Generator Questions

Jim Wahl · 10-10-2012, 02:31 PM

Matt, I have an Onan/Cummins Quiet 4000 generator in my MH. What is the realistic oil change interval (no oil filter) and is synthetic oil OK? Thanks in advance. Jim

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Matt Schurman · 10-10-2012, 07:06 PM

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 · 10-10-2012, 07:56 PM

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 · 10-11-2012, 10:14 AM

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 · 10-11-2012, 11:12 AM

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 · 01-15-2013, 05:16 PM

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 · 03-27-2013, 06:49 PM

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.

10-10-2012, 02:31 PM	#1
Jim Wahl Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 5,845 Likes: 672 Liked 683 Times in 129 Posts	Re: Generator Questions and Answers, by R&J Control Inc Matt, I have an Onan/Cummins Quiet 4000 generator in my MH. What is the realistic oil change interval (no oil filter) and is synthetic oil OK? Thanks in advance. Jim . __________________ Jim Wahl....NHRA #2239 S/SS - IHRA # 8 Stock, D2 Stock Champion (forever I guess) 2019 Baby Gators Stock Champion 2009 NHRA D2 National Open Stock Champion 1982 NHRA D2 West Palm Beach LDRS SS Runner Up Past President, Southern Stock / Super Stock Association.

10-10-2012, 07:06 PM	#2
Matt Schurman Sponsor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 42 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Generator Questions and Answers, by R&J Control Inc 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 __________________ Matt Schurman

10-10-2012, 07:56 PM	#3
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,429 Likes: 563 Liked 336 Times in 183 Posts	Re: Generator Questions and Answers, by R&J Control Inc Not hijacking the oil change ??? thread but with the older Onans is there anyway to retrofit them with a oil filter??? Thanx Dick Ulrich

10-11-2012, 10:14 AM	#4
Matt Schurman Sponsor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 42 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Generator Questions and Answers, by R&J Control Inc 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. __________________ Matt Schurman

10-11-2012, 11:12 AM	#5
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,429 Likes: 563 Liked 336 Times in 183 Posts	Re: Generator Questions and Answers, by R&J Control Inc 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

01-15-2013, 05:16 PM	#6
Tom Goldman VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Allentown,PA Posts: 2,479 Likes: 899 Liked 888 Times in 239 Posts	Re: Generator Questions and Answers, by R&J Control Inc 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! __________________ Tom Goldman 1500 SG , 1506 STK

03-27-2013, 06:49 PM	#7
Joe Martens Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: North Olmsted, Ohio Posts: 791 Likes: 638 Liked 198 Times in 71 Posts	Re: Generator Questions and Answers, by R&J Control Inc 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. __________________ Joe Martens AA/Stock 3969