Community Forums

RJEV · 02-10-2018, 03:26 PM

We have a 2014 Allegro RED 33AA with an 8.0 kw Onan generator. The generator has approximately 250 hours on it. In late November we had all services done, including generator oil and filters, and have stored the MH for the winter. Once a month, we exercise the generator under load for 2 hours. I always check the generator oil and antifreeze before starting the generator. Yesterday, after running the generator for 2 hours and shutting it down, I decided to check the oil level. Much to my surprise the dipstick hardly registered any oil at all. I checked numerous times but there was only a very small amount of oil on the end of the yellow plastic oil level indicator. I checked after the generator was serviced to verify that it was at the correct level and always before exercising it. The oil has always been clean and in the correct level range. Today I checked again after the generator had set overnight and the level was near the top of the yellow oil level indicator and was clean. If I added any to it now it would probably be overfilled. Here is my concern. Immediately after shutting down the generator shouldn't I have seen more oil on the dipstick? I've put paper under the generator and have crawled under with a flashlight and see no indication of a leak.
Do we have a problem?

Many thanks for comments and suggestions,
Robert

Maik · 02-10-2018, 03:45 PM

RJEV- What you are experiencing is normal. The oil in the oil pan is in the engine components while it is running. When you stop the engine the oil is still in the galleries and on top of the head doing its job lubricating. It takes a while for all the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
The same goes for any motor that has an oil pan. It is good that you check it every time that you start it, but many coaches, it is not that accessible.

Loggenrock · 02-10-2018, 06:05 PM

Hi - as the other posted stated. Oil reservoirs need to be checked "cold". So checking your genny before running it is the right way to do it. Since the oil level was fine the next morning, it shows everything is good. No different than checking oil in your car - do it before you run it. ST

RJEV · 02-11-2018, 12:07 PM

Thanks. Thought it was probably okay but expected for pan to fill quicker.
Robert

NRR · 02-11-2018, 05:32 PM

Thanks again, I noticed the same thing on my generator.

Rbhein · 02-20-2018, 01:26 PM

When checking my genset oil after it has set overnight. I pull the dipstick wipe it off and reinsert to take the reading. It always shows a higher level the first time I pull it than it does the second. I'm just guessing, but think the tight fitting dipstick cap creates a small amount of vacuum as the air inside the generator cools, thus pulling the oil up into the dipstick tube. On mine the difference can be as much as an inch.

OLYLEN · 02-21-2018, 08:18 AM

You will find the same condition checking the fluid level on the transmission. When you use the preferred method you need to wait for fluid to return to the pan. Preferred method is to press the up and down shift arrows at the same time while in neutral.

LEN

LarryinID · 03-01-2018, 11:38 AM

Check your manual. Some require dip stick screwed in, others not. The difference can cover the full range.

LarryinID · 03-01-2018, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loggenrock

Hi - as the other posted stated. Oil reservoirs need to be checked "cold". So checking your genny before running it is the right way to do it. Since the oil level was fine the next morning, it shows everything is good. No different than checking oil in your car - do it before you run it. ST

RTFM. My Jeep manual says checking cold gives incorrect reading. It says to check hot five minutes after turning off.

My harley has both hot and cold indicators, and instructions on whether to screw it in when checking (I forget which it likes).

LarryinID · 03-01-2018, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLYLEN

You will find the same condition checking the fluid level on the transmission. When you use the preferred method you need to wait for fluid to return to the pan. Preferred method is to press the up and down shift arrows at the same time while in neutral.

LEN

Sorry but most autos require the engine running in Park when checking auto transmission fluid.

My Jeep toad has a manual transmission but the owners manual says the auto transmission fill tube is capped and no dipstick is provided.

Again, RTFM! (Read The Fine Manual)