How Easy is an Onan Quiet Diesel RV Generator Service?

I'm finally doin the last service on my 2001 Beaver Patriot Thunder. After putting it off for a month, I am doin the generator service on my 7500watt Onan Quiet Diesel RV Generator. Many viewers had expressed interest in seeing the process so I'm happy to have you join me. This is a very easy DIY job that can really save you some money and time if you get comfortable doing it. Thanks for watching!
This Onan model is 7.5HDKAJ. If you have a 10kw or 12.5kw Onan quiet diesel the oil change is much different.
Onan air filter p/n 140-2897
Onan oil filter p/n 185-5409
EZ Oil drain plug valve:
ezoildrainvalve.com/index.html
Cross Reference filter tool:
www.wixfilters.com/Lookup/fil...

[@trangthihuyenpham]

*100% best **Generater.Systems** I have used. A test for hurricane prep here in Louisiana: three AC units, 5000, 5000 & 8000, 3 fridges, 2 device power setups, 4 flat screens....AND I had 40% of the power meter to spare.*

[@AZExpert]

Do you need it?

[@bingobandit]

Great you got rid of the inferior Fram. I'm excited now, may change later. I live here in AZ also. I'm very excited for now. I bought a beautiful 2001 Holiday Rambler Scepter. It does have the Roadmaster chassis, but the rig was not a bank account killer. So, this vid helps a lot. Thanks

[@transporttechs]

Those bloopers are the best!:) Thanks for the info. Running an 8K for a media trailer in ATL, GA.

[@AZExpert]

thank you!

[@NoelBarlau]

I'm having flashbacks to when I did this service on my Itasca Meridian with the exact same generator. I knew the previous owner hadn't even checked the oil because when I picked it up from him he said "I know there's an air port on here somewhere, but I've never found it." Guess what - it was staring me right in the face when I opened the generator compartment. Basic maintenance, people. It's a thing.

[@AZExpert]

Common knowledge isnt that common

[@cwshumate914]

Thanks for explaining a common service item that many may find daunting.

[@AZExpert]

You bet!

[@2manytoyz123]

An Onan rep years ago said generators die from lack of use, not overuse. My 5500W Onan gas generator is definitely easier to service, though yours wasn’t bad. I think the outtakes are the best part! Great content, thank you.

[@AZExpert]

Hehehe Thanks

[@BruiserFL]

How is it that I watch so many of your videos and I don't even own an RV? I'm hooked.

[@JohnJohnson-hl1vi]

I've watched just about every video you,'ve made. Your side comments are priceless. I write mileage and dates on blue painter's tape instead of on the unit itself. On the next service I put a piece of tape over it and write the service numbers. If you need to, you can always peel off a layer to look at service history. Ty for the great vids!

[@fredvaldez5927]

thanks so much my friend! without watching this I was considering taking my 2002 Mountain Aire someplace to get it done....after watching this, it turned out to be the easiest oil change in anything I've ever changed oil in! thanks for sharing all your advice in all the things you've shared over the years!

[@jeffsteele1295]

Man you make it look so easy and only using one hand. If I recorded me doing that well KZbin would band me for life with all the bad words coming out of my mouth. I really enjoy all of your videos and learn so much from them. Thank You so much for what you do for us! ! ! !

[@AZExpert]

Editing is my friend

[@lavernedofelmier6496]

With the horizontal oil filter mount, I always fill filter 1/2 full , less than a second for oil light to go out. Back in the day of filter housing and cartridge, bearings would pound unmercifully 3-4 seconds. Our 03 Monaco has the onan 5.5 diesel and you have to disassemble the bottom of the generator cabinet to get to anything. Your Beaver is an awesome coach 👍🏻 thanks for the video.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@dougritchey1187]

Missing the oil filter number, the one above is the fuel filter. I am about to do my annual on the 7500 with 1,650 hours, these are great generators. Thanks for yet another great DIY video.

[@bjclassic1950]

Always smiling and you make us smile! We love viewing your videos! 😁👍

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Betty!

[@bobbymedina1198]

THANK YOU!!! you thought me something about the oil check on the Allison transmission! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@timaz1066]

I'm so glad my generator comes out front on a hydraulic tray. Makes is easy. Thanks for the link on the valve.

[@AZExpert]

Yeah thats awesome

[@1floon]

James thanks very much for the link to the EZ Oil drain valve!

[@markmay1655]

Did them all the time at Camping World.... so easy to service...great unit...

[@SAFT_NB]

Your bloopers are funny. But your knowledge is invaluable. Thanks again.

[@AZExpert]

:) Thanks for watching!

[@sissinoklahoma2057]

These videos are always so timely for us! Thanks!

[@AZExpert]

You are so welcome!

