My generator quit a few weeks ago while I was on a trip. It ran all day but wouldn't start the next day. It looked like the carb was leaking a little fuel, maybe a crack or a bad seal or something. It needed maintenance either way.This is an Onan Microquiet 4000k genset. "KY" something or other series.So I just got my quote from Cummins.$1616 for:Labor + maintenancecarb rebuildCleaning of slip ringsreplacement of the brushesSo I asked what the cost was for a new genset. That's at least $3500 plus costs for installation.So $1600 starts sounding good, but I'm curious as to whether or not it's a fair deal.I had to look up slip rings... Wasn't sure how "dirty" mattered. The problem wasn't a power problem, it's a small engine problem.So first, I'm asking for just opinions about the price.Is there anything else I should check or ask for?Where do I find a non-Cummins repair place to get another quote?I looked online and am having a hard time finding any kind of listing for shops who do generator repair.

Cummings is likely to be the most expensive and well qualified to work on their generators. I find their service to be cost prohibitive - maybe because I am cheap.When I need my generator serviced I take it to a local truck outfit - all those refrigerated trucks on the road have generators which operate the refers -- as such the truck outfits have become pretty good at maintaining those generators. Won't cost you an arm and leg to drop by and get an opinion. Just a thought.

I'm cheap too... My problem is that I'm having a hard finding generator repair listings, so maybe I'll just start calling around.Thanks!

That sounds too high. I would get mo more quotes. I don't know they have the right ones but Brand new Onan carbs are $50-$80 on EBay and it's easy to replace.

When my Onan quit and I found out the repair would be $1800. I asked around and many folks indicated their repaired Onan's never seem to work properly after the rebuild. I decided to look at portable units.I found two Honda 2000i generators with the parallel kit for $1600 out the door. This was many years ago. The two Hondas seem like a better solution because I could use the generators elsewhere, like when the power went out at home and edison company said it would take 36 hours to fix the failed transformer and lines.If I was buying today, I would look for a 3000 to 4000w portable unit with a remote start feature. Stay under 59db if possible.

Look around for LAWNMOWER repair shops. Some commercial mowers have 50 hp, and Onan is one of the engines. Groundskeepers are cheapskates. They demand repairs that work at affordable prices. Sounds like your Cummins dealer is trying to milk the cow.

Onan generator repair cost | Good Sam Community

11 Replies

Gjac
Explorer III
Jul 19, 2015
If it ran fine before I would try simple things first. Resetting the idle screws, checking to see if it has spark, check to see if your fuel pump is putting out fuel, spray the carb with carb cleaner or Seafoam. If you can get it running even rough disconnect the main fuel line and run the genset with a gallon of fuel to a half can of Seafoam. These have all worked for me in the past.
Juzaxadar
Explorer
Jul 19, 2015
IIRC it has about 2300 hours on it.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Jul 18, 2015
If it was running fine before, I wouldn't do anything but replace the carb. And I would find someone to do it besides Cummins.

I bet you could find a you-tube video and do it yourself, even if you have to buy some tools it's cheaper.
Vulcan_Rider
Explorer
Jul 17, 2015
I think they are "soaking" you.

Ask the cost of just putting on a new carb.
Had mine done for about $280, IIRC.....at a Cummins shop.

Had to go back once to have the choke adjusted; now fires up fine.

P.S. How many hours on the Onan ??
Juzaxadar
Explorer
Jul 17, 2015
I thought about the portable generator method because it appears that those designed for RVs have a huge premium in cost... but I need to use the generator while driving in the summer. Without it, the RV gets pretty toasty and then the wife and kids get cranky.
Chris_Bryant
Explorer II
Jul 17, 2015
Agree with looking for a small engine shop- just make sure they turn the breaker off while working on it- small engine guys love to rev small engines.

I'm not a generator guy, but I just replaced a carb for under $500 total- that's at $359 for the carb, which can be found for right at $300 at partsfortech.com.

Cummins is pulling the genset and giving it a thorough service, and charging a premium Cummins price. If the tech took the time to really give it a good service, it might be worth it, but I doubt they would.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Jul 17, 2015
Look around for LAWNMOWER repair shops. Some commercial mowers have 50 hp, and Onan is one of the engines. Groundskeepers are cheapskates. They demand repairs that work at affordable prices. Sounds like your Cummins dealer is trying to milk the cow.
the_bear_II
Explorer
Jul 17, 2015
When my Onan quit and I found out the repair would be $1800. I asked around and many folks indicated their repaired Onan's never seem to work properly after the rebuild. I decided to look at portable units.

I found two Honda 2000i generators with the parallel kit for $1600 out the door. This was many years ago.

The two Hondas seem like a better solution because I could use the generators elsewhere, like when the power went out at home and edison company said it would take 36 hours to fix the failed transformer and lines.

If I was buying today, I would look for a 3000 to 4000w portable unit with a remote start feature. Stay under 59db if possible.
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Jul 17, 2015
That sounds too high.
I would get mo more quotes.
I don't know they have the right ones but Brand new Onan carbs are $50-$80 on EBay and it's easy to replace.
Juzaxadar
Explorer
Jul 17, 2015
I'm cheap too... My problem is that I'm having a hard finding generator repair listings, so maybe I'll just start calling around.
Thanks!