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nuget102's avatar
nuget102
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2016

Onboard generator 1987 Lakeview Suncrest

So I recently bought this RV for $2000. They guy threw in a generator that needed a pull cord replaced (which he didn't know how to do) but the RV had a onboard generator.

I really want to get it working, if for nothing else as a backup in case the other one is stolen, which may happen since the locks on the rv are kinda... iffy.

Far as I can tell the generator is stock, and if it's not it seems to have been put in properly. The guy I bought the rv from says the generator has never worked. He's owned it for five years. I'm not too savvy with generators, I've dealt with motorcycles and cars. But never a generator. Don't know if they're really different at all, I get the concept that it basically runs an alternator but beyond the actually look and interior I know nothing. In fact I've never even seen a generator in person until I bought this RV.

So aside from the obvious of changing oil and draining the has, which is redundant since it runs off the has tank. What else should I do? For all I know it's possible this thing hasn't ran since the 80s. Should I strip it down and wd40 the hell out of it? Or should I try to actually getting it running? It has a starter so maybe it's just as simple as the starter motor?




  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2016
    Will the starter turn the motor over?

    Chances are that the prior owner never ran it as frequently as they need to be run, and the carb is full of crud. Remove it and clean it out. Just like a motorcycle. Check or change the spark plug. Does the hour meter indicate how many hours are on it?

    When you are driving down the road, the fuel tank has some pressure in it, and that is a good time to try to start it. You might also try it with some starting fluid, to keep it running until you get gas to the carb.

    Good luck,

    Fred.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2016
    First, I would pull the spark plugs and see if the engine turns over and is not seized.
    If it turns over:

    Replace the fuel filter. It's probably clogged.

    The fuel line may be collapsed, replace it.

    Replace the spark plugs.

    Clean the battery electrical connections.

    Use Seafoam or Berrymans to clean the carburetor and fuel line. Don't waste your time with WD-40. You need the inside of the carb cleaned. There are small ports that will probably be clogged.

    Charge your batteries and try to get it started.

    If it has not been used in years, it may start but not put out any power. You may have to Flash the Generator.

    These are simple, relatively cheap steps to get the generator working. Try them before you spend a bunch of money.

    Make sure the RV has at least 1/4 tank of gas. The generator pick up can only use the top 3/4 of the tank. That's so you can't run the generator and drain the fuel tank, leaving you out of gas.

    Keep us updated on your progress.

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