WanderingMay Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 We don't know where to post this question so hopefully under this topic is okay. We have an Onan Generator which has stopped working while we are on the road. We only need it for the microwave so we were going to wait to have it repaired when we returned home in April. We realized though that the generator needs to be run once per month or we could have permanent damage. We are in Galveston, TX heading towards Austin, through the Hill Country and then into New Mexico. Does anyone know of a reputable repair service that can fix our generator anywhere along this route. This is the first repair we have had on the road. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated! Leanne & James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosita Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Go to the Cummins Onan website and look up "authorized" repair centers and/or RV repair shops located on your route? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mptjelgin Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 We realized though that the generator needs to be run once per month or we could have permanent damage. Leanne & James While it is a good idea to exercise a generator once a month, there is no reason that you cannot wait until you get home in April to have it serviced. Other than the fuel getting a little older there are no processes that will cause permanent damage in that short time. Mark & Teri 2021 Grand Designs Imagine 2500RL, 2019 Ford F-350 Mark & Teri's Travels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yarome Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 We realized though that the generator needs to be run once per month or we could have permanent damage. there is no reason that you cannot wait until you get home in April to have it serviced. X2. On the other hand... if you would explain what's going on with it, someone might have a simple solution to get it running so you can enjoy your nuke'r. [Edited for brain fart. ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Welcome to the Escapee forums. While Onan does recommend that they be run under load at least monthly, I'd agree that it isn't likely to cause additional problems if you wait. I'd be more concerned if you were planning to stay at the coast where moisture and salt air problems are more common, but you seem to be moving into areas of less humidity and cleaner air. If in doubt, them choose one of the authorized Cummins/Onan shops or perhaps someone here will suggest a favorite service shop. I would make sure the tank is full then add a quality stabilizer Since your generator will not run there is really no reason to add fuel stabilizer as it will all go through the chassis engine. If it starts and runs but don't supply power, only then would there be any benefit to the generator from adding any sort of fuel treatment. Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nana25k Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 X2. I would make sure the tank is full then add a quality stabilizer from a truck stop along your route then don't give it another thought until you get home. On the other hand... if you would explain what's going on with it, someone might have a simple solution to get it running so you can enjoy your nuke'r. [/quote Of course if its a diesel there's no tank to fill. Have you checked for codes?? Could you post the size and if its diesel, gas or propane Ron & LindaClass of 20072000 Monaco Diplomat 2005 Honda Element"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are" Theodore Roosevelt"We can't control the wind, but we can adjust our sail""When man gave up his freedom to roam the earth, he gave up his soul for a conditioned ego that is bound by time and the fear of losing its attachments." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 Could you post the size and if its diesel, gas or propane Since they are in a Coachman Freelander, that is a gas coach, probably Ford but could be GM but all of them are gas chassis and it is a pretty safe bet that the Onan runs from the main fuel tank. Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 You will not be harming your generator by not running it until April. Full-timed for 16 YearsTraveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WanderingMay Posted February 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 Thankyou for the replies. If anyone can be of further assistance, here is more information: The generator starts, but immediately shuts down. The generator displays service code 12 which means "overcharging". Our gas generator only has 90 hours on it. We have never had any problems with it before. My husband is concerned because the manual states that "varnishing" can happen within a month if the generator isn't run. Thankyou again for your replies. Leanne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 Since it does start, you could use the fuel stabilizer on a tank of fuel and cycle it several times to help prevent varnish in the carburetor but you will need to do it several times and it will help, not prevent it.. I would do nothing if you aren't having it repaired as the shop can clean the carb if needed and cranking it without starting is not a good thing. Your error code sounds like an issue of the voltage control system, but that is only a guess. Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scouserl41 Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 If it won't keep running then it won't draw gas from the tank for long enough to get the stabilizer into the geny float bowl. A couple of months won't make that much difference but I'd suggest finding a local Onan dealer. If you're near a Marina they could probably help, Onan's are used on boats too. BnB 2009 Monaco Cayman DP 38' bnbrv.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarvan Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 Did you try to run it with the breakers on the generator off? Previously a 2017 Forest River, Berkshire 38A, "The Dragonship". https://dragonship.blog/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris-n-Dennis Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 Probably has the invertor bypassed and its going directly to battery charge. Check your controls and ensure it says intertor ON. Berkshire XL 40QL Camphosting and touring Our blog: cndtravels.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeltoneMagoo Posted February 5, 2016 Report Share Posted February 5, 2016 Cummins Southern Plains Power is the official ONAN dealers and parts and repair places. They have locations in Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Odessa. Had ours worked on some time back in the Houston location and am very happy with the service.They have a lot of contact info on the web. Good luck, good health and safe travels! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.