EFI onan

offtohavasu wrote:
Oddly enough, as it runs cleaner, it doesn't show CARB compliant on their website.

Interesting...

Although I have browsed CARB before on occasion, not up on its exact operations or guidelines.

Many manufactures find loopholes if the engine in question is more or less the same model/series as previous engines that have passed CARB. Not saying thats what happened, or that Onan is running with a non compliant genny, ijdk..?
More than likely if a carbureted engine that is more or less exactly the same, passed CARB, then the efi version should at least be as clean you would think, yes..?

jmo

Oddly enough, as it runs cleaner, it doesn't show CARB compliant on their website.

Looks like Onan uses EFI in 5500kw units and larger. If in 4k's, I don't see it. I think EFI would be a worthwhile upgrade.

taken wrote:

Bedlam wrote:
Your other option is to go to a LPG powered generator. I never had problems with my carbureted Marquis 5500 in my toy hauler because we used it often, but now I have a little 2500 LPG model in my truck camper and am enjoying the cleaner burning fuel with less residue.

LP gensets burn through lots of fuel. I can understand having one on a standard 5ver but on a toyhauler with dedicated fuel tanks, it just doesn't make sense.

Agreed.

Truck camper compared to a toy hauler is apples to oranges. Can't compare.

tinner12002 wrote:
Has anyone considered going to an EFI generator on their toy hauler instead of the carb unit?? I have discussed getting an EFI one when looking at ordering a new hauler. Dealer said not a problem.

Yes, I wouldn't order/get a new TH without an Onan efi. They're not that much more expensive than the carb version.

They're impressive for many reasons. The efi control unit makes adjusting the genny simple, with just the push of a button or 2. No more complicated mechanical Carb/governor system to fug with. More accurate and consistent power supply from what I've seen.
Better fuel consumption rate, cleaner burning, easier starting. No carb problems ever again... Its like Onan finally came out of the dark ages...

EFI Onan's do NOT have the varnish problem in the very small non-serviceable jets and air passage ways of the throw away carbs in the 5500 carb models.

When going new, EFI Onan, only way to go imo. It will pay for itself first carb/fuel pump/etc, replacement job most will eventually need if you get the carb model.

Don't get me wrong, the carb models still work very well if taken care of correctly. Just if you have a choice, its a no brainer imo...

jmo

One other thought. I'm not sure if your dealer has a plan for a return line but there is a way that's a lot easier than drilling the tank which would involve dropping it, draining it, drilling it, and then cleaning out (hopefully) all the metal shavings from drilling. Purchase this kit and install it in the tanks rubber fill neck. This will turn a few hour job into a matter of minutes job...

Link to product on Amazon.

taken wrote:

Bedlam wrote:
Your other option is to go to a LPG powered generator. I never had problems with my carbureted Marquis 5500 in my toy hauler because we used it often, but now I have a little 2500 LPG model in my truck camper and am enjoying the cleaner burning fuel with less residue.

LP gensets burn through lots of fuel. I can understand having one on a standard 5ver but on a toyhauler with dedicated fuel tanks, it just doesn't make sense.

An LP gen isn't an option for me, I know they run cleaner but as Taken said the amount/cost/handling of fuel for them isn't an option.
The fact that an EFI gen would be easier to start, better economy and less chance of gum up and the fact the dealer is good with installing one makes sense to me.
Thanks for everyones thoughts.

I wasn't thinking of ordering a new one with a unit. My thought was he could do an LPG conversion on the existing Onan and add tanks or just carry spares. My truck camper has 60lbs of LPG, but I carry an additional 100 lbs in my enclosed trailer I can swap out or use for outdoor cooking and fire pits. If you're bumping into the limit of your generator capacity, this is not a good option since it derates the output on LPG.

Bedlam wrote:
Your other option is to go to a LPG powered generator. I never had problems with my carbureted Marquis 5500 in my toy hauler because we used it often, but now I have a little 2500 LPG model in my truck camper and am enjoying the cleaner burning fuel with less residue.

LP gensets burn through lots of fuel. I can understand having one on a standard 5ver but on a toyhauler with dedicated fuel tanks, it just doesn't make sense.

edatlanta wrote:
My only thought would be that an EFI system will clog up just like a carb if not run frequently to keep fresh gas in it.

Carburetor clogging typically takes place in the float bowl and jets which you have neither of on an EFI version