Like most motorhome owners, we have a generator in our rig to supply electric power when we are not plugged into a campground’s power outlet. And like many RVers who own generators, we had been abusing our Onan auxiliary power plant for a long time. Not by using the generator too much, but by not using it hard enough!
Yes, we used our generator. Once in a while when we were dry camping we would start it up and let it run an hour or two to charge our batteries, or in the morning for a few minutes to make coffee or run the microwave oven. But that was about it. We thought we were using our generator properly, but in actuality, we were abusing it!
Over time carbon began to build up on the pistons, and the generator began to knock when it was running, and the knocking began to grow louder every time we had the generator on.
A few years ago we spent some extended time dry camping and living off our generator and solar panels. An experienced dry camper listened to the sounds our generator was making and told me that just like an automobile that is always operated at low speeds in stop and go traffic, and needs to be taken out onto the highway and have the carbon blown out of it, our generator needed a good hard workout.
We fired up the genset and began applying loads to it. The rooftop air conditioner, then the microwave oven, we even plugged in a big electric frying pan! The old generator began to cough and wheeze, and I shot some Marvel Mystery Oil into the carburetor a few times. Smoke belched out of the generator’s exhaust pipe, and it would lug down to the stalling point, then come back to full power. We did this over and over for an hour or more, and then began to back off on the loads.
I was surprised at the difference it made! The generator quieted down considerably and runs much smoother. Just like an old Ford, it needed the carbon blown out to be able to perform at its best.
So now we use our generator. Really use it. We’re not shy about traveling down the road with our rooftop air conditioner running at full power on hot summer days. When we are plugged into campground power for any length of time, we will disconnect the shore power and fire up the generator at least once a month and give it a hard workout under load for an hour or so. Like all of us, our generators need some strenuous exercise once in a while to stay healthy.
Nick Russell
Pingback: Wordpress Update
Pingback: one click mobile web app
Pingback: iphone four cases
Pingback: Joe Khorasani
Pingback: cheapest tickets
Pingback: Fix Hail Damage
Pingback: lionel model trains
Pingback: Model Railroad Tracks
Pingback: inspirational positive thoughts
Pingback: amazon keyword tool
Pingback: Storm Damage Repairs
Pingback: Nike Free Run
Pingback: 2012 NFL Odds
Pingback: website internet marketing
Pingback: condos for sale in Redondo beach
Pingback: liposlim free trial
Pingback: spammy online marketing
Pingback: Juegos divertidos gratis
Pingback: how good is tramontina cookware
Pingback: enterprise investment scheme
Pingback: car loan
Pingback: making easy money
Pingback: Credit Blog
Pingback: the tao of badass
Pingback: jansport superbreak out
Pingback: jansport backpacks
Pingback: California Job Listings
Pingback: rectangular sleeping bags
Pingback: fantastic website
Pingback: serotonin
Pingback: iPhone
Pingback: apple iPhone 5
Pingback: Best BCAA Supplement for Workout
Pingback: water damage restoration
Pingback: kansas city party bus
Pingback: medical insurance
Pingback: Malinda Stelle
Pingback: prezentacjefirm.pl
Pingback: biznestop.com.pl
Pingback: biznesmaster.pl
Pingback: LeBron James
Pingback: NFL Training Camp
Pingback: biznesstrefa.com.pl
Pingback: find here
Pingback: biznesart.com.pl
Pingback: natrum muriaticum
Pingback: setting up your own online business
Pingback: http://easy-go.mn/wiki/index.php?title=Home_Insurance_Coverage3518895
Pingback: University Russia
Pingback: sciatic nerve pain
Pingback: local seo
Pingback: cjc-1295
Pingback: phlebotomy training classes
Pingback: gamo whisper
Pingback: Publishing Services
Pingback: seo
Pingback: hotels in llandudno
Pingback: Discover More
Pingback: Marina Del Rey smoke glass
Pingback: Jasa SEO
Pingback: Homes for sale in Mandeville Canyon
Pingback: preschool lesson plans
Pingback: Visit our site
Pingback: video email
Pingback: bubbleshooter
Pingback: Sales Account Executive Template
Pingback: Survey Civil Engineer Template
Pingback: Sample Post Office Clerk
Pingback: Erotic
Pingback: google reputation management
Pingback: personal trainer
Pingback: weight management tips
Pingback: SAT Prep Courses
Pingback: Hier bekommen Sie mehr Informationen
Pingback: Lester Jensen
Pingback: Emmett Potter
Pingback: wiki backlinks
Pingback: visist bloggen
Pingback: Eddie Herrera
Pingback: Is Zeek Rewards A Scam?
