Owner`s manual

25 26
Do’s And Don’ts For Better
Generator Performance
The Do’s:
DO keep your generator clean by wiping it periodically with a clean cloth.
DO turn off all appliances in cold weather before starting your generator, for best
long-term performance.
DO check owner’s manual for periodic maintenance schedule.
DO check the exhaust system regularly for damage or leaks. Make sure the exhaust
pipe extends out at least one inch beyond the vehicle’s perimeter.
DO check the carburetor pre-heating selector (if one is installed) to ensure it’s in the
proper position for the surrounding climate. (See your Operator’s Manual for proper
settings, Important: This information applies only to carbureted models.)
DO check the air fi
lter periodically and clean it by tapping it on a fl at surface. Never
wash it in solvents or blow it out with an air hose.
DO install a running hour meter so you know when scheduled maintenance service
is due.
DO exercise your generator regularly.
DO purge the fuel system following the procedures listed in the Operator’s Manual
to maintain the LPG fuel fi lter.
DO make sure that clean fuel, the most important factor for proper generator
performance, is used on diesel models. Refer to the fuel recommendations covered
on page 26.
DO make sure each operator is familiar with the important safety precautions listed
on pages 1-2.
DO change your fuel fi lter. The fuel fi lter is an often forgotten part of any engine.
Your generator has one too. It removes bits of debris from the fuel to prevent
clogging the carburetor jets. Over time, the fuel fi lter collects enough material to
become plugged, which restricts fuel fl ow and reduces the generator’s power
delivery. Be sure to change the fuel fi lter on a regular maintenance schedule.
The Don’ts:
DON’T run the generator for long periods of time without using it to power
appliances. It wastes fuel and may cause the engine to misfi re.
DON’T attempt to adjust the carburetor, governor, choke, etc., yourself. See your
Cummins Onan Authorized RV Service and Parts Dealer for assistance.
DON’T attempt to adjust EFI components on the generator if equipped.
DON’T run your generator set with the door panel open.
Keep Your Generator Clean And Inspect
It Regularly For Damage
Your RV generator is a hardworking device that lives in an unfriendly environment,
typically in the underside of your RV. Dust and debris are a part of its daily life. Dust
can clog the intake system and reduce its engine’s effi ciency. Remember to replace
air and oil fi lters regularly.
Over time, vibration from rough roads can loosen generator fasteners, while debris
thrown up from the road can occasionally damage fuel lines and exhaust systems.
It makes good sense to regularly inspect all these items. Do not use a water hose
or high pressure car wash type sprayers on the generator. Light air pressure and a
damp cloth are preferred.
Fuel Recommendations
Gasoline Generators — Treat the engine of your Cummins Onan generator to a
good grade of regular unleaded gasoline and it’ll purr in response. You can also use
Gasohol (gasoline blended with alcohol) if it contains the correct additive mixture
percentages:
Ethanol Blend — Not more than 10% ethanol.
Methanol Blend — Not more than 5% methanol and the fuel must also con-
tain solvents and corrosion inhibitors.
NOTE: Fill up with fresh gas! The single most common service issue is stale or
contaminated fuel. Always use fr
esh gas! The gas should not be more than 30 days
old. Fuel stabilizer extends the life of your fuel. Stale fuel clean-out is not covered
under your warranty.
LPG Generators — Use clean, HD-5 grade liquid propane gas in a mixture of
at least 90% propane. Propane fuels other than HD-5 can contain more than 2.5
percent butane which can result in poor fuel vaporization and poor engine starting
in outside temperatures below 32°F.
Diesel Generators — Use any of the following ASTM certifi ed fuels for your quiet
diesel:
ASTM-No.2-D (ambient temperature greater than 23°F) (No. 2 Diesel)
or ASTM-1-D (No. 1 Diesel)
No.2-DLS (ambient temperature greater than 23°F)
No.1-D (ambient temperature less than 23°F)
No.1-DLS (ambient temperature less than 23°F)
B5 Biodiesel (ambient temperature greater than 50°F)
Ensure the fuel selected for use has a minimum Cetane number of 45. No. 2-D
or No.2-DLS diesel fuel gives the best economy and performance under most
operating conditions. Use No. 1 diesel fuel when ambient temperatures are below
32°F and during long periods of light engine load. Use low sulfur or ultra low sulfur
content fuel having a cloud point of at least 10°F below the lowest expected fuel
temperature. Cloud point is the temperature at which wax crystals begin to form in
diesel fuel.
Oil Recommendations
Use a premium, quality engine oil (such as OnaMaxTM SAE-30 and SAE 15W-40)
in the correct oil viscosity for your generator’s typical operating temperature range
to provide optimum engine service. Avoid mixing different grades or brands.
It’s good practice to check the oil level daily or every 8 hours of operating time.