RV 101® - Why & How to Exercise your RV Generator

[@serafinsilva1055]

Great advise! I use to run my generator 1hr every Saturday with the AC on. Always kept Sta-Bil in the tank. Never had problems.

[@axelbart7470]

Very informative thank you Mark

[@oregonriverrunner5042]

Here is the Onan Secret to Happiness: Install a cut-off valve right before the carb - then run the generator dry before you put it in storage. When you start it up, no searching for RPM, no rough running, just purrs!

[@thekellycorner]

I've run into this problem several times. Good advice Mark

[@kantinorm]

Just bought a 1987 winnebago chieftain. It hadnt been cranked or anything in 4 years. Prior to that it was regularly driven in California. It cranks right up now but I'm new to this and have no idea how to get the generator going and the ac fridgeetc running. Any help is welcome

[@REWYRED]

I couldn't agree more. I have done this with the portables for the house and have never had a starting issue.. At work we are required by LAW to exercise our back up diesels and keep records.

[@annettehudson3980]

WOW I wish you were around here! Our Gen. Is giving us a fit. Have a wonderful day😁

[@clysack07]

Do you have advice for a onan propane RV generator? We are purchasing a 5th wheel and it comes with an onan.

[@michaeljensen5075]

Thank you for the information

[@davidcook1166]

Thank you!.....david

[@scenicdriveways6708]

And of course , ALWAYS check your generators oil level before starting it .

[@DecayUNCUT]

Hello. Could you suggest or recommend to me a good carburetor and fuel pump for a Onan 4000 generator? Thank you. Tom

[@rveducation101]

It's always best to use Onan specific parts on your generator. Call a local Onan dealer and they can order the parts you need, or you can look them up online for the model generator you have.

[@kkrankie]

Thanks Mark.... for reminding me to cycle mine!

[@alive-awake]

What about using Seafoam? Same as Sta-bl??

[@kennethkirschbaum1906]

I rally enjoy all your videos. My question is I have a diesel generator. Is it as important to exercise a diesel generator as a gasoline generator? My understanding is that gasoline gels a lot faster than diesel. I have a friend who has a diesel generator and does nothing to it except the once a year maintenance. What are your thoughts. Thanks. Ken

[@rveducation101]

Hello Kenneth, I consider Onan to be the experts on all things generator. Regardless if it is a gasoline or diesel generator Onan recommends exercising the generator set monthly. This information is available in all Onan generator manuals. If you do not have the operator manual for your generator you can download it online. Here is what it says about exercising a diesel generator in the manual: 4.5 Exercising the Generator Set HDKAH, HDKAJ, HDKAK models Exercise the generator set at least 2 hours each month if use is infrequent. Run the generator set at approximately 1/2 rated power. A single 2-hour exercise period is better than several shorter periods. Exercising a generator set drives off moisture, relubricates the engine, replaces stale fuel in the lines, and removes oxides from electrical contacts and generator slip rings. The result is better starting, longer engine life, and greater reliability.

[@kennethkirschbaum1906]

@@rveducation101 Thanks for the great information and I do not have a manual for my generator. I am on a mission to get one. Thanks so very much. Ken

[@Missprettyladi]

Great tips

[@phillipsnell7188]

I started mine up for the first time and the rpms fluctuated for about 5 seconds, then it ran even.

[@locopilot1]

