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tinner12002's avatar
tinner12002
Explorer
Sep 04, 2017

New Onan

Just took delivery on my new Raptor and asked the service guy if he knew whether the gen had an oil pump or if it has the new splash technology, unfortunately it has the new splash tech so hoping for no issues for time of ownership. Also while going through the PDI the tech told me that with the IN Command system installed there is an auto start on the gen that will auto start it if voltage gets low, now have to decide if I want to use that when dry camping or still tote my Honda 2000 with us to run things other than AC...I know the Honda would be more efficient...any thoughts?
  • tinner12002 wrote:
    gbopp wrote:
    I would let the Onan do its job, especially during the warranty period. You want to make sure it works properly.


    That definitely makes sense. The other thing I worry about is having too much gas in the tank and it getting old...thinking maybe putting gas in aux tank then pumping into gen tank as needed so if gas gets old I can at least pump it out of aux tank into cans.


    I use seafoam in the gas in my gen tank. When I fill it it can sometimes take 6 months or more before I refill the tank. Never had any problems with my gas for the Onan.

    It is critical that it be run under load once a month though. After 6 months of ownership I let it go for 3 months. Yep, I put in a new carb, on my dime as it's not warranty work.

    So I run it religiously once a month now. 3 years laters and starts and runs like a champ.
  • Splash lubrication is new technology? You jest of course....

    Splash lubrication (an oil slinger blade attached to the connecting rod cap) isn't 'new technology'. it's a cheap out. much cheaper to manufacture than a more complex pressurized oil system.

    Basically an 'blender' inside the crancase, whipping the oil around.
  • gbopp wrote:
    I would let the Onan do its job, especially during the warranty period. You want to make sure it works properly.


    That definitely makes sense. The other thing I worry about is having too much gas in the tank and it getting old...thinking maybe putting gas in aux tank then pumping into gen tank as needed so if gas gets old I can at least pump it out of aux tank into cans.
  • I would let the Onan do its job, especially during the warranty period. You want to make sure it works properly.
  • Your onboard gen needs to be run once a month under load to keep both the gen and engine in good order.
    Run for 30 minutes.