To fix or not to fix the GenSet

TomP · Post by **TomP** » Mon Mar 31, 2014 11:04 pm

I have had my rig for over 4 years and I've never really needed the generator. I never used it during that time except to exercise it every month for about 1.5 to 2 hours.

It has about 188 hours on it.

I had some routine maintenance performed on it when I first got it but other than that it has been relatively repair free...until now.

It failed to start one day so after doing everything I could think of I had it looked at by a reputable mechanic who informed me that the carburetor needs replacing and the job would run about $800.

Question. If I choose not to repair it now but later down the road, say in 3 or 4 years (when I retire) I then decide to repair it, would the genset be in such bad shape from being basically 'mothballed' for so long that it would need to be replaced?

Any experience on this?

whemme · Post by **whemme** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 10:19 am

You don't say what brand and model generator you have. However, if it is an Onan Emerald generator, it is certainly worth repairing.

tomzleapin · Post by **tomzleapin** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 1:01 pm

Your carburetor is most likely gummed up. I have had good luck using Gunk carburetor cleaner that comes in a one gallon can. If you can get the carburetor off you can soak the whole thing in the cleaner. It's best to disassemble the carburetor as much as possible and remove any rubber parts.

mockturtle · Post by **mockturtle** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 1:24 pm

Did he say why the carburetor needs replacing rather than cleaning?

al1florida · Post by **al1florida** » Tue Apr 01, 2014 4:02 pm

I would go to the gen set mfg website and check for their authorized repair places and see what they would charge to clean or replace the carburetor.
$800 seems really high to me.

Or buy a new or rebuilt carburetor and get a mechanic to replace it. It shouldn't take more than an hour labor to replace it. Labor should be less than $100/hour.

lafons · Post by **lafons** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 1:35 pm

Find a new repair shop 800$ is way to high if that's all it needs.

TomP · Post by **TomP** » Sun Apr 06, 2014 11:51 am

I didn't ask specifically why it would need to be replaced over being cleaned but this mechanic has never steered me wrong. I do think that $800 is a bit high.

I'm not sure I have the skills to remove the Genset...plus I don't know where I would store it.

I'm just not sure if the cost (even if it is <$800) and the continual maintenance (and future expenses) are worth it, if I have never needed it and do not see anytime in the foreseeable future that I will ever need it.

I'll keep thinking about it.

Thanks for all the advice.

bcope01 · Post by **bcope01** » Sun Apr 06, 2014 12:11 pm

Recently my Generac had a gummed up carb. Camping World charged me about $300 to diagnose and replace the carb. The carb was another $75. Another $45 to change oil and oil filter. BTW, these are throw away carbs, there are no repair kits to rebuild them. Luckily, the carb could be replaced while installed in the coach.

Soon after, the starter wouldn't engage. I suspect this was due to the multiple times I engaged the starter trying to start the genset with the bad carb

I had a RV Generac specialist drop the genset and replace the starter. Total cost was about $720.

These things are not cheap to repair.

Bill

Ray · Post by **Ray** » Sun Apr 06, 2014 7:31 pm

If you dont need it would you want to sell it as is?

TomP · Post by **TomP** » Mon Apr 07, 2014 2:02 pm

Question: How often do any of you actually use your generator? and where? and why?

It seems like if I am bookdocking somewhere, it would be forbidden or at least faux pas to run it.

Selling:
If I decide that I would never really need it, I would sell it. Not sure if I am there yet.

I'm not sure how I would ship it.

Ray · Post by **Ray** » Mon Apr 07, 2014 2:45 pm

Tom

I think I can only really answer one of your questions. If you decide to sell it I would really recommend you sell it as local pick up only - arranging shipping for it could be a big pain if your not accustomed to that sort of thing.

As far your other question - I dont use my generator much, and neither did the people before me. I have used it when I pull off the road once in a while to run the air when I am taking a break.

Oh - and since we are talking generators - there is a post on the forum somewhere about the generator possibly falling out of the RV. Everyone should check the bolts and floor above the generator - just found mine was starting to pull the bolts down into the floor - yes, I found some water damage - it is now steel plate back plated.

shilohdad · Post by **shilohdad** » Mon Apr 07, 2014 6:29 pm

TomP,

We travel with 3 small dogs, and we use the generator to run the air conditioner in hot weather when we go to some attraction where they are not welcome.

We sometimes boondock, and we sometimes run the generator to use the microwave to thaw something for dinner. We always let neighbors know that this will be very short term, and do they mind? They have always been cool with this.

jobrien · Post by **jobrien** » Mon Apr 07, 2014 8:42 pm

We use the gen often. Overnights at WalMart or Flying J we will use the microwave to heat something up or to make coffee in the morning.

We also use it while driving to run the roof a/c. It cools the living area much better than the dash air when it is very hot out or stuck in traffic. Putting it on also switches the refrigerator over to a/c so we save some propane.

We had one rv without a gen and did not miss it. But having one now, it does make some things easier.

John

Dallas Baillio · Post by **Dallas Baillio** » Wed Apr 09, 2014 11:31 am

I have over 1200 hrs on my generator. I did have a gummed carb early on but only routine maintenance since then. I depend on my generator to recharge my house batteries when I am not doing sufficient driving each day. I've boon docked in 100 degree weather and can not imagine doing without it in such times. I use it often. A BF without a working generator would be a deal breaker if I were in the market.

whemme · Post by **whemme** » Wed Apr 09, 2014 8:20 pm

Tom,

My opinion is that when it comes time to sell your Born Free coach and it does not have a good working generator in it, that you will take financial hit trying to sell it.