Troubleshooting guide

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III: GENERATOR CARE AND
MAINTENANCE
GENERAL GENERATOR MAINTENANCE
An Onan
®
or Camp Power
™
RV generator is an investment that can bring you many
years of comfort and enjoyment. However, all generators require periodic maintenance
for dependable, ongoing performance. Your Operator’s Manual outlines the specific
maintenance procedures and service intervals for your particular model. If you take
good care of your generator, it will take good care of you.
RV maintenance is performed according to the number of miles you travel. Similarly,
generator maintenance is based on hours of running time. If your generator does not
come equipped with an hour meter, install one, and place it in an easy-to-see location
near the RV’s electrical control panel so you can keep track of the hours your generator
runs. The Onan deluxe remote control panel includes an hour meter. The following chart
shows the recommended maintenance intervals for Onan and Camp Power generators.
These are general guidelines only. Consult the Operator’s Manual for procedures and
maintenance intervals for a specific model. If you are unable to locate your Operator’s
Manual, many can be viewed online or purchased at Funroads.com.
• Maintenance charts are in all Operator’s Manuals.
• The Onan sets which offer electronic ignition feature longer maintenance intervals.
Onan offers a Retrofit Kit, called Magna Arc
®
, for adding electronic ignition to pre-
1990 Emerald generators. Contact your local Onan Authorized RV Service and
Parts Dealer for more information.
• Check your generator exhaust system each time you start the generator. Make sure
it doesn’t leak and that it extends beyond the vehicle’s perimeter.
• Refer to manual for service intervals for injectors and valve adjustments typically
500-1,000 hours.
II: IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
FUNDAMENTAL SAFETY RULES
Please read your generator Operator’s Manual carefully so you understand all the
precautions for safe, efficient operation. Most accidents occur from failing to follow
fundamental safety rules. In general:
• Exhaust gas is deadly. Check all exhaust system connections regularly for
leaks and tighten them as necessary. Do NOT operate the generator with
a faulty exhaust system.
• If your RV bottoms out on a driveway or road object, inspect the generator
exhaust system for damage. The tail pipe must extend past the edge of
the vehicle.
• Always operate the generator in an area where the wind will carry away
the exhaust fumes.
• Never sleep with the generator running unless the RV is equipped with an
operating carbon monoxide detector.
• Don’t store anything, especially gas, oil, rags or other flammable materials,
in the generator compartment.
• Keep the exhaust and air intake free from obstructions such as clothing,
furniture or other material.
• Perform all service and maintenance work with the generator engine off and
the positive battery cable disconnected. Moving parts can cause severe
personal injury or death, and live wires could cause fatal electrocution.
• Backfeed to utility systems can create serious risks to life or property. Do not
connect to building electrical system except through approved device and
after building main breaker is opened.