Pingback: Unlock Swisscom iPhone 4
Pingback: Roland Greene
Pingback: best LAN games
Pingback: fantech air filters
Pingback: Arkansas accident attorney
Pingback: leaking basement
Pingback: bondage
Pingback: Jeff
Pingback: best hardwood floors
Pingback: Bank Manager Resume Template
Pingback: Mortgage Consultant Resume Template
Pingback: Paralegal Resume Example
Pingback: Do It Yourself Photobook
Pingback: visit website
Pingback: http://wiki.servision.net/wiki/index.php?title=Home_Insurance_Coverage5746633
Pingback: http://www.mysiteu.com/2009/10/test-post.html
Pingback: bistro bordeaux wine menu
Pingback: Kara Patrick
Pingback: video
Pingback: Ella Baldwin
Pingback: Marcos Cohen
Pingback: davenport, ia churches
Pingback: Thyroid Problems Symptoms
Pingback: twitter avatars
Pingback: prescription sunglasses
Pingback: managed vps
Pingback: krill oil wiki
Pingback: logo quiz answers
Pingback: Blackberry avatars
Pingback: secured loans
Pingback: unlock bell iphone 4
Pingback: http://vitagate.itn.liu.se/GAV/booklets/wiki/index.php?title=Home_Insurance_Coverage1065248
Pingback: ways to unlock iphone 4
Pingback: sms kredit
Pingback: smslan
Pingback: smspengar
Pingback: sms lan utan kreditupplysning
Pingback: unlock iphone 4 sim
Pingback: doors
Pingback: ???????? ????
Pingback: lana utan inkomst
Pingback: mikrolan
Pingback: ??? ????
Pingback: moda
Pingback: handel
Pingback: Angel Henry
Pingback: Free membership site pay money
Pingback: lan 4000
Pingback: Precise Moment Photography
Pingback: Pattaya News
Pingback: CAR NEWS
Pingback: mississauga limousine rental
Pingback: webcam modeling job
Pingback: become webcam model
Pingback: muscle building diet
Pingback: african american books
Pingback: How to create an iphone app
Pingback: elegant bedroom
Pingback: luxury homes in the doheny estates
Pingback: costume hats
Pingback: Youth1
Pingback: luxury homes in bel air
Pingback: homes for sale in bel air
Pingback: luxury homes in los feliz
Pingback: dead sea minerals
Pingback: sketch animation
Pingback: agence evenementielle paris
Pingback: michael fiore and his text the romance back
Pingback: plaingreenloans
Pingback: armband
Pingback: go at this site
Pingback: terry-brival
Pingback: learn even more
Pingback: how to get rid of ants
Pingback: new home purchase
Pingback: buy etf
Pingback: proiecte de case
Pingback: small business tips
Pingback: komputery
Pingback: buildings insurance
Pingback: buy zynga poker chips
Pingback: click here
Pingback: norsk spilleautomat
Pingback: natural fertility supplements for women
Pingback: Minecraft Hunger Games Server
Pingback: Catering Equipment
Pingback: cash loans
Pingback: Catering Equipment
Pingback: Urban Fashion
Pingback: homes for sale in sunset plaza
Pingback: Xen VPS
Pingback: aluminium doors
Pingback: singles holidays reviews
Pingback: shop insurance
Pingback: scholarships for continuing education students
Pingback: http://www.sspecter.mhx6.com/wiki/index.php?title=The_Benefits_of_Having_Buffalo_Home_Insurance4412451
Pingback: more info
Pingback: boston restaurants
Pingback: http://chinweb.dado.fi/wiki/index.php?title=Cheap_Home_Insurance_Policy_-_How_You_can_Start_Saving_On_Home_Insurance!2774708
Pingback: occasional tables
Pingback: Cat pet sitting
Pingback: http://wiki-tice.univ-provence.fr/mediawiki/index.php?title=A_Guide_to_Business_Insurance_Quotes6953981
