I've been having trouble starting the Onan 2500 in my AF1150, and posted earlier. I finally gave up and took it to the nearest Onan shop. This is the actual Onan factory shop here in Houston. They're telling me it's going to cost 600 bucks JUST TO DIAGNOSE IT!! I'm blown away. I can buy a brand new Honda for a grand or less. Is this normal???

Sounds high, but I haven't had mine fixed.

Yes, unfortunately it is true of nearly all factory repair centers. It's seemed to me over the last 14 years of full time RV'ing that manufacturers don't want to bother with RV'ers or their little problems so ask outrageous amounts for very little work.I once got a formal quote on replacing the master cylinder on my Class A with Frightliner chassis at one of their shops and they came up with $2800 minimum firm. Ended up doing it myself...not an expert but it only took me 3 hours. Saved $2,200.There are shops around the country that repair Onan equipment more economically. Power Systems West in the Northwest region comes to mind. I used them for my Onan 7500 Watt genset when the front bearing ground itself to dust. Cost me $660. They are a chain and I suppose it would be up to each shop to decide if they want to work on RV generators though. That's a more specialized field requiring a different skill set just to get the dang thing out of the RV frame, or working on it inside that framework.I don't use mine much anyway (like most RV'ers) and if it dies, before I decide what to do about it, I'd certainly get a good grip on the symptoms in order to get a quote from 3-4 places and then decide whether it's cheaper to have it repaired at a competitors shop rather than a factory shop, pull the whole thing out and repair it myself (could require some heavy equipment like a big hydraulic tranni cart and a place to work with tools), pull it out and take it to a shop which would save labor costs, buy a new one from Harbor Freight (low cost but does need a bigger better muffler and probably an accessible gas tank installation so some redesign needed), or do nothing at all.Whatever you decide, they do have value to the next owner so it might be best to hang onto the one designed for the space in your RV's frame. As small as your unit is, it might be fairly easy to remove it yourself. Also, if you have a shop in mind to work on it, check them out on RVServiceReviews first.

Ya it sounds like you have a new boat anchor. If it were me I would remove the unit and but a new Honda eu2200i. It is the same exact size as the older eu2000i it just replaced. Depending on the size of your current generator compartment it might fit in there for storage. If not you could use that space for a gas can for the Honda generator. Just some options.

I would assume this it the generator that needs to be pulled out for troubleshooting. With shops charging $150/hr doesn't take much to make it $600. If that is just starting issue, try SeaFoam first.Than my lawyer takes about $600 for 2 phone calls...

That's why I purchased two Honda 2000i generators when my Onan died. It was cheaper than having the Onan fixed and now I have the option of taking two, one or none depending on what our needs will be on a trip.

onan repair bill question | Good Sam Community

sonuvabug
Explorer
Apr 14, 2018
Sadly my Onan 2500 needed an overhaul. The parts exceeded the cost of a NEW Onan. Go figure. I traded the tech the old one for the cost of the diagnosis. He could use it as a donor unit. I never did end up buying a replacement and haven't missed having another one.
AnEv942
Nomad
Apr 14, 2018
I must have mis read-thought the bill was, meaning done deal, generator being or is fixed?
If ours quit and I couldnt fix wouldnt replace my built in with a portable.
As little as we actually use it still worth the cost of the option. Hard to put out that kinda money but I'd have fixed.
ticki2
Explorer
Apr 13, 2018
Kayteg1 wrote:

I know way better ways to add to post count than this.
Think about it?
With an average posts per day of 4.41 you certainly have found better ways .
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Apr 13, 2018
OutdoorAddict wrote:
jimh425 wrote:
Kayteg1 wrote:
I had 4 kW Generac that would burn 1 gallon/hr.

However, this thread is about Onans 2500s. Most people and the specs say it's .3 -.4 per hour.

Either way, it depends on how you use your generator. I'd have no regular reason to be where I'd need to run my AC 24 hours a day and not have hookups. I probably wouldn't be in a TC if that was the case since I don't enjoy long hours in my TC. The convenience of a builtin for the few minute a time usage that is normal for me far exceeds the propane usage.

Agree

I know way better ways to add to post count than this.
Think about it?
GeoBoy
Explorer
Apr 13, 2018
My Honda 2000i fits nicely in the generator compartment on my AF 990 and with enough room to fit my bbq grill. I carry 2 -2 gallon RotoPax on the camper rear bumper for fuel. You may have to install a MicroAir on your AC so the Honda can run it. Don’t fix that built-in Onan!
Harleybullet
Explorer
Apr 12, 2018
Outdoor addict ... you are half way there and had to take a brake to add to thread... that is why this is installed wrong and not thought out.... no one wants to or has the time to spend hours and knuckles removing the gen for service work.
Good luck .. I respect your tenacity....Dave
mkirsch
Nomad II
Apr 12, 2018
$1600? Ouch.

This is why we have a "throw away" society now. $1600 to repair vs. $999 to replace. Easy decision when it's your wallet.
OutdoorAddict
Explorer
Apr 12, 2018
jimh425 wrote:
Kayteg1 wrote:
I had 4 kW Generac that would burn 1 gallon/hr.

However, this thread is about Onans 2500s. Most people and the specs say it's .3 -.4 per hour.

Either way, it depends on how you use your generator. I'd have no regular reason to be where I'd need to run my AC 24 hours a day and not have hookups. I probably wouldn't be in a TC if that was the case since I don't enjoy long hours in my TC. The convenience of a builtin for the few minute a time usage that is normal for me far exceeds the propane usage.

Agree
OutdoorAddict
Explorer
Apr 12, 2018
Timely post, I have the generator halfway out of my AF 1150 right now. I am installing a new starter and solenoid today!
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Apr 11, 2018
jimh425 wrote:

Of course, if I'm hanging out inside my TC with the AC on, I'm not seeing the beauty or experiencing the area. ;)

To each of his own.
I prefer to take a dive in lake, or river, than dry out under the awning while having adult beverage and then go inside comfortable cooled camper to take a shower.
Site-seeing in 120F weather is overrated.