THIS IS HOW I FIXED MINE, IN THE CASE OF.... "I CAN'T START MY GENERATOR" It's has been two years since last time it was running, so I started by checking oil level full at gen dipstick (it won't start if low oil because of sensors) then I checked gasoline more than 1\4 tank in the RV (also safety sensors), sparkplug checked for good spark, also checked the manual reset circuit braker ( to be ON) at front motorhome engine compartment for 12v current to the generator to be able to start it, also cleaned the carburetor and even installed new one but same situation, then checked wires and found some has been chewed like gum by rats at the back of starting switch generator panel so I replaced them, at this time the generator started but stay running only by keep pushing the switch on all the time, so then finally I knew it was internal electrical problem from the engine itself, so I took the generator out from my RV to work in my garage, (I did this by myself with some tools and old Mayan tricks ) lol, it's really heavy for one person. I disassemble the unit at my garage and started by removing the cover, then the cooling fan or flywheel unit (it's 2 items in one) until finally I was at the gen rotor and brushes assembly area and this is what I found: one more wire chewed by filthy rats plus the stinky rat nest in the middle of the generator motor coil, I fixed the wire and sanded the commutator copper contacts where the brushes are sitting becouse they were real duty with old urine from the rats, and of course I got rid off the stinky nest, lol!!! Then I assembled everything back together and... bingo it's runing like a champion!!! For this project materials involved was about $60.00 including an aftermarket new carburetor and an harmonic balancer/steering wheel puller (available at any auto parts for $25.00) to pull the aluminum fan out and (flywheel). Just picture this: (Any gasoline engine run smooth if gasoline and DC current aren't interrupted) so following this important principle you'll always find the problem to be fixed. Also if you have a onan microlite 4000 like mine, don't run it for more than a minute without the cover because you'll cook the engine real fast, also keep the eye on the aluminium fan and your fingers after cranking it in case you missing one or two members...just kidding, lol!!! After testing the gen with the help of a gasoline container, a piece of hose and 12v battery, I did put the air cooling assembly back and the rest of components including the cover, then it was ready to be installed at my RV. Once the gen was installed back at my motorhome I started it to be tested for 120v electricity but not before flipping the AC circuit switch (on) at the gen starting control panel (sometimes hiding under or around the panel) to be able to transfer power to my RV GFCI main outlet and electric panel as well, my motorhome it's equipped with GFCI so I reset it and tested for green led light indicating power is ready at my main breakers panel, so I turned my main breaker (on) along the others ones but no power was present at my breaker main switch (faulty main braker) so I flipped it many times, sometimes you can make it work again, mine did work, lol!!! I'm happy because everything works now including the refrigerator for cold drinks and AC for this crazy summer, lol! Later I'll buy me a new main braker, for now this is a resurrected generator story that needed to be shared. If this can help eaven one person to save time and $$$ it'll make me more happy, thanks for reading.

[@michaelgreenke5479]

Do you run generator while plugged up to AC?

[@rveducation101]

No, you use one or the other, but not both.

[@truebalsamhogs]

Thanks for this 👍

[@serpent3136]

Yes spring fever is here start your enginess lol

[@Milesco]

Yep -- good advice.

[@DebbieTomkoSUNSHINE]

Would have been great, if all these manuals etc., came with my class C when I first bought it. Gov., should regulate how they sell RV's with no manuals, etc.

[@johnw.7584]

Find off road premium full. The only way to go.

[@larrykuhn5364]

what about diesel generators

[@mgkleym]

Should still be run. Same with propane although they won't have fuel problems still good to drive out moisture and cycle the oil and coolent thought the engine.

[@kennedyaccoustics2039]

Not mentioned is that Diesel generators are even pickier. When running a diesel, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to loAD the genset to at least 75%. Tolerances on a diesel are much finer than gasoline generators. Lightly load your diesel and you will make it into junk. BET ON IT!

[@chadrowland5234]

The best way to exercise your generator is to run the generator during driving. Just be careful with carbon monoxide.

[@HagsRideOrDie]

If gas "goes bad" it's because it's diluted with water from condensation or some other contaminant. In a full, clean tank with good cap it last a long LONG time. A perfect example just happened, I've had the same 3 gallons of gas in my house backup generator for SEVEN YEARS. Once every spring I started and ran the generator for a few minutes and shut it down. Well we just had a "Derecho" (flat land hurricane) blow through Iowa and that generator started up easily and ran perfectly on SEVEN YEAR old gas. Then on through the week and another 20 gallons of fresh gas. If I were to guess I'd say this is "old gas" myth comes from a time before fuel was pretreated. Modern gas will last at least seven years ;)

[@rveducation101]

I disagree with using 7 year old gasoline. Gasoline goes stale and loses it's volatility. When this happens it doesn't burn efficiently and it can harm the performance of an engine. I have seen many generator and lawn mower carburetors that did not function properly due to gasoline sitting in the carburetor during periods of storage. It's much easier to treat the fuel and be done with it.

[@alfredoacevedo4437]

I do not recommend using stabilizer fluids, I'm a mechanic , and find that the additives do more harm than good, throttle body ceases, jets get blocked, float valve get stuck closed. So, I disagree with using stabilizer fluids!

[@emmanuelflores4854]

Lvp generators

[@bingo4063]

nice video ! +1s you now !^^