Pingback: visit this site
Pingback: find my family
Pingback: secure guard
Pingback: http://nms.gdd.net/index.php?title=Cheap_Home_Insurance_Policy_-_How_You_can_Start_Saving_On_Home_Insurance!5698155
Pingback: hotels in sozopol
Pingback: los angeles diamond bridal rings
Pingback: long distance moving company
Pingback: Click Here
Pingback: mirage flooring
Pingback: online broker details
Pingback: studio city homes for sale
Pingback: China Direct
Pingback: homes for sale in Beverly hills
Pingback: luxury homes for sale
Pingback: Hollywood hills homes
Pingback: precle
Pingback: dubturbo
Pingback: museums
Pingback: the truth about abs
Pingback: Kitchen Design
Pingback: Office Furniture
Pingback: Spa treatments
Pingback: Villa Ile Maurice
Pingback: Xbox Samsung Drive
Pingback: American Pickers
Pingback: Baklava
Pingback: buying a home
Pingback: check this out
Pingback: gadzety reklamowe
Pingback: Online Sports Betting
Pingback: dlugopisy reklamowe
Pingback: holidays in calpe
Pingback: location
Pingback: Flipbook Maker for Mac
Pingback: Concierge
Pingback: amber teething necklace
Pingback: Ira Riklis
Pingback: cheapest headphones
Pingback: Empower Network Compensation plan
Pingback: electronic cigarette starter kits
Pingback: audio technica
Pingback: private detective in singapore
Pingback: straight from the source
Pingback: a replacement
Pingback: Law Firm
Pingback: XBox Slim Power Brick
Pingback: sports for everyday
Pingback: such a good point
Pingback: pakaian dalam wanita
Pingback: here
Pingback: British Citizenship for americans
Pingback: Going Here
Pingback: Discover More Here
Pingback: Mauritius Villa Rental
Pingback: have a peek here
Pingback: you could try here
Pingback: custom challenge coins
Pingback: nikolaev ladies
Pingback: http://wikitourist.org/index.php?title=Policies_Available_For_Condo_Insurance7961319
Pingback: learn more
Pingback: click here
Pingback: tree removal
Pingback: avis remunere
Pingback: click here
Pingback: cell phone
Pingback: cortinas niteroi
Pingback: Garage Conversion Remodel
Pingback: lida hapi ankara
Pingback: back pain relief
Pingback: Plastic surgery Huntsville al
Pingback: project payday
Pingback: http://es.socialsciencedictionary.org/index.php?title=Cheap_Home_Insurance_Policy_-_How_You_can_Start_Saving_On_Home_Insurance!6692752
Pingback: http://nlp-wiki.org/w/index.php?title=Cheap_Home_Insurance_Policy_-_How_You_can_Start_Saving_On_Home_Insurance!344302
Pingback: thailand lotery
Pingback: Location Ile Maurice Particulier
Pingback: raleigh glass repair
Pingback: dog bandanas
Pingback: triactol before and after
Pingback: http://wiki2.agekuda.net/index.php?title=A_Guide_to_Business_Insurance_Quotes8698853
Pingback: Internet marketing barnsley
Pingback: Location Villa Ile Maurice avec piscine
Pingback: trading binary
Pingback: Zalando Gutschein
Pingback: Players
Pingback: home insurance
Pingback: dj mixing and mastering
Pingback: article source
Pingback: how to start a wood working business
Pingback: flip cars for money
Pingback: trackback backlinks
Aretha
The next morning hes lost his newfound mental abilities on that the other hand he does have enough of the novel to hand in to his publisher along with
a fantastically clean apartment, being that a side
effect of the drug is OCD, apparently.
