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offthewall · 01-07-2011, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offthewall

I've got a brand new Itasca Meridian V Class 34Y with a 6,000-watt Cummins Onan® Quiet Diesel™ generator. When the generator starts a huge cloud of white smoke comes out of the tail pipe. After that first plume, there is no further smoke.

The generator runs fine. Is this normal? Oil overfill? Something to be concerned about?

Thanks.

I called Onan. The white smoke I'm seeing at startup is normal in cold weather. They had me start the genset, let it warm up, then shut down and restart after 10 min while hot. No smoke while warm, so all is good.

J Walker · 01-08-2011, 07:19 AM

After you talk with Onan, you might want to do an oil analysis. Blackstone Labs is a good place for this. Coolant in the oil is the big fear. As a matter of fact an analysis of your big engine would be good to be sure nothing is wrong with it either.

offthewall · 01-08-2011, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Walker

After you talk with Onan, you might want to do an oil analysis. Blackstone Labs is a good place for this. Coolant in the oil is the big fear. As a matter of fact an analysis of your big engine would be good to be sure nothing is wrong with it either.

It is a brand new RV, fresh from the factory. I think that would fall under the anal compulsive catagory

TQ60 · 01-08-2011, 08:19 PM

Smoke on startup of a diesel is NORMAL, and Onan has confirmed as much, but BY PHONE.

Yes, it is new, and it SHOULD be fine, but you ned to insure it is good just as a piece of mind.

So get a note pad and start taking notes of everything in your MH.

Do NOT worry at this time, simply make note of anything that you are not sure of.

When it is time for the first maintenance then take the MH back to the dealer and have them do the service, and while it is there make a service order to "warranty inspect" all of the items on your list.

Make sure they are EACH LISTED on the work order.

Now you have a valid paper trail that indicated you wanted them checked while under warranty.

If something blows up later then you have some recourse as you have documented a problem and the dealer inspected it.

Now relax and enjoy!

J Walker · 01-11-2011, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offthewall

It is a brand new RV, fresh from the factory. I think that would fall under the anal compulsive catagory

I recommended that you call Onan first and get their advice. If you still have concerns get an oil analysis. You called them and now you don't have concerns so you don't appreciate advice. Be careful about labeling other people anal compulsive! Actually, I call Tech Support first instead of posting.

offthewall · 01-11-2011, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Walker

I recommended that you call Onan first and get their advice. If you still have concerns get an oil analysis. You called them and now you don't have concerns so you don't appreciate advice. Be careful about labeling other people anal compulsive! Actually, I call Tech Support first instead of posting.

I posted, I called, I'm no longer concerned. I still think that the thought of getting an oil analysis on a brand new generator and engine after the manufacturer has confirmed that it's operating normally for the conditions is a bit anal compulsive. I never called anyone anal compulsive. The act is anal compulsive, if performed, IHMO.

Thanks for the advice.