• 2017 Onan 5500 Generator Manual Pdf

Update April 5, 2018: Added power decrease information for altitudes above 500 feet (163m) above sea level. Updated miscellaneous info and added air filter photo Comment added February 1, 2018: Over at a FB group: 'Onan update: ok. So went to check oil level this morning and low and behold there is oil all over driveway.

Matthew at Roadtrek said one should not drive while running generator. I was told that was good way to exercise it and not disturb my neighbors.' Here's my comment: 'I know it is inconvenient, but Onan recommends a physical inspection of the generator before running it. While that may be unrealistic given the under mount, frequent inspections (or at least once a month before that two hour exercise) might be prudent.' Original Post: Oil fill cap and dipstick Our RT included the optional gasoline powered Onan 2.8 kW generator set. I'd read some negative comments about generators in RVs, including Roadtreks. In fact, the president of that company stated that the generators were their number one maintenance issue, or words to that effect.

I was concerned. So I read all of the Onan-Cummings documentation including the 'Operator Manual' and 'Installation Manual' and I decided to follow all of the recommendations. One concern I had was changing the engine oil.

The generator is mounted under the vehicle and seemed to be difficult to get to. Here's what I learned in the first three years. I have also been able to do my own engine oil changes. It wasn't as difficult as I expected. In fact, my experience has been a very good one for three years. Here are some Onan recommendations for my generator set, which is a model 2.8KVFA26100K IMPORTANT - Refer to your genset manual for the 'official' manufacturer's recommendation for your genset.

This does not relieve you of the responsibility for proper maintenance of your genset. The gasoline powered generator on my Roadtrek should be exercised two hours per month. Onan states that a two hour continuous run is better than several short duration runs. Onan states that the generator should be exercised with a half load. Onan recommended a 'break-in' period with specific instructions.

I followed them. The Onan manual is very specific about loading and oil viscosity during this period.

Onan recommended single weight oil over multi-viscosity. However, it also recommended several different oil viscosities as determined by minimum and peak ambient temperatures. Onan recommends a gasoline additive. Onan recommends an initial oil change at 20 hours, and thereafter at 100 hours, unless used under dusty conditions.

In dusty conditions the oil is to be changed every 50 hours. Onan recommends a general inspection every day of use. Onan recommends checking the engine oil every 8 hours of use.

Limit the cranking time with specific duration pauses. Set the 'altitude adjustment' to match the current altitude. Onan recommends 'Before the first start of the day.inspect the genset as instructed under CONDUCTING GENERAL INSPECTIONS.' I do as that list recommends.

Actually easy. I've followed Onan's recommendations, with one exception. I followed the 'break-in' recommendations. I add 'seafoam' gasoline additive to the RT210 tank.

I do this during fill-up when I expect to run the genset on that tank of gas. I purchase the seafoam in a large, one gallon container to save money. One gallon has made it for three years. I do exercise the generator frequently and attempt 1-1/2 to 2 hours per month. I do use the recommended oil viscosity and per Onan's manual I use single weight oil where practical.

I change the oil with seasonal changes, whether I've reached the number of hours or not. I travel from below freezing temperatures to 100F with the anticipation of using the generator. Reaching the genset to do maintenance Of course, to change the oil or to set the altitude adjustment requires getting to the genset. In my case it is mounted under the vehicle. Initially I tried to do this in cold weather while wearing a moderate weight coat. It didn't seem possible.

However, by removing the coat I was able to easily slide in from the side of the vehicle. Here is what I determined:. Wear light weight clothing.

Put a 'blue' fiberglass tarp under the rear of the vehicle. This is 'slippery' and makes it easy to slide in or out on one's back and with little effort.

Changing the oil or checking the oil level This is relatively easy in my 210P. There are two slide 'tabs' which hold a removable access cover in place.

Pushing them both up releases the cover. This provides access to the 'oil fill cap and dipstick.' Removing the cover also provides access to the 'altitude adjustment.' Tools required to change the oil in my genset:.

14mm socket set. Torque wrench 21 lbs-ft (27 N-m) if available. Small crescent wrench (less than 6 inch); OPTIONAL.

2017 Onan 5500 Generator Manual Pdf

Small plastic funnel Why the crescent wrench? I couldn't get enough torque with my left hand to rotate and loosen the 'oil fill cap and dipstick.' So I gingerly used a small 4 inch crescent wrench to provide some leverage. But that's a plastic cap, so I had to be careful. Steps for oil change (see photos). Run the genset as recommended by Onan to heat. Slide the access cover latches up.

Some components will be hot!. I first remove the 'oil fill cap and dipstick.'

I do this because if I first dump the oil and then have difficulty and can't remove the oil cap, I'll have a generator with no oil. I would be committed and unable to run the genset until I found a way to remove the oil cap and add the required oil. Of course, accidentally running a generator without oil is a certain means of destruction. Then I place a 1 quart container under the 'oil drain plug.' An old coffee container works well. Loosen the 'oil drain plug' and let it flow into the container beneath.

After the oil has drained tighten the drain plug (recommended 21 lbs-ft (27 N-m) per my Onan manual. Insert the small plastic funnel.

Gradually pour fresh oil into the funnel until the proper amount is in the generator. In my case, 1 quart of 30W for temperatures '32F (0C) and higher.' All according to the Onan manual.

Insert the 'oil fill cap and dipstick' and confirm the oil level is proper. Tighten the 'oil fill cap and dipstick.' . Replace the access cover. Dispose of the old oil responsibly. There are numerous recycling options available.

Altitude adjustments and Power versus Altitude Onan states that power decreases at higher altitude (this is per their manual):. Up to 500 feet (162 m) above sea level = 2800 watts (rated power).

At 2500 feet (762 m) = 2604 watts. At 5500 feet (1676 m) = 2310 watts.

Above 5500 feet = 2310 watts decreased by 98 watts for every 1000 feet (305 m). Onan recommends setting the adjustment for the current altitude. I've left it in the position originally set by the Roadtrek factory, or the manufacturer. I've never use it above 4500ft or lower than 300ft above sea level. Photos Onan nameplate - This is the model that is in my Roadtrek Oil fill cap and dipstick, after loosening Oil drain plug Loosening the oil drain plug Draining the oil Oil draining into the coffee can Oil fill point, with 'oil fill cap and dipstick' removed Plastic funnel inserted into oil fill point. Using a camper van provides the opportunity to see the U.S. And our neighbors in a leisurely, detailed manner.

One can get off of the interstate and travel the highways and visit small towns, travel scenic byways and meet a lot of people. We specifically chose a Class B which met our minimum requirements, which provides the possibility of living an a RV for three weeks and which is relatively economical (considering both purchase price and living). In fact we have trekked in it for up to 100+ continuous days and our longest to date is 6,000 miles. Our RV also provides the opportunity to visit National Parks, State Parks and the outdoors.

Audi 100 cs manual 1994. We can and do drive and park wherever a normal 'automobile' can. Our camper van provides the opportunity to visit some of those diners and sights we all see on the cable channel, or on YouTube.

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