Pingback: put me on herez
Pingback: best acne treatment
Pingback: orthodontist job description
Pingback: Best internet security 2012
Pingback: Homemade Spider Repellent
Pingback: seo
Pingback: austin laptop repair
Pingback: Excel Tutorials
Pingback: more pets
Pingback: read more
Pingback: weight loss
Pingback: bad credit loans
Pingback: home made energy
Pingback: Peppermill
Pingback: westchester graphic designs
Pingback: spinning bike reviews
Pingback: frases para conquistar
Pingback: Internet Marketing Online
Pingback: Dog spa products
Pingback: E Cigs
Pingback: seo company
Pingback: www.jurisdiction.ru
Pingback: creatina efeitos colaterais
Pingback: tanie domki nad morzem
Pingback: Tantric Massage Singapore
Pingback: investigative services
Pingback: Fencing Derby
Pingback: medical alert bracelets
Pingback: E Cigarettes
Pingback: TV Noop review
Pingback: lure attractants
Pingback: coffee maker
Pingback: social media marketing agency denver
Pingback: Album
Pingback: Tim Sullivan
Pingback: music mastering
Pingback: removals coventry
Pingback: satellite direct
Pingback: make up artist
Pingback: letmewatchthis
Pingback: fuel drain edinburgh
Pingback: satellite direct review
Pingback: E Cig
Pingback: obrazki
Pingback: seo perth
Pingback: find a property
Pingback: push me
Pingback: dumpster rental jackson ms
Pingback: dumpster rental hawthorne ca
Pingback: brake repair austin texas
Pingback: safe list
tips for fast weight loss
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don’t know
who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
Pingback: Webmaster Tools
Pingback: salvage truck online
Pingback: how many driving lessons do i need
Pingback: wrongful death lawyer in West palm Beach, fl
Pingback: family care foundation grants
Pingback: promotional products
Pingback: junk removal vienna va
Pingback: hot tub removal burke va
Pingback: Delta Drill Press
Pingback: Cleaning Companies San Diego
Pingback: Demirjian Aileen
Pingback: the flex belt
Pingback: regcure review
Pingback: Hail Damage Repair Cost
Pingback: Ca acheve mon Homme
Pingback: Tax Lien Certificates Risk
Pingback: Photography
Pingback: search engine optimization
Pingback: how to get a hard on
Pingback: dit is echt wow
Pingback: jadi gila
Pingback: pvc cladding
Pingback: plastic cladding
Pingback: best PPI claims calculator
Pingback: cheap car insurance quotes
Pingback: Business Documents
Pingback: website
Pingback: mdansby
Pingback: Click Here
Pingback: car storage
Pingback: Jessika Corigliano
Pingback: 24option review
Pingback: http://eatstopeatd.com
Pingback: online free car racing games
Pingback: Discover More
Pingback: visit this website
Pingback: mini displayport to hdmi
Pingback: click here
Pingback: fx
Pingback: bajar de peso rapido
Pingback: bajar de peso en me estomago
Pingback: copier leasing austin tx
Pingback: used copier for sale
Pingback: motivated to lose weight
Pingback: Fastest way to lose love handles
Pingback: How to burn abdominal fat
Pingback: lottery numbers
Pingback: ItsThaCaptin.com
Pingback: how to sell beats
Pingback: Wine Glasses
Pingback: martinsburg gun dealer
Pingback: resume writing help
Pingback: youtube video downloader
Pingback: Pacnisz Navelas
Pingback: weather in custer sd
Pingback: limewire
Pingback: Vagas de emprego
Pingback: Hydroxatone Gentle Milk Cleanser
Pingback: dot
Pingback: PHR SPHR certification
Pingback: Anemometr
Pingback: Szukasz dziewczyn
Pingback: breast surgery doctor
Pingback: raleigh window replacement
Pingback: cheap multimedia projectors
Pingback: edu backlinks free
Pingback: Self Catering Accommodation Mauritius
Pingback: Make money fast
Pingback: visit the site
Pingback: Proactol Plus
Pingback: LA Homes
Pingback: projector screens
Pingback: austin auto insurance
Pingback: Gold Coast
Pingback: stone supply
Pingback: kitchen utensils
Pingback: Mauritius Villas
Pingback: get your truth about abs
Pingback: Accommodation in Mauritius
Pingback: quiet title
Pingback: Maison Ile Maurice
Pingback: best pre workout supplement
Pingback: do not approve me
Hastings Lamb
Does the same apply to diesel generators?
