Generator Wildlife Hunt

[Coelacanth]

Folks,
All winter I’ve been starting and running our RV motor and generator for about 15-20 minutes, usually every two weeks.

Today I decided to repeat the process. The motor cranked right up. However, the generator did not. And, it usually fires right away.
The air temperature was around 58°F, so I didn’t suspect cold. So, I removed the front cover plate to see if I could find the problem. Well, I did.

In the area of the carburetor was a nest the size of a youth football. And, in the nest were three young, hairless rodents with eyes still closed. Very much alive. I haven’t researched the species, but they were a good three inches long, not including tail. Way too big to be mice.

After removing same I examined the wiring and I found a that a small red wire had been severed at a connector. I assume that this is at least part of the problem. I have a picture that I can forward. But, I don’t have it hosted online.

The generator is a Cummins/Onan QG 4000. I downloaded the schematic diagram. However, it’s a line drawing, so I’m not sure what wire I’m looking for?

Does anybody have any idea what the other end connects to? And, is there and way to lower the unit so it can be more easily accessed? The vehicle is a 2011, Holiday Rambler, Augusta.

Thanks for any advice. The temperature may finally be above freezing for a bit. I’d like to get at it ASAP.

[Coelacanth]

bobndot, thanks ever so.
That video is my generator and setup exactly.
This answers all my questions about a successful removal.
Now I’ll be able to get to the wire conduits and repair the critter damage.
I love a challenge.

Oh, and….we just realized that the little nibblers chewed the entire top from our right front tire cover. Gotta love nature!

[klutchdust]

I had rodent issues and found that by having a light shine under the coach at night they stopped coming around. I am fortunate that my equipment is in my backyard. So they moved next-door and are chewing my neighbors car that he doesn't use ....:W

[bobndot]

Basic info to remove an Onan from an rv .
type in YouTube if this link doesn't work.
'REMOVE ONAN GENERATOR from RV to CREATE MORE STORAGE'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBVJ6BjwenQ

[Coelacanth]

Is there any (easy?) way to drop the generator so I can work on it?

[klutchdust]

valhalla360 wrote:
If you are just idling the motors for 15-20minutes, you might be causing more harm than good. They need a load to get up to full temperature which will burn off any moisture in the crank case. Assuming you put them to bed for the winter properly, better to just let them sit until spring.

Of course, the mice/rats/squirrels chewing the wiring are a different matter.

Why would idling for that amount of time cause problems.

[Coelacanth]

Thanks for the photo upload link!

[mgirardo]

How to post pictures: click here.

-Michael

[Coelacanth]

Agreed.
The reason I was starting it was,…on our previous Itasca Suncruiser I didn’t run the generator over the winter. And, when I finally tried, mice had built a nest around the distributor rotor. When I fired it up the rotor snapped. Had to take the rig to the generator manufacturer for service. $350 later it was all better.
Thought I was being proactive this time? Guess not.

Any idea of a site where I can store pictures without a big $$$? I previously used Photobucket, back when a small account was free. It’s tough to explain what the issue is without an actual picture.

According to the factory schematic, it looks like the wire goes to the voltage regulator.
Stay tuned?

Sorry, just saw bobndot’s post. Yes, this wire was severed at a spade connector. Just need to find the other end.


Click For Full-Size Image.

[valhalla360]

If you are just idling the motors for 15-20minutes, you might be causing more harm than good. They need a load to get up to full temperature which will burn off any moisture in the crank case. Assuming you put them to bed for the winter properly, better to just let them sit until spring.

Of course, the mice/rats/squirrels chewing the wiring are a different matter.

[bobndot]

Read Mahatnmacoat's post , it might be of help to you.

It mentions a red wire at that location.
'The red wire is the "automatic" choke. It connects to the carb by a spade connector.'

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f5/generator-carb-85648.html