Onan Generator

[DothanAntelope]

Hello All. We have a 2004 Tiffin Allegro Open Road that we have had since new. Gas engine that has on 23k miles on it. Body is in good shape. Here is my question. Our Onan generator has over 3200 hours on it. We used this coach mostly for tailgating in Tuscaloosa on football weekends, hence the high hours on generator. The generator stopped and I had it checked by a local shop who told me the motor was “ shot”. What are yalls opinion? Should I try to get this engine rebuilt or buy a new one? Harbor freight has a 7k Onan for 5100 dollars. 115 dollars to deliver.
Thanks in advance.
Tim

[DothanAntelope]

Sorry it was Northern Tools not harbor Freight. The generator was running for about an hour and just stopped. Under no particular heavy load. I personally changed the oil and filter on a regular basis.

[ArchHoagland]

I looked at Harbor Freight webpage and saw 19 generators but no Onan of any kind.

I think I'd get one more opinion somewhere else before I spent any money on it.

Did you change the oil and filter on a regular basis?

[A_Good_Cigar]

How exactly did the generator "stop"? As already asked, was this shop an Onan/Cummins facility? I'm assuming since this is on a class A motorhome that the generator is at least 5000 watts, with a screw-on oil filter. Perhaps this shop just looked at the houmeter & just assumed shot because 3200 hours is unusually high for a gas Onan. We need more info about the generator and the symptoms of it shutting down. But 3200 hours doesn't seem excessive/worn out to me, even on a gasser!!!

[Isaac-1]

Depending on the model of generator the engine is likely shot. If it is the Onan KY series (generally 4000 watt and under), they have a typical service life of around 2,000-2,500 hours. If it is the 5,600 watt or larger gasoline models they tend to last somewhere in the 3,500 - 5,000 hour ballpark, assuming regular oil changes and maintenance.

As to what to do, if it were mine I would be shopping for a pull out Onan, lots of RV generators get very little use, therefore it is fairly easy to find a 15-20 year old pull out Onan from a coach that is being scrapped that is the same as your old one for $750-$1,200 in good running condition, or often half of that if it has issues like gummed up carburetor or a bad control board.

[gbopp]

DothanAntelope wrote:
Harbor freight has a 7k Onan for 5100 dollars. 115 dollars to deliver.

Harbor Freight sells Onan generators?

[koda55]

Was it an ONAN dealer that said the motor was shot.