Having never serviced a generator before i found your how to video very helpful and i now feel much more confident in the upcoming project. Thanks for sharing this information.
Thank you for having these videos!! I've watched both clanging the oil in the engine and this one. Feeling confident I'll be able to complete both on my own after these videos!
This worked beautifully and I wouldn't have had the confidence to try it without your video. Thank you! Thank you! Even a girl can do it. LOL! The hardest part was getting the bolt unscrewed to drain the oil and getting the spark plug boot off. Tip: The socket has to go pretty far up in the opening to grab the spark plug. I'll now be tuning my generator every year. Thanks again.
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!
Mine had 200 hours on it when I bought it, I’m not sure if it had been changed before but I changed it anyways. I would say an oil and air filter change every year and a the spark plug every other?
Question; I’m doing all the general maintenance because my generator won’t start, so I’m starting with that. With that being said, can I change the oil without the oil being hot?
Myks Garage thanks for the reply. Quick question . You put alittle over 1 1/2 quarts of oil . Or alittle under.. I believe you said alittle over? Just confirming. Thanks
So I'm guessing i have to do this eventually. Hmmmm -- so wallyworld gave me a freebie today - its a small thingamajig but it works. (the tools sprocket t n tubes ) lol the paper flew in the wind -- as I was looking I'm such a clutz. So I did check air filter still white so I don't need it, but maybe the sparkplug - what color is it supposed to be before I change it lol - not mechanically inclined at all but not paying an RV mechanic $250 to do this. I can do it. Hahaha wish me luck!!!
@@Myksgarage lol... Never mind, 13 16th and 5/8 are definitely different and I just couldn't figure it out.Because 13 16th is definitely what you need.Thanks a lot
@@happycampa1 Well, that makes no sense. What if the plug is dropped and the gap closes? Now what? How does one check the gap on a used plug? It serves no purpose to hide the gap setting in some secret code that nobody knows. Mine is part number Onan #167-0275 and the plug number is Champion RN14YC. So tell me, what is the gap? I have looked in the owners manual, the installation manual and the service manual and no where do they tell the spark plug gap. I have never seen this with any engine. I have read, unofficially, that a number at the end of Champions plug number is the preset gap though I can't find this on Champions website. For example a RN14YC4 meaning .040, but who knows this? Mine don't have a suffix number and are at .025 out of the box, on the one I checked. The 14 is the temperature, the higher the number the hotter it is, and the "C" means a copper electrode. No mention of the meaning of the "Y".
Actually there is a fuel filter on these onan 4000 generators. It is located on the inlet side of the fuel pump. The fuel pump is located behind the generator control module under the inlet cooling fan.
Yes they are pre-gapped. You can always change the gap yourself if you need it different. The specific code on the spark plug for your specific application should be gapped appropriately. If they don't make the plug with the gap you need, you adjust it. Look it up.
Product links: Tune up kit: amzn.to/3q7Jrbf
Oil Funnel: amzn.to/3WyxqYj
Thanks for watching!!
Having never serviced a generator before i found your how to video very helpful and i now feel much more confident in the upcoming project. Thanks for sharing this information.
I’m glad this helped! Best of luck!
Thank goodness they put the exhaust RIGHHT THERE! lol
Yeah I know right!
Thank you for having these videos!! I've watched both clanging the oil in the engine and this one. Feeling confident I'll be able to complete both on my own after these videos!
Great! Thanks for watching
This worked beautifully and I wouldn't have had the confidence to try it without your video. Thank you! Thank you! Even a girl can do it. LOL! The hardest part was getting the bolt unscrewed to drain the oil and getting the spark plug boot off. Tip: The socket has to go pretty far up in the opening to grab the spark plug. I'll now be tuning my generator every year. Thanks again.
Glad to hear, thanks for sharing
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!
Good info, thanks for sharing!
@@Myksgarage you welcome!!!
This was awesome and gave me all the information I needed to service my generator … thank you!
Sounds great!!
Very thorough annual maintenance, thanks good video job!
Thanks!
Super helpful and concise. Thanks so much!
I’m glad it helped. Happy RVing!
Thank you!!
👍
Thanks very helpful!
Nice!
Thank you for sharing❣️
Yes!
6/24. You best to always check spark plug gaps on any replacements. Would you bet me money they are correct out of a box$$
6/24?
This was great! Thank you! I’m having a hard time getting that rubber boot off of the spark plug. Please help!
