My generator started to catch fire today. Luckily I was outside the motorhome when it happened. I was breaking camp, unplugged from the pole and turned on the generator as I've a hundred times. Everything was fine for the next ten minutes. I heard the motor labor really hard, return to normal and then was laboring harder. I looked over and saw a massive cloud of smoke coming from under the coach. I ran in and hit the stop button. I can only imagine what would have happened if I wasn't right there:SIt smelled like burnt transmission fluid. I never looked at generator when it was running so I don't know what was happening. Just looking at afterwards gave me no clue. It was still producing power because the air conditioner was running. I didn't bother to look at the voltage because shutting it off was my only priority. It is a 22yr-old propane powered Onan Maquis 6500 with 1200 hours on it. I haven't had to replace any parts on it for the last five years. The oil was changed recently, but that's all that I've done with it. I've been on this forum a long time and have never heard of this happening. What do you make of it?

It is a 22yr-old propane powered Onan Maquis 6500 with 1200 hours on it.Who cares what happen to it, at least you and your rv are in good condition, 22 yrs old and 1200 hours I would say the gen just up and died, she lived long and worked hard, go buy a new one and get on with life..

Is it a brushless design? Probably a short in the head unit... Fried from what I know... Yes the air/fan will run probably running on one winding...There are test you can do when you get settled to find the cause/issue...Post the model #..............

Burnt transmission smell is probably melted wiring in the generator. Most likely a winding shorted to the case. Probably not worth fixing, although there are places that will wind motors.

If the oil was changed recently check that the oil fill cap is on and that the filter is tight.

If you are going to purchase a new generator, be prepared to shell out some bug bucks for that size. You will be in the $5,0000 range plus install. Used LP's are almost none to be had. You can find a few used gasoline models around. I am going through a problem with my 23 year old LP generator. I have checked all the salvage yards around the country and LP fueled just are not available. I am having a rewind on my rotor and stator for about $700.00 plus labor. Mine runs good, just does not generate power.

Onan generator caught fire today. | Good Sam Community

Gjac
Explorer III
Jun 16, 2014
Two things come to mine based on my experience. When my generator refused to start(no spark) I removed the top cover to get to the coil and underneath found a mouse nest of dried grass and other flammable materials. I could see where the acorn shells were charred. The second thing that comes to mind is an oil leak that drips on the hot exhaust. From your post you never saw flames only smoke, so if it is not electrical as others have said I would check for these 2 situations.
bsinmich
Explorer
Jun 16, 2014
timmac wrote:
It is a 22yr-old propane powered Onan Maquis 6500 with 1200 hours on it.

Who cares what happen to it, at least you and your rv are in good condition, 22 yrs old and 1200 hours I would say the gen just up and died, she lived long and worked hard, go buy a new one and get on with life..

I sure wouldn't think 1200 hours was worked hard over 22 years. That was very light use and it should still be usable if the repair is reasonable.
jimtoo
Explorer
Jun 16, 2014
If the smoke came from around the generator, one of the first things you need to check is the Transfer Switch for burned wiring and connections.
inky
Explorer
Jun 16, 2014
If you are going to purchase a new generator, be prepared to shell out some bug bucks for that size. You will be in the $5,0000 range plus install. Used LP's are almost none to be had. You can find a few used gasoline models around. I am going through a problem with my 23 year old LP generator. I have checked all the salvage yards around the country and LP fueled just are not available. I am having a rewind on my rotor and stator for about $700.00 plus labor. Mine runs good, just does not generate power.
azrving
Explorer
Jun 16, 2014
If the oil was changed recently check that the oil fill cap is on and that the filter is tight.
Daveinet
Explorer
Jun 16, 2014
Burnt transmission smell is probably melted wiring in the generator. Most likely a winding shorted to the case. Probably not worth fixing, although there are places that will wind motors.
lawrosa
Explorer
Jun 16, 2014
Is it a brushless design? Probably a short in the head unit... Fried from what I know...

Yes the air/fan will run probably running on one winding...

There are test you can do when you get settled to find the cause/issue...

Post the model #..............
timmac
Explorer
Jun 16, 2014
It is a 22yr-old propane powered Onan Maquis 6500 with 1200 hours on it.

Who cares what happen to it, at least you and your rv are in good condition, 22 yrs old and 1200 hours I would say the gen just up and died, she lived long and worked hard, go buy a new one and get on with life..

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