[@davidstump3946]

Thank you for posting these videos. This channel most entertaining and informative. I actually watch full videos of you repairing things that I don’t currently nor will most likely ever own. Which really says lots about your show.

[@AZExpert]

Well Thanks! :)

[@Lolaandcassidyadventures]

Love the quick drains!

[@gmoshauer6113]

Love your videos. Hope you never stop making them. Thanks for adding the bloopers too!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevelange819]

Thanks for the confidence builder! On my 1st service, I tethered the MH's access door to the bottom of the open slide. Generator service went well, not too bad for my first time. Buttoned up the generator itself and went onto other things. Eventually, time to bring in the slide - you know what's coming - CRUNCH! of the MH access door. A real "Better call James" event.

[@AZExpert]

Oof!

[@fcbrants]

Thank you James, I once paid ~ $300 for an Oil & filter, Air & Fuel filter change for my 7.5 kW & I provided the filters...

[@AZExpert]

But you didnt have to do the work...

[@theodorehyatt1782]

Thanks for the info like the drain plug little nervous with all the petty people trans check is great I'm going to try it today thanks again

[@samhawkins8575]

As Always, another Great Video. We really enjoy all your video's. Thank You

[@AZExpert]

So nice of you

[@roykoch2584]

I think you always share some very helpful tips, thanks.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@superdaveinca9254]

Great job! Sometimes aluminum foil is good for covering parts/wiring and redirecting draining oil.

[@AZExpert]

Great point!

[@raimestudio99]

Great out-takes at end, and totally getting that quick release valve!! Thanks for the links!! 🤓👍

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome

[@jaya.0069]

Good video as usual. Thanks for the DIY projects, it helps us newbie's a lot.

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome Jay

[@chicko191]

Your outtakes are fantastic! Thanks for the bonus transmission oil level check on the Allison.

[@AZExpert]

Welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@viewfromhere8486]

Appreciate the clear easy to follow video. Your videos give me the confidence to work on my own RV Thanks!

[@AZExpert]

Good to hear!

[@dennisconfer3272]

Really like the data plate with the part numbers and oil weights great idea.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@philw7174]

Your RV is looking great James. That quick valve is nice. Thanks for this service video. Happy trails!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Phil

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

Pretty straight forward service, thanks for showing

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamesdrew7315]

Hi James, awesome video, Great information to have I have a 7500 Onan generator and an Allison transmission so thanks again for that useful information!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulblouin1454]

I sold my 1998 Newmar Mountain Aire a few years ago. Not only was it my first diesel pusher, it was my first RV LOL. I don't have a RV at the moment and watching your videos makes me miss my Newmar. I enjoyed doing my own maintenance on it. I used the rear jacks to raise the rear end and was able to get a 5 gallon pail under it so I didn't have to transfer the oil. I just brought the pails to the recyclers.

[@AZExpert]

Good for you on maintaining it!

[@RebeccaRaven]

Your conduct of maintenance is transferable to every maintenance task, even your blender! :D

[@AZExpert]

I don't think I even have a blender lol

[@ImpalamansGarage]

Great tip on the transmission fluid check! Thanks!

[@AZExpert]

You're Welcome!

[@gary.joseph]

Great information! Thank you for sharing. I always learn something from watching your videos! Much appreciated :)

[@AZExpert]

My pleasure!

[@shanec.7105]

I love the education on your videos. I am a new RVer who just bought an old RV. There are a lot of things that I am going about one step at a time to fix or operate as I figure things out. At the time of the purchase, seller said the gas is below 1/4 tank to start the Gen. and I took his word for it works. I have no idea how to start this thing. I wish you do a tutorial on Generac gas.

[@AZExpert]

I do not have kind words about the Generacs. Usually, generators will run out of fuel around 1/4 tank to prevent leaving the engine without enough for a gas station.

[@gereshomeE]

I've REALLY learnt something To use my generator! Well done! ☺

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@solvend]

So love your coach and videos!

[@AZExpert]

Glad you like them!

[@zr1sparky1]

As always, informative and entertaining James! The end reel bloopers, man, just a labor of love, huh? 😊

[@AZExpert]

Keeps me human :D

[@cruzer01]

Great video, very informative, you always make things look easy! This one make me want to do my own gen maintenance. Also I always wondered about how to check the transmission oil level. Big thank you for the instructions!! Can't wait for your next video.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertburgess6100]

Nice job James.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@weighit]

I think I will change my generator oil this week, thank you for the video showing us how to do it..

[@AZExpert]

Good for you!

[@oreospeedwaggindoesamerica6078]

Thanks for showing me how easy this is!

[@AZExpert]

You are so welcome!