It just takes some force
The air filter is hard to get out. How did you change yours ? How many hours did you have on your gen before you change the plug. ? Thanks
Mine had 200 hours on it when I bought it, I’m not sure if it had been changed before but I changed it anyways. I would say an oil and air filter change every year and a the spark plug every other?
I see his cords were moved. I had a hard time getting mine out too.
I just wiggled mine around the cords to get it out.
Question; I’m doing all the general maintenance because my generator won’t start, so I’m starting with that. With that being said, can I change the oil without the oil being hot?
Yeah that's not a problem
Where did you buy the spark plug I having a challenge cross referencing the Onan part number.
Here's a link amzn.to/3IQyW1N
@@Myksgarage thanks
Does your generator have a oil filter?
No it does not
Myks Garage thanks for the reply. Quick question . You put alittle over 1 1/2 quarts of oil . Or alittle under.. I believe you said alittle over? Just confirming. Thanks
@@NateRobertson-jl4jm The book says 1.6 qts., but to be entirely accurate, use the dipstick on level ground.
It’s 1.6 quarts of oil
So I'm guessing i have to do this eventually. Hmmmm -- so wallyworld gave me a freebie today - its a small thingamajig but it works. (the tools sprocket t n tubes ) lol the paper flew in the wind -- as I was looking I'm such a clutz. So I did check air filter still white so I don't need it, but maybe the sparkplug - what color is it supposed to be before I change it lol - not mechanically inclined at all but not paying an RV mechanic $250 to do this. I can do it. Hahaha wish me luck!!!
Just follow the steps in the video and you’ll be fine. Thanks for watching
@@Myksgarage what color is sparkplug has to be b4 changing? All I'm asking. Looks smacking new to me. Silver.
@@amerikaveebeau1175 Piss Yellow !
Why would they run the exhaust under the drain plug??
Good question
Where's the oil filter replacement video? I guess there isn't on in this model?
Correct, mine doesn’t have an oil filter, it’s just a drain and refill procedure.
I just wanted to verify you said 13th/16th..... Is that different than 5/8 I'm confused man???
I'll check
@@Myksgarage lol... Never mind, 13 16th and 5/8 are definitely different and I just couldn't figure it out.Because 13 16th is definitely what you need.Thanks a lot
Lol it's hard to thread that spark plug in when you're turning it backwards 😂
Yes indeed!
Show me how you get that air filter out
I’ll need to make another video for that. Thanks.
Whoever ran your exhaust pipe over the drain plug should be slapped.
Yeah I agree! Are the all like that or is each one custom?
@@Myksgarage mine on a Jayco Melbourne goes behind and L shapes to the side. I would think any muffler shop could do something better for u.
Mine is similar to this setup-greyco jayhawk. Also my exhaust hanger has broken so that’s no beuno
What makes you think spark plugs come pre gapped?
It’s just a guess….
They come pre-gapped. That is what those sequence of numbers/letters on the spark plugs is. One of the numbers is the gap size. Look it up.
@@happycampa1 Well, that makes no sense. What if the plug is dropped and the gap closes? Now what? How does one check the gap on a used plug?
It serves no purpose to hide the gap setting in some secret code that nobody knows. Mine is part number Onan #167-0275 and the plug number is Champion RN14YC.
So tell me, what is the gap?
I have looked in the owners manual, the installation manual and the service manual and no where do they tell the spark plug gap. I have never seen this with any engine.
I have read, unofficially, that a number at the end of Champions plug number is the preset gap though I can't find this on Champions website. For example a RN14YC4 meaning .040, but who knows this? Mine don't have a suffix number and are at .025 out of the box, on the one I checked. The 14 is the temperature, the higher the number the hotter it is, and the "C" means a copper electrode. No mention of the meaning of the "Y".
I take it there's no gas filter on this model?
Correct
@@Myksgarage Great. Good vid too...concise and clear. Thanks
Actually there is a fuel filter on these onan 4000 generators. It is located on the inlet side of the fuel pump. The fuel pump is located behind the generator control module under the inlet cooling fan.
@@donniecahill5243 Yep that black plastic covering hides it pretty good ! 👍
there is no such thing as pre gapped plugs
🤔
@@Myksgarage yea the pre gap them but in boxing shipping the get un-pre gapped easy so you should always check
Yes they are pre-gapped. You can always change the gap yourself if you need it different. The specific code on the spark plug for your specific application should be gapped appropriately. If they don't make the plug with the gap you need, you adjust it. Look it up.
No oil filter?
Nope not on the 4000 model