Forum Discussion

mike_mck's avatar
mike_mck
Explorer
Apr 22, 2014

96 Onan 2500 microlite

Did a search and didn't find the answer.
First question is does anybody have a link to an owners manual for the 96 Onan 2500 microlite?

Here is my issue. I bought a 96 Caribou cabover about 6 months ago. It came equipped with the 2500 microlite LP. Gen set had 62 hours on it and ran like a champ. Been out a number times since buying it.
Well here in AZ it is starting to get pretty warm. Was running my Gen set and AC while primitive camping. Gen set hit exactly 100 hours and shut down.
Not out of Propane but would not start. Battery fine. I know the recommended oil change is 100 hrs so curious if there is a auto shut down at 100 hrs that requires an oil change or reset.
Any thoughts? Will try to get to an Onan approved repair center but would like to know a little something before going in.
thanks for any thoughts?
Mike
  • mike_mck's avatar
    mike_mck
    Explorer
    May 05, 2014
    mike mck wrote:
    Did a search and didn't find the answer.
    First question is does anybody have a link to an owners manual for the 96 Onan 2500 microlite?

    Here is my issue. I bought a 96 Caribou cabover about 6 months ago. It came equipped with the 2500 microlite LP. Gen set had 62 hours on it and ran like a champ. Been out a number times since buying it.
    Well here in AZ it is starting to get pretty warm. Was running my Gen set and AC while primitive camping. Gen set hit exactly 100 hours and shut down.
    Not out of Propane but would not start. Battery fine. I know the recommended oil change is 100 hrs so curious if there is a auto shut down at 100 hrs that requires an oil change or reset.
    Any thoughts? Will try to get to an Onan approved repair center but would like to know a little something before going in.
    thanks for any thoughts?
    Mike


    So a some what interesting conclusion to my confusion.

    LP Gen set shut down at exactly 100 hours. Which by the way is the recommended oil change interval. would not restart. Oil level fine and oil a nice gold color.
    Changed the oil and it starts fine. Nothing in the owners manual or service manual suggested Gen set would shut down and not restart until oil is changed. Lesson learned carry a 14MM socket and extension and a quart of oil with funnel. I'm in Az so need the genny this time of year. AC is king and I always camp in dispersed camping areas.
  • Handbasket's avatar
    Handbasket
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2014
    At that age, I think they were still using the low oil level shut down switch. Very first thing would be to check oil level. All 3 of my 2800's (gasoline version of 2500) have required checking the oil with the stick _NOT_ screwed in, just resting on the edge of the hole. I assume yours would too. If you do this wrong, you'll be low.

    The common issue with the small LP Onans is the regulator vent tube. Some insects are apparently drawn to the faint smell of LP, and love to build their nests in the tube. This keeps the diaphragm from breathing. It's more likely to happen when sitting idle, tho'. I've never heard of this happening when running. Onan finally started adding a foam 'sock' over the end of the hose, but IIRC that wasn't until sometime in the 2000's, AIUI.

    Good luck!

    Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
  • mike_mck's avatar
    mike_mck
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2014
    TheAmRheins wrote:
    Did you check the oil level it may have a low oil shutdown.


    I did check the oil but may have been too soon after turning the Gen set over. Will check again in the morning. Oil change and a new plug is in order in any case. It seems odd it would shut down at exactly 100 hours
    Kpac
    Can't thank you enough for the manuals.
    Mike
  • mike_mck's avatar
    mike_mck
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2014
    96 Microlite 2500 LP

    Model # 2.5kvfa26120f

    Thanks for the assistance
    Mike

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