[@timchrysler1202]

I love your channel. You are a skilled and hilarious technician, James. Best of luck with this beautiful coach.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Tim!

[@milehighkit4725]

I always sleep better knowing that the oil is fresh 🙂

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@nedmorris9794]

You rock! Gonna go fire up my gen set now :). And order some QD oil drain plugs Thank you

[@nedmorris9794]

But saw this… :( Same product?? kzbin.info/www/bejne/raXGfqCPbJp7fck

[@MrTheBigNoze]

Looking forward to some videos on trips you do with the rig!

[@AZExpert]

me too!

[@robertege4486]

Thanks for showing how easy it can be.

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome!

[@CatFoodDraino]

I emailed the maker of the drain plug about valves for my MH. Mentioned to them I saw it on your video

[@timvines7944]

Cool that you can check fluid levels from the dash!!😮

[@bc45776]

Thank you Sir! Informative as usual!

[@AZExpert]

Welcome!

[@MrMrWrench]

Good, clear video. Thanks!

[@nomehdrider]

Great job James. My grandson was concerned about what you were putting off on your lovely rig

[@AZExpert]

I need 6 more hours of daylight

[@Sandra-Armstrong]

And, another video for my playlist!!! Now, I just gotta find my bus!!! (Thanks for the footage at the end... keeps it real!! 😂)

[@santiagojimenez8912]

Thank you for your video I have a 40 foot diesel pusher it’s Fleetwood revolution and I’m going to start doing my Oil change in my Generator

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!

[@jimmymcclosky3786]

I completely agree with you. The easiest service on an rv and run the generator. I run mine at the minimum once a month for an hour.

[@AZExpert]

Yes! Good

[@AngusScobie]

Thank you for the lesson!

[@johnp.6770]

Thank you James for this video! Going to do all around service this fall with oil change, fuel filter and coolant flush on motorhome generator. It does not look too hard and Onan makes it easy with the specs of needed items right on the generator. Like your videos and as always, can’t wait for the outtakes at the end. Would like to see a link for the drain valve attachment also.

[@AZExpert]

Glad it helped

[@aavz5330]

I really enjoy your videos. Keep them coming. I keep a flexible filler tube from a DEF canister for oils and such. When finished, I poke the ends together and the filler tube keeps clean for the next use.

[@AZExpert]

Nice!

[@bengorrell2658]

Thank you James, keep cool brother

[@AZExpert]

I have a couple more months for that

[@bobmariano3731]

Well done James 👍⚾️

[@TimothyMichaels]

Thanks for the links And the outtakes 😊

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome

[@us1fedvet]

Great job. You could power up about three or four homes with a 7.5 kw generator. Your approach is easy to follow and concise. If I lived in AZ you would get my business yesterday!!! Good luck and stay safe.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@dreamages9838]

Nice job I just changed the water pump belt I had to pay to remove the Gen from the coach that was expensive but I use this gen all the time when driving and it is a2005 so I changed it and if you are paying to remove get valves adjusted and a rad flush I change my oil myself

[@jebutah9705]

Great video. Thanks. I like to use some clear packing tape on the gen then write the hours on the tape

[@AZExpert]

yep

[@larryphelps7380]

Thanks very informative!!!

[@offgridmangogrower]

Two things I like Drain valves And your neat shed…? Tell us about that tent like hanger shed…?

[@deanh7190]

Like the way your Beaver is all etched underneath to point out various access hatches & drains. Oil filter on my 10KW Onan diesel unit on a nose slide-out is hard to get an oil filter wrench on so I buy K&N filters with the nut welded to the end of the can for easy wrench removal. Drain plug was welded on so just drew out old oil using a vacuum pump through the dipstick tube. Your fuel filter is ez to get to too! Again, on the 10kw it's on a hard to reach side bracket so I modified the attachment bolts to go from inside out and can get a nut on easier than the difficult task of threading the bolt in from in-between the inconveniently placed slide brackets. Went through everything on my 2015 that I purchased in 2021 with only 89 hours on the generator because you are right about using them and exercising them. Heck, take photos with them and post on your tool box. Ours has the 3 cylinder Kubota in it and it's awesome. Sips fuel and is quiet. Edit:Yes, our Allison 3000 MH has the fluid level check mode window in shift panel but does not have that cool comprehensive dash readout like yours.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the tips!

[@GinosGarageUSA]

Thanks James, just ordered those quick drain valves for my main engine and generator engine! My generator service is due so I will be able to put that drain on when I do my service. I always put the hours on the filters so I know when they were changed. I also just ordered some of those cling windshield service reminder stickers to put on the generator and engine for the oil change intervals.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!

[@Riker-eq2yv]

Thanks for the video I won't be as scared now to service my Generator

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!