Nick Russell
MacEgel, you have had much better luck over the years than I have with gasoline engines. I have had motorcycles and cars that were in storage for the winter refuse to start several times because I did not use as fuel stabilizer. I’m not very technical, so maybe it’s the quality of gas? I don’t know. Any of you gearheads out there want to wade in on this?
MacEgel
Please allow me to echo everyone’s thanks for the excellent article, and the comments are most pertinent also. Yes, I am another victim of this generator foible.
But I must ask a stupid question, one which is apparently not addressed in any of this. WHY? Why must I travel to the storage yard where my motor home is kept every month winter and summer and run the generator? Why do the pistons have carbon build up problems? Why does the fuel system gum up when not in use?
In my 63 years I have owned many gasoline engines, from .049 model airplane engines up to a big V-10. I have owned cars from every decade from the 30’s on. I have owned 2 and 4 stroke lawn mowers, snow blowers, chain saws, etc. And not one of them has ever exhibited these problems. The lawn mower always starts right up after sitting all winter. Ditto for the snow blower after sitting all summer.
Nothing I have seen on this makes any attempt to explain this. What is going on here? I can understand that running the generator will warm up the windings and hence dispel moisture, but why is the gasoline engine so cantankerous? Is this just a bad design, or is something else operating here?
The only thing that I’m getting out of this discussion is that I had better NOT get my genset repaired, because I have no intention of becoming a slave to it to keep it in operation. As far as I am concerned, it is just a hunk of useless ballast. For the little use I have gotten out of it over the years, I would never own one again.
Lila
Too late. I bought my 2002 Roadtrek 190 in July 2008, my first RV ever, and no one told me to do generator maintenance (Yes, I read the manual but it was all pretty overwhelming for this 62-year-old woman). So, of course, now it won’t start, and a Cummins tech told me it would cost hundreds of dollars to get it going. I opted not to do it at this time. Is this a further mistake? I don’t expect to need the generator as long as I drive the RV, but will need to have it in good order when I sell my RV (in about 3-4 years). Can I wait to have it serviced?
Nathan
Generators need a load to keep them healthy. Dummy loading the genset is a pretty simple task and while there are commercial unit$, all one needs are some appliances that is not harmed by voltage and frequency swings.
If you have womenfolk in the house, then you probably have a passel of hair dryers. Each one is worth a kilowatt of load or more. Voltage/frequency swings don’t bother them too much, but they usually have a thermal shutdown after 20 minutes use. Still, that more than enough time to warm up the engine and keep the generator happy. Two or three will do the trick for the small genset, and 4 plus on the bigger ones.
Other candidate appliances are toaster, coffee makers, or big worklights. They all can do the job. Big worklights in the 500W-1,000W range are considered the traditional cheap dummy load.
Of course, if you are using you generator every month and exceeding its 50% rated load, then your genset should only require traditional maintenance.
