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Old 01-21-2025, 11:58 AM   #1
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Just finished first round of repairs to Onan 4000w generator and replaced a few scorched wires in power control panel. Next: have Ford V10engine (abt 100k mi.) looked at for excessive oil consumption (no leaks or blue smoke). Good tread on 6 2017 TOYO tires with moderate sidewall cracking on half of them.

Reading the Moellers' book on RV electrical. Learning a lot of new stuff.

Best day ever!
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Old 01-22-2025, 09:22 AM   #2
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Welcome newbie! Glad you have joined us.

That looks like 8 years on those tires. If they were mine I'd replace them right away. I consider 8 years the extreme limit when carefully maintained. Replacing them alongside of the road will cost more than having it done at a tire dealer now. The sidewall cracks are also a warning.

Scorched wires on some Onans are not unusual. Keep an eye on the other wires but you should be fine.
Those ford V 10's are hardy beasts. They normally go 250k. How much excessive oil use are we talking about? Any drips or oil on the bottom of the drive train? Get someone to follow you while under hard acceleration and look for smoke. If none visible you are probably fine. If you are not sure have the plugs pulled and look for oil fouling on one or more. They must be replaced according to factory torque specs. You can also do a compression test while they are out. I suspect you are fine.
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Old 01-24-2025, 02:35 PM   #3
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Newbie II:

Not sure my reply was sent so here's re-reply.

Not sure how excessive leak. Partially filled 2x and oil light came on(2x) as well as low dipstick reading. No smoke or leaks that I can see. Will do a more thorough test to gauge consumption tomorrow. Mechanic recommends oil additive like Blue Devil.

Holding breath until more is revealed and VERY grateful for your time and input.
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Old 01-25-2025, 06:41 AM   #4
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Have you looked at your coolant? Milky rather than clear? I used to use about a quart every few months. More than that then do the compression test.
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Old 01-26-2025, 05:52 AM   #5
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Welcome newbie! Glad you have joined us.

That looks like 8 years on those tires. If they were mine I'd replace them right away. I consider 8 years the extreme limit when carefully maintained. Replacing them alongside of the road will cost more than having it done at a tire dealer now. The sidewall cracks are also a warning.

Scorched wires on some Onans are not unusual. Keep an eye on the other wires but you should be fine.
Those ford V 10's are hardy beasts. They normally go 250k. How much excessive oil use are we talking about? Any drips or oil on the bottom of the drive train? Get someone to follow you while under hard acceleration and look for smoke. If none visible you are probably fine. If you are not sure have the plugs pulled and look for oil fouling on one or more. They must be replaced according to factory torque specs. You can also do a compression test while they are out. I suspect you are fine.
Hello! If I haven't already thanked you for your response, let me do it now. After a 30 minute drive with a 'chase car' following we discovered no smoke at highway speeds and under load. Filling up with oil and checking levels before and after showed no sign of excessive oil use. I will continue to monitor. I did discover that the oil warning light and pressure gauge came right up after tapping instrument panel! Mechanic was confident in engine and suggested stop leak oil additive if oil consumption continues to be an issue.

Also discovered that door lock and interior console were vandalized and a small box of tools removed. Notwithstanding the security breach, I'm much relieved.
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Old 01-26-2025, 06:01 AM   #6
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Coolant in reservoir looks clear and may need a quart to get back between full and low level. I spent some time under wheel well unsuccessfully looking for pressure sensor which I read could be part of an oil issue. (I am a real newbie alright)
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Old 01-26-2025, 06:41 AM   #7
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Coolant in reservoir looks clear and may need a quart to get back between full and low level. I spent some time under wheel well unsuccessfully looking for pressure sensor which I read could be part of an oil issue. (I am a real newbie alright)

Not unusual for coolant to be down a bit. Just top off the expansion tank BUT watch out. Our ford 10 cyl had an expansion tank that was under pressure and should never be opened when the engine was hot. It sounds like you may be within normal for fluid use. As long as the occasional top up on coolant and a quart of oil every 2-3 months you are fine. I would be nervous about stop leaks of any kind. They can be a life saver but are really only used as a last resort to get a failing engine a little more life. They are usually fine but can clog the oil passages and damage an engine.

You are doing well newbie. You have the spirit of adventure in you. If that sensor is bad do a search on replacing it. Look it up on a parts store site to see what it looks like. Safe travels.
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Old 01-27-2025, 06:48 AM   #8
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A million thanks! 🙏
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