that your plan is a violation of the NFPA National Electrical Code for RV generators. That doesn't mean you can't do it; it's your RV. But it does mean you are taking on a significant risk that you may not fully understand.

And when you come to sell your rig, you should make the next owner aware that you have modified it in a way that is outside of code requirements, which will make your rig less desirable in the eyes of many potential buyers.

Like other posters here, I would recommend you invest in maintaining the unit you already have.

GypsyR · 07-12-2021, 05:43 PM

If you haven't looked at "Flight Systems" they not only sell good alternative parts they also have more useful troubleshooting documentation than even the factory. That's what helped me figure out my Onan and buying their part that I finally figured out I needed saved me some money over buying from Onan. Some of their parts they say are actually improved over the factory versions and I've not seen a word to the contrary anywhere.

MJ4 · 07-13-2021, 04:52 AM

I really do thank ALL of you that offered cautions toward my initial idea on this subject. ( Yes , even the ones SPIKED with slight insults ! )

I have decided based on these opinions and facts, that my initial idea is unwise and I will now mount the Troy-Bilt on the back of my unit, and address the ONAN at some other point , down the road.

While I am still unhappy with the lack of support from ONAN , I must admit that they are no worse than most other large companies.
( including Troy-Bilt/B&S , which politely tells you to " GET LOST & GO AWAY " ! )

I guess I am guilty of an adage I have used many times , which is " Just because you CAN accomplish something , does not mean you SHOULD do it " !

SAFETY is the primary reason why I have arrived at this decision , and again , I thank all who offered wisdom to my not so good idea.

MJ

Shutterbug57 · 07-13-2021, 05:21 AM

So, in 10 years you have used the generator 15 or fewer hours. You are not exercising the generators which is part of keeping them healthy. Get the Onan fixed then run it with a load for 2 hours per month.

chunker · 07-13-2021, 07:29 AM

OP has acknowledged the logistical issues of fuel, cooling, etc. but not yet the noise. Maybe he's deaf but everyone in the county will know when he starts it and he'll make lots of enemies real quick. I have a contractor type generator I use as emergency power for longer term outages at home. Hurricane season!!. I don't even want to be near it when it's running and I live on 10 acres in the country and am just half deaf from 45 years aviation. Bad idea from the get-go.

TXiceman · 07-13-2021, 10:04 AM

I was not aware that Troy Bilt had an RV generator suitable for operating in an enclosure.

Ken

Don1951 · 07-18-2021, 02:53 PM

Cummins Service Centers will gladly repair or replace you Onan Generator. The mechanics here were great and know their stuff.

smrick · 07-18-2021, 03:04 PM

They are very good. I have dealt with them before and answered any questions and repaired my board very reasonably.

smrick · 07-18-2021, 03:10 PM

Get you wallet out because you will pay a lot to get it done.

Markkuz · 07-18-2021, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ4

Actually .... this TB is rated at 5500 CONTINUOUS and 8350 Startup.
The 120/240 receptacle is rated as 30 amps.
The cautious advice on the flex-hose is a point well taken.

AGAIN ... I am not totally certain that I will end up doing this .
I bought the TB but I may just mount it on the rear , for safety reasons in ALL aspects.

Thanks for the input ..... MJ

I had the same problem on my 2001 onan genset and took my unit out of the coach and brought it to an independent onan shop. The Flight Systems controller fixed the problem, BUT...

the shop pointed out to me that the main crankshaft seal was failing. I had noticed a hint of oil and was told due to the age of the unit plan on spending half the cost of a new genny on parts and labor when it blows (new belt, new seals and lots of labor hours) and still having a thousand hour unit. Well, the seal did blow and while the engine would come up to speed, but the genny would not with a slipping belt. The controller would shut down the unit with the under-frequency genny output.

The old unit is now for sale on craigs list, and the new unit runs like a charm. It also came with a lifetime seal and belt warranty for the original owner.

Best of luck with your TB genny.