Bob
Nick: Very good article and comments. I have two questions. First, my Onan runs on liquid propane, would I have carbon buildup on the pistons? I believe running with a heavy load is still good for the generator in either case.
Second question; you mention that you run the generator and roof AC while on the road on hot days. Our coach AC when charged can’t compete with the hot weather when driving thru Texas, New Mexico and Arizona on those 100 deg. days. Is it acceptable to run the generator and roof AC while driving on the road?
Thanks again.
Bob
Francis X. Schilling
If you buy “pre-owned” (like I did) there may not *be* an owner’s manual and if the unit is sufficiently “mature” your chances of obtaining same are slim and none. I, for one, really appreciate the article and the knowledge that comes with your invaluable experience. Might just save a noob like me from one (more) mistake! 😉 Thanks, Nick!
FX
George
Guys READ your Owners Manual it,s ALL in there.
George
Ron Butler
Nick,
Great article and very true. We got our first rv, a class A, in Oct. ’04. We attended the Rally in Redmond OR. the summer of ’05 and one of seminars I attended was the Onan presentation. He was very blunt – generators were made to work – under load – and we needed to that on a regular basis. We don’t “save” anything not using/working it! He said that most of the “problems” people had with their generators when they brought them in was from lack of use and very low hours on 3 year old and older generators. He also mentioned that Onan was starting to void warrenties on generators that hadn’t been used and had low hours!
I remember when I bought my sailboat with a diesel – Yanmar – engine. I talked to the local Yanmar/diesel shop and they said that sailors were too easy on their diesels. Make them work and they will last longer than just puttering out of the marina and shutting down to sail and then back to the dock. I did and it never missed a beat for the 20 years I had it!
Trying to take the same approach with the generator!
Thanks
Nick Russell
Rick,
A spark arrestor is basically part of the muffler/exhaust system designed to keep sparks from getting out and starting a fire. Here is a Wikipedia definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spark_arrestor
Nick
http://gypsyjournal.net/blog/
Rick
Nick ,
Thanks for the information. I believe I have a little over two hundred hrs. Guess I’ll change it this weekend.
Dan,
Thanks about the clean out of the exhaust system. Question what is the spark arrester?
Marion Peters
This really hit home for me. About 4 years ago, I started my Onan 7500 kw gen set only to have it rattle, bang and stop. After further investigation it was discovered by an Onan service center that the magnets had come off from none use. The local Onan shop was backed up with service calls so I had to take it to Sacramento and they dropped the unit from the front of my motorhome and 2 weeks later reinstalled it with the warning that the unit must be run and loaded up for at least 1/2 hr every month. which I now do faithfully. I have a “to do” list on my computer and together with my battery check, it’s done on a regular basis.
Thank goodness for my extended warranty which covered 95 % of the cost. That one repair actually covered the cost of the extended warranty.
Nick Russell
Rick,
Under nornal operating conditions, Onan techs have told me to change the oil at 100 hours. More frequrntly if you are in sandy places like the desert, or if the generator has not been operated in a long time.
Nick
http://gypsyjournal.net/blog/
DAN
don’t forget to clean the carbon out of your exhaust system/ muffler/ spark arrester.
Rick
Thanks Nick,
When I have my RV in cold storage I start my generator once a month sometimes twice a month and turn on every light I possibly can. If I am on a rode trip I start it up and run the AC and fridge and it runs like a champ. I do have a question how many hours should you run your generator before you have to change oil and filter?
Thanks
Nick Russell
Thanks Jack. It has helped us keep our old Onan alive and running well for a lot of years.
http://gypsyjournal.net/blog/
jack barton
very good article on maintaining a generator, without having to do an overhaul. simple, direct approach that has worked for us (and my father before us) for many years. i’m surprised this method hasn’t seen more widespread (print) amongst rv publications. it’s the best exercise routine for an rv genset that i’ve seen in print to date… thanks for ‘printing’ it.
jack b 🙂 in midland, tx usa