ethanol killing generator--over and over?

I've got an Onan 5000 in my 1999 Winnebago.... never had that problem and have never heard of it. Is somebody pulling your leg?

I guess I don't start it often enough. Once a month for a couple hours?

I would get an after market fuel pump. What Gen do you have, 2 hours should be good. Might also try Stabil in the tank.

LEN

Your "dealer" is full of ****. That Onan will run on ethanol gasoline just fine. I've had two coaches with Onan 5500 gas generators and they ran with it with no problems.

Sometimes it is hard to find non-ethanol fuel and it can be expensive. On page 45 of the Cummins document (link) says that no more then 10% ethanol. This would lead me to believe that the equipment is designed to run on blend of ethanol fuel. However there are some challenges with blended ethanol fuel specifically when storing for more that a month or 2. The ethanol comes out of solution. There are several additives the help with that. The ethanol also cleans out the fuel system and can plug fuel filters. Your coach is new enough that the fuel system is designed for ethanol fuel. I would google ethanol fuel to understand the issues with it.

https://cumminsengines.com/uploads/docs/Cummins_Onan_Generator_Seminar_Apr_2017_002.pdf

mmccray100 wrote:
I've got an Onan 5000 in my 1999 Winnebago.... never had that problem and have never heard of it. Is somebody pulling your leg?

same here. Onan gennys in two motorhomes over a 30-yr period and no issues like the OP is reporting. maybe inferior parts to begin with. a call to Onan is advisable.

mmccray100 wrote:
I've got an Onan 5000 in my 1999 Winnebago.... never had that problem and have never heard of it. Is somebody pulling your leg?

I have the same generator in our 1996 Southwind. No problems.
I run it, under load, about 45 minutes every month.
The OP needs a new dealer.

As others have indicated - that's rubbish. Onan work just fine without having to buy special fuel - find another place to have your RV worked on.

read this it may help

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/culture/commentary/the-problem-with-ethanol-in-gasoline/article29103634/

MarkieBob wrote:
I guess I don't start it often enough. Once a month for a couple hours?

Well there is a reason Onan recommends you exercise the generator. Putting a slightly rich dose of Stabill before you let it set should be cheap insurance. That and following the exercise routine called out by Onan.
Let us know how it works.
Bill