[@johntanner5712]

interesting... always looks so simple in the hands of a qualified expert, however, if I posted my video it would be more like a massive oil spill.. lol, thanks for the great content

[@AZExpert]

LOL Thanks for watching!

[@ImpalamansGarage]

I love my 7500 Onan Quiet Diesel generator - same model as yours. Maintaining them properly is a must because those rascals are EXPENSIVE! 😅 I run Delo 15w-40 as well.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@Myrune1]

I've preached to people about using the generator. I will deduct for one that's not used or lightly used. It's a boat anchor at that point. Thanks for your videos.

[@AZExpert]

Use it or lose it

[@frankietuned]

Thank you for sharing!

[@AZExpert]

My pleasure!

[@dannhennells2681]

Oh no a fram filter. Good job getting rid of that. I know why you didn’t change that fuel filter, unless you like an armpit full of diesel fuel. Great job James. I like that drain valve.

[@AZExpert]

me too!

[@hillbillyrver357]

I like your bloopers sounds like me when I tried making a video too funny ..thanks for sharing like aways !

[@AZExpert]

Its too hot to think

[@hillbillyrver357]

Yes it is Iam in AZ at Boulder Beach

[@mellsterr6192]

Enjoy your channel!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@One_Bad_JK]

Thank you. Great video!

[@AZExpert]

Glad you liked it!

[@One_Bad_JK]

@@AZExpert very helpful video. I’m definitely ordering the ez drain.

[@ItsMeGiga]

Thank you! As a new owner to a trailer with a generator I was trying to figure out how long to run it while we aren't using it.

[@AZExpert]

Important to use it

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

The Fumoto drain valves are great. I have one for my car.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!

[@TruckingToPlease]

We have a Cummins generator in both our Monaco and our Peterbilt. The Peterbilt generator runs near constant during the summer months. Delco or K&N oil filters and a 13lb radiator cap are generally easier to get at your local auto parts store. Double barb fuel filters are behind the counter at most TA/ Petro truck stops. We normally keep 2 of each on the truck. Especially with gelling fuel in the northern states. Same goes with the fuel filters on the X15. Never know when you'll need them with weather and lately, mechanics have been in short supply.

[@AZExpert]

Extra supplies are always good

[@tonyrobinson4434]

Like the RV.

[@butchbuoni]

Another Awesome Video…

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@tuomasholo]

This is exactly why I went with a lithium system in my new rig. I already change the engine oil. I didn’t want to also do the generator oil.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome. maybe some day

[@benoitfontaine899]

Love the bloopers!😂

[@AZExpert]

LOL Thanks, plenty of those

[@BLUECREEK333]

Agree 100% about using the genny. I looked at 10yr old coaches with less than 90 hrs on the genset. This told me that they did not exercise it the Required minimum of 2 hrs a month, otherwise it would be at least 240 hrs.

[@AZExpert]

best to get it checked out

[@redcauthen771]

I would be interested in the oil drain valves, great video

[@AZExpert]

Thank you!

[@alnglenn]

That oil change door will unhook at the hinge and come off without removing the screws if it's in the way of servicing. Another service item is the exaust spark arrestor. There's a plug underneath that is removed and then starting the generator to clear it out.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the tip

[@ericfox9648]

Thank you!

[@AZExpert]

WElcome!

[@rustyhurdis847]

Hello, we have a 12.5kw Onan and have gone through 2 fuel pumps on our 2003 monaco Signature Supreme . So this time we relocated the pump closer to the fuel tank and now it is Not acting like it is starved for fuel. Finished just in time for and outage and it ran for hours without an hiccup.

[@dennislinn9151]

Thanks for the informative video. I have an onan 5500 that lately has been starting hard. My starter seems to turn over a lot slower than yours. I have good voltage from my batteries seems good. Could my starter be getting weak?

[@hatenlebron]

Good stuff. Love the valve on the genny but hate them on a normal engine.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@WilliamLaakkonen]

Glad to see you got rid of that orange can of death in that generator. An hour of running per month? sounds like a 26 year old genset would only have 312 hours on it- very low. On our genset we've average about 16 hours per month over the last 14 years. Thanks for sharing. You've got a beautiful coach.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks

[@bpnracing1256]

My 96 patriot had 49 hrs on the liquid propane generator. Took a while to figure out where to get parts. Forklift dealership was the answer. Lots of black sticky gunk in the regulator.

[@AZExpert]

Good to know

[@paulgreen2303]

Hey James, just an FYI, my 2017 Onan 5500 genset came from the factory with the quick drain oil plug. I don't know about earlier or diesel models, but it's possible that having that handy feature was not because the previous owner changed out the drain plug.

[@AZExpert]

Good to know