generator usage

[papagramx4]

We are the 2nd owners of a 2005 Class A Winnebago motorhome. It has an ONAN Marquise Gold 5500 generator. Where on the generator do I find the hours of usage.


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[Heisenberg]

run the dog out of it

[tropical36]

papagramx4 wrote:
FOUND IT !!! It was inside on the wall where the power & tank level panels are. We are pleasantly surprised to find that this generator has just 67.9 hours running time. We just did a full service maintenance on it, and it's purring like a little kitten. Thank you folks.

I assume that you watched the counter, while running and for timing it's movement. Usually they're correct and either work or don't.

[doc_brown]

C20 wrote:
Ours has one by the generator switches on the generator and another one by the control panel in the hallway by the generator off/on switch.

My hour reading is on the gen itself. When I installed the AGS I bought the one with the remote wireless module that also gives me the hours. That’s mounted on my lower dash. Bought my coach new in 2004 and I have 2986 hours, about 213 hrs a year.

[C20]

Ours has one by the generator switches on the generator and another one by the control panel in the hallway by the generator off/on switch.

[Wire_Man]

papagramx4 wrote:
FOUND IT !!! It was inside on the wall where the power & tank level panels are. We are pleasantly surprised to find that this generator has just 67.9 hours running time. We just did a full service maintenance on it, and it's purring like a little kitten. Thank you folks.

Our last coach had an Onan 5500 in it and it had almost 5000 hours on it when we sold the coach and still purr like a kitten. Changed the plugs, air filter and fuel filter every spring and changed the oil and filter every 100 hours. Great generator

[JaxDad]

papagramx4 wrote:
We just did a full service maintenance on it, and it's purring like a little kitten. Thank you folks.

10forty2 wrote:
With that few hours and the age, you may find it difficult to get it started and running. The carbs on those gensets are notorious for NOT liking the varnish from old gasoline.

Or he may find it purrs like a kitten........

[wa8yxm]

Usually you find the hours of usage on the dash of the motor home. NOT on the generator but the dash.

[10forty2]

With that few hours and the age, you may find it difficult to get it started and running. The carbs on those gensets are notorious for NOT liking the varnish from old gasoline.

And yes, generators in general LIKE to be run/exercised. That's what they are designed to do. Just maintain them with oil changes, new air and fuel filters and spark plugs at the recommended intervals and they'll last a really long time!

[rgatijnet1]

I think it is always a good idea to exercise your generator on a regular basis. In addition to just running the generator, I always use a "Kill-a-Watt" meter to insure that both the voltage and frequency are within specs. Just exercising the generator, without checking the voltage and frequency, will not tell you if you have a problem.

[tragusa3]

I just purchased a 2011 that had 39 hours on the generator. I have cautiously optimistic. After putting about 15 hours of my own on it, it has never acted up. Crossing fingers.

[D_E_Bishop]

I am not a specialist in Onan generators but they do recommend that their generators be run on half load for 2 hours every month which is at least 300 hours for your rig. If you do not have the Owners manual for your you can download it from winnebagoind.com. The Onan manual can also be downloaded but from a Google search or from Onan.
These are things you should have in you rig.

[1492]

Moved from Forum Posting Help and Support

[camperdave]

My 2005 Onan only had 50 hours on it when I bought the RV this summer. I was concerned, however it started up and ran fine. I've put quite a few hours on it since then and it seems fine. I know the obvious of rotted lines and clogged carbs, are there other issues with low hours?

[gbopp]

67.9 hours is not much time for a 2005 (assuming it's the original generator). I run my generator every 4-6 weeks under a load.
Some may disagree about excercising a generator. I think it's a good idea.