Long term storage generator December 18, 2019, 07:47:07 am What would your concerns be for a generator that hasn’t been started in a year? I’m going to go look at a 2005 MB in a couple of weeks. It’s been sitting in a covered building for a year I’m told. I can’t afford not to have a professional inspection performed, so that will definitely happen. But I wanted to hear from the tribe what knowledge and insight they can share before I make the drive. Thank you in advance for your kindness!Morty
Re: Long term storage generator Reply #1 – December 18, 2019, 08:31:41 am If they didn't drain the gas out of the carb and even worse if it has ethanol gas in it. Carb would need to be cleaned. 1 Likes
Re: Long term storage generator Reply #2 – December 18, 2019, 11:29:55 am Regarding your question, my concern would be that it wouldn't start. I'd begin with checking the oil level. If at the proper level and looks clean, spin the starter. It may take a few times running the starter before it fires up. Don't run the starter for more than 10 seconds or so at a time to avoid burning up the starter. If it starts and runs correctly, you are good. After the running engine has run for three or four minutes, put a load on it (like the AC) and see if the generator side works.If it won't start, there are a multitude of reasons, some of which will be expensive to have fixed.Harold 1 Likes
Re: Long term storage generator Reply #3 – December 18, 2019, 11:59:58 am Quote from: Blueox25 - December 18, 2019, 11:29:55 am If it starts and runs correctly, you are good. After the running engine has run for three or four minutes, put a load on it (like the AC) and see if the generator side works.If it won't start, there are a multitude of reasons, some of which will be expensive to have fixed.HaroldGenerator side must be working for generator to run for 3 or 4 minutes. Battery supplies 12 volts to start; generator supplies its own 12 volts once started to continue running. I know this one from personal experience. It is one of the expensive repairs. There could still be generator side issues, however.Ken 1 Likes
Re: Long term storage generator Reply #4 – December 18, 2019, 12:09:36 pm First lean how to prime the carburetor by pressing down on the "Start" button until the light in the switch comes on.Once the light show, press the opposite way to spin and hopefully start the engine.Pressing the bottom of the switch primes the generator (and shuts it down when running), pressing the top of the switch starts the generator. You may need to prime the engine more than once to get it to fire.When running, run the A/C or a couple of electric heaters to how if does under a load.The switch looks similar to the one below.Amazon.com: Cummins Onan RV Generators & Components 300-5332 Remote Panel-Kit...If possible, have the owner start the refrigerator a few hours before you arrive, it takes a long time to get cold. You need to know if it works, replacement is around $1500.The water pump, furnace, roof-top A/C and water heater should be tested in your presence.Check to see if the coach battery is dated, most batteries last 4-7 years.And don't forget the chassis, it needs to be driven and all the accessories tested including the dash A/D, heater and all the exterior lights. Try to get it up to freeway speeds to see how it performs at cruising speeds .When inspecting, give extra attention to the corners of the overhead bunk, looking and smelling for rot and mold.Check out the rear corners and all the windows, the area of greatest rot problems in later models.Probing the rear wall from underneath, with an ice pick, is a good way of find rear wall rot, it's where the rot will be the greatest is a bad leak is present .Happy huntingLarry 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Long term storage generator Reply #5 – December 18, 2019, 11:28:33 pm Hi Morty,Another concern I would have is the condition of the slip rings. Rather than try to explain what slip rings are here's a link that describes them:Onan Ky Generator Brush and Slipring Familiarzation: 4 StepsA generator that has sat for a long period of time can develop corrosion on the slip rings that will build up high resistance to the brushes that can stress the voltage regulator of the generator. Resistance can be checked by pulling off the connector that goes to the voltage regulator and measuring between pins 9 and 10. Resistance should be 19 to 27 ohms. If greater than that the slip rings could use some cleaning. This can be a bit involved for an initial inspection but I wanted to at least put it out there. Slip rings are not easy to clean. The generator needs to be taken apart to get to them unlike the older Onan's. Yet another reason to run the generator once a month. 1 Likes
Re: Long term storage generator Reply #6 – December 19, 2019, 08:07:51 am This is perhaps a buying/negotiation angle instead of a technical comment, but I would just ask the buyer to start the generator and let them worry about it.If they can demonstrate that it runs properly, great! If not, it's something for them to address by fixing it or negotiating.You're looking at a 15 year old RV, and it's not reasonable to expect everything to work like new unless it was fantastically maintained. Put some money in the budget to fix the things you do know about, and a little extra for a possible surprise.The Lazy Daze I own sat for 2-3 years in a garage before I bought it. The seller tested the generator and it didn't work so they had it fixed (carb replaced) before selling. There was a bit of mouse damage (which they noticed) and the hydraulic levelers were wonky because of the time without moving (they didn't notice). Tires needed to be replaced, and all sorts of things needed to be cleaned / fixed / tweaked. Forgive me if this is too basic, but be aware that the generator won't run without at least 1/4 tank of fuel. Also, there is an issue with a short section of generator fuel hose on top of the fuel tank that cracks over time and can cause all sorts of rough running generator symptoms. It's a common issue that many of us have had to fix. Rich'03 MB in NC 1 Likes
Re: Long term storage generator Reply #7 – December 19, 2019, 10:06:38 am "You're looking at a 15 year old RV, and it's not reasonable to expect everything to work like new unless it was fantastically maintained."Find one thing on my '04 that does not work and I'll buy dinner! "Also, there is an issue with a short section of generator fuel hose on top of the fuel tank..." Ah yes, the fuel hose that wasn't! Ed Newton had some surplus hose laying around and wanted to use it up. For nearly a decade many of us had to contend with that oversight. In my case I used the opportunity to change out the fuel pump along with that 2½" piece of hose. And, while we were at it I had my tech replace the plastic hose that goes from the fuel tank all the way to the generator... with Stainless fuel line. No issues since many years back. 2 Likes
Re: Long term storage generator Reply #8 – December 19, 2019, 11:06:46 am Every component on my 2003 works as it's designed to and is in good shape, but it bears repeating that this 'state of repair and function' doesn't just happen without diligent maintenance and financial outlay to keep the rig in good running order. It certainly helps the potential longevity of a unit to start with a well-designed and quality-built rig, but unless all the components and systems (and there are a LOT of them!) are regularly and consistently cared for, even a top of the line product will deteriorate rapidly.This link is to a comprehensive checklist for assessing whether a used RV is a good buy; it's long, detailed, thorough, probably somewhat tedious, and it will take time to inspect each element and 'check the boxes'. Following the checklist diligently will also greatly increase one's chances of not ending up with a POS that will cost a whole lot of cash to 'rehab, repair, and replace', if doing so is worth it at all. RV Inspection Checklist(Wash, rinse, repeat.... YMMV, as ever. ) 2 Likes
Re: Long term storage generator Reply #9 – December 19, 2019, 11:47:33 am "RV Inspection Checklist"What a comprehensive list, Joan! Thank you for posting that. When I downloaded it as is to my desktop, most of the formatting was lost, but when I saved it to Evernote, it remained totally intact beautifully! Virtual hugs, Judie 1 Likes
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