Generator Questions

[Matt Schurman]

Thanks for your question Jim!

I get many questions about oil change intervals and also the type of oil recommended.

On your particular model, the MicroQuiet 4000, the factory says, change the oil at 150 hours, more or less depending on the conditions of use.
Hot ambient conditions and heavy loads, all will require more frequent changes. An RV that is not used much, would only see maybe 30 hours per year, so the factory says, change it annually in that case.

Realistically, in my opinion, 100 hours is a good interval mark. After all, that unit runs at 3600 RPM, is a single cylinder machine, and if we made a comparison between this machine's 100 hours of operation and mileage, we would probably arrive around 4000 miles. So, given that it's just one and a half quarts, I say....do it, do it frequently....

On the subject of what type of oil to use, the factory recommends 15-40 weight oil between 10 and 100 degrees of ambient temperature. In my opinion, Shell Rotella T 15/40 is an excellent choice, reasonably priced and will provide heavy duty protection. That being said, all synthetic oils of good quality names I'm sure will provide excellent protection however I will caution you to observe the weight ratings and don't use anything light such as 5/30 unless you are operating the machine in frigid conditions (below 40 degrees).

Hope that helps you, you can always reach me directly at Matts@RJControl.com

[FED 387]

Not hijacking the oil change ??? thread but with the older Onans is there anyway to retrofit them with a oil filter??? Thanx Dick Ulrich

[Matt Schurman]

To the best of my knowledge the machines that Onan produced with oil filters have an oil pump and a pressure fed oil system.

The machines that were produced without an oil filter utilize "splash" oil design, they have no oil pump. The connecting rods actually employ a wing on it to bring the oil up and direct the oil to where it needs to be.

An oil filter would not function in this system, because there is no pump.

[FED 387]

thats what I was thinking just thought I'd ask cuz those older gens come up for sale in my area pretty often and usually are very cheap--thanx for the reply---FED387

[Tom Goldman]

I'd just like to say thank you to Matt and Rich.
They just recently refurbished my Onan 7500 Quiet Diesel generator for my coach, and the price and service was outstanding.
They installed a new inverter section and replaced all the hoses and the belt,and a whole lot more for a fraction of what a new generator would have cost.
I highly recomend R&J Controls to anyone needing to have their gen repaired or to buy a new unit.
Thanks guys!

[Joe Martens]

Looking for input regarding Martin Diesel and Next Gen diesel generators? Pros and cons for both would be appreciated. They are going to be used in an ambulance as a back up power source to an inverter. We are currently using Martin Diesel and our ambulance builder is recommending Next Gen for some new ambulances we are having built. Thanks in advance.

[Rich Biebel]

Joe I am not familiar with either brand name generator you mentioned. So I could not give you any info on one....

Onan is by far the most common generator we get in for service or see for repairs.

I have worked on many of them that were installed in emergency response type vehicles. Diesels usually....

We have occasionally seen PowerTechs and I have worked on quite a few of those as well.

Tom thanks for the recommendation. See you soon.....Rich

[BobbyH]

Great thread/THANKS guys.Just curious what the life of a generator is,before it needs rebuilding /replacing.I just purchased a 2005 diesel pusher
with a Onan 7500 generator in it with about 1000 hrs.Never owned one before.