Onan 5,500 Generator

Rich Biebel · 07-20-2020, 09:29 AM

The generators cooling system is designed to flow air properly with the cover on and the access door in place. Removing the door defeats the design.

Biggest issue is underneath....Hot air exhaust on the right side can get drawn in where the cooler are intake area is......on the left...

The hot air area should be isolated or a metal shield built to direct the heat away from the intake side.

I see many very poor installs that lead to engine failures from this issue....

Trailers, motorhomes, commercial vehicles....

The best installs I see now have the hot air exhaust side totally enclosed underneath and the hot air directed to the side. Exhaust pipe is covered.
Painted Sheet metal custom designed for the vans.....

Dog groomer Ram Vans with the generator in a rear compartment on the floor.......Bottom cutout as needed....

Built by Onan of Indiana.....

Many builders never bother to read the install instructions about cooling....

It's an air cooled unit....If it takes in it's own hot air it will run so hot in summer you can't touch it...

I open my trailers generator compartment door but not if the sun is directing its heat right at the machine.

07-20-2020, 09:29 AM	#4
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,314 Likes: 25 Liked 544 Times in 213 Posts	Re: Onan 5,500 Generator The generators cooling system is designed to flow air properly with the cover on and the access door in place. Removing the door defeats the design. Biggest issue is underneath....Hot air exhaust on the right side can get drawn in where the cooler are intake area is......on the left... The hot air area should be isolated or a metal shield built to direct the heat away from the intake side. I see many very poor installs that lead to engine failures from this issue.... Trailers, motorhomes, commercial vehicles.... The best installs I see now have the hot air exhaust side totally enclosed underneath and the hot air directed to the side. Exhaust pipe is covered. Painted Sheet metal custom designed for the vans..... Dog groomer Ram Vans with the generator in a rear compartment on the floor.......Bottom cutout as needed.... Built by Onan of Indiana..... Many builders never bother to read the install instructions about cooling.... It's an air cooled unit....If it takes in it's own hot air it will run so hot in summer you can't touch it... I open my trailers generator compartment door but not if the sun is directing its heat right at the machine. __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479 Stock 147R