DonBaja
Goodyear, Arizona
Full Member
Joined: 03/19/2006
View Profile
 Offline
|
My 7.5KW 1995 Onan Diesel generator looks like it has the original fan belt still on it. The generator only has 300 hours on it and as it is in a 1995 Monaco Dynasty, the generator probably needs to be removed from the coach to replace the belt. I bought the coach from the original owner and noticed that the belt is green which makes me think it is the original.
Question #1 Should the 15 year old belt be a major concern? I have a spare but am hesitant to have the generator removed for the replacement.
I hear people talking about exercising generators on some regular schedule. I don't notice the same talk regarding the main diesel.
Question #2
Do diesel generators have different needs than diesel engines, requiring more frequent under load operation?
Thanks.
|
Yaj
The Milky Way Galaxy (Hartford, WI)
Senior Member
Joined: 05/07/2009
View Profile
|
Hi Pete!
You should be able to change the belt with the unit in the rig, I can on ours. If your comfortable doing a belt change, just having the belt on board should be enough. If not get it changed before it breaks. Look at it closely for cracks or any other problems, twist it with your hand so you can see the underside. If it has paint on it from the factory, it's old enough to just change it. You got your moneys worth out of it and it doesn't owe you anything!
The generator, diesel or gas, needs to be run or exercised at about half electrical load to energize the windings in the generator. That will warm the windings up and dry off any condensation that may form, not as much of a problem in AZ. Running it that hard will warm and exercise the engine which is a good thing!
The MH diesel engine can't be brought up to proper operating temperature with out loading it by running it on the road. So you shouldn't try to exercise it by running it in place, take it out on the road!
By running it without enough load you actually make water inside it and it doesn't get hot enough to burn that water off. So you are actually doing more harm than good.
That said, all engines were made to be run. Running them helps keep them in good shape, ready to operate, it helps keep corrosion down, oil on the interior components and keeps the rubber seals pliable and functioning.
1996 HR Endeavor LE,Cummins 5.9 230hp, Allison 3060,
Front-Yamaha Enduro, Rear-Honda Helix Geeser Cruiser + 2 bikes,
22ft 1977 Cruiser in tow.
1 DW, 2 kids.
2 dogs, 2 cats.
I wasn't thinking this far ahead!
|
PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
Senior Member
Joined: 12/23/2007
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
Yaj is right on with all counts......
You really are exercising the electrical end of the generator, though on the gasoline models, you are also running the gas through, so that there is less chance of gumming up....not as big an issue with a diesel, but you still want to get the electrical end exercised.
You can run the main engine, but as Yaj said, if it doesn't get up to a good temperature, you aren't really helping it much. It may reach operating temps in 15 minutes or so, at idle, but it makes more sense to take it out on the road, as there are other things on the coach (brakes, seals, tranny, etc) that should be operated too.
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris / GS MJ
Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie, Tugger & Beau 
RIP: Cookie, Foxy & Gidget @ Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293
The Pets
|
ryanallie1
Magalia, Calif
Senior Member
Joined: 04/12/2005
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
|
Hi All.
Well, lets put it this way. I think that your Generator has got its money worth out of the OEM Generator Belt. Now the question to you. Do you want to wait and change it while your traveling, possiblely at the worst time, or very bad weather. Or would you rather choose and pick your battles on your terms. When we bought our Motorhome, with only 12,061 miles on, but do to its age, I replaced every Belt and Hoses on the Motorhome. How about a peice of mind, is that worth something to you, it does for us anyways. I would change it and be done with it, as I don't leave anything to chance if I can help it. And while you are at it, check every Belt and Hose on your Motorhome for Dry Rot or just plain tired looking and maybe ready to go also. Good Luck. Happy Travels. Dan & jill
1998-33.5 Rexhall, Rexair SL. 460 EFI. F-53. HWH Levelers. 5.5G Gen. Convection/Microwave. 12 Cu Ft Side by Side. Water Purifier. Water Softner. 2 A/C's. Alarm Systems. 2 Honda EU2000i W/Kit. Toad CR-V W/SMI System. FMCA #F414397 Nam-Vet, 66-67-68,& 70-71
|
|
|
|
