busyguy wrote:
Fireup
Just got around to reading your post. Thanks. I was thing of taking the whole side panel off and then hinging it where it bolted to the top panel or maybe cutting a door in the left side. I have plenty of room to open a door off the gen set as it is in a compartment with a large access door on the left side.
Not taking any action now. Just an idea that crossed my mind.
Thanks for your input and for all the others who responded.
Busyguy
Roger that Sir. Do take pics if you manage to move forward with this project.
Scott
busyguy wrote:
I posted this on IRV2 and didn't get much response. My QD7500 Onan is not on a slide and has to be dropped down to take the cover off to gain access to the engine and internal parts.
I was wondering if anyone has cut the outside cover portion off and then used hinges or brackets to re install it. Would make it a lot easier to do some maintenance on the internal workings.
Any thought on this?
Busyguy
Busyguy,
I applaud your thoughts and intent on this. The QD7500 is not overly complicated to work on but, it is encapsulated in its somewhat cumbersome housing. I know, I've had mine pretty much ALL THE WAY TORN DOWN. And it's not just "changing the belt" that's a concern here. In fact, the belt is normally the least of anyone's problem with a QD. The infamous "temp sensor" is way more of a chronic problem than the belt or, oil pressure sensor or, even the thermostat.
I feel for any QD owner who does their own work on them but, does not have them on a sliding tray as we do. It's really a tough situation when major work is needed and, you have to go through great lengths to remove the gen set, just to start to work on it. A slide makes that soooooooo much easier.
Now, as for you wanting to "re-design" your QDs outer housing by cutting it at strategic places and placing hinges there, well, that would not be a problem at all. YOu will NOT CHANGE ANY COOLING AIR CHARACTERISTICS whatsoever. If you think about, the side paneling or panels, are there to encapsulate the entire gen set and, also help to provide correct channeling of cooling air.
Simply by slicing the paneling at bend points or, anywhere you'd think would be strategic to place hinging, would not have any effect on the channeling of that cooling air or, any part of that gen set operation, as long as the paneling, with hinges, is still placed where it was before any mods were performed. There is a plastic bulkhead that runs fore and aft that is also, a main component in air channeling. It is basically sealed, end to end with the front and back panels and, top to bottom with those upper and lower outside body panels. If done correctly, your hinged panels would have zero effect on air cooling.
But, also if you think about it, have you reasoned it out and pictured what you'll gain with your plan? I mean, with the QD up in its cave, there's usually not much "extra" room around it, especially to hinge a side panel up and out of the way, so you can perform any surgery on that QD. I get what you're thinking for sure. I'd do it myself if I thought there would be gain from it. Good luck.
Scott
