Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked
| Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked [message #175301] |
Mon, 02 July 2012 11:44  |
Dave Wilson
Messages: 94
Registered: September 2009
Location: Livonia, MI
Karma: 0
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Hi All, we are currently heading home from the Black Hills to Michigan in this boiling 90F+ weather. My Dad has a '73 CanyonLands with a modified generator compartment. His original wood compartment had to be slightly altered to accept later models' flexsteel furniture. He has installed foil coated insulation around the generator and hasn't experienced any issues while using the generator during driving. However, if we go into a restaurant, he insists that the generator drawer is pulled out to keep things cool. I think for the 1-1.5 hours that it runs, we can keep it tucked away (and avoid the unsightly look of a noisy generator running outside of the vehicle).
Basically, is my Dad correct that the drawer needs to be pulled out while parked? Also, my brother has a '76 and I have a '77. Both our comparments have the insulated fiberglass compartments. Do we need to pull the generators out if running while parked? Thanks for any experiences shared!
Dave Wilson
'77 Eleganza II
Photos @ http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member.php?uid=2183&protype=1
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked [message #175309 is a reply to message #175301] |
Mon, 02 July 2012 12:26  |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Dave,
Sounds to me like you're in the perfect position to get us all an answer to
that question: Use a thermometer, IR or other, to measure the temps inside
the compartment, and inside the coach, with each of the 3 generator drawers
in and out.
Hard to beat empirical data. :-)
Ken H.
On Mon, Jul 2, 2012 at 12:44 PM, Dave Wilson <dwilso38@talkamerica.net>wrote:
> ...
> Basically, is my Dad correct that the drawer needs to be pulled out while
> parked? Also, my brother has a '76 and I have a '77. Both our compartments
> have the insulated fiberglass compartments. Do we need to pull the
> generators out if running while parked? Thanks for any experiences shared!
> --
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Ken Henderson
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www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] On an 6K Generator-Running While Parked [message #175312 is a reply to message #175309] |
Mon, 02 July 2012 13:19 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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| Ken Henderson wrote on Mon, 02 July 2012 10:26 |
Dave,
Sounds to me like you're in the perfect position to get us all an answer to
that question: Use a thermometer, IR or other, to measure the temps inside
the compartment, and inside the coach, with each of the 3 generator drawers
in and out.
Hard to beat empirical data. 
Ken H.
On Mon, Jul 2, 2012 at 12:44 PM, Dave Wilson <dwilso38@talkamerica.net>wrote:
> ...
> Basically, is my Dad correct that the drawer needs to be pulled out while
> parked? Also, my brother has a '76 and I have a '77. Both our compartments
> have the insulated fiberglass compartments. Do we need to pull the
> generators out if running while parked? Thanks for any experiences shared!
> --
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I can tell you several years back I stopped for lunch in St George Utah with it around 115 in the shade. I had both roof airs going. I didn't open the drawer. When I came out the breaker in the On an was tripped the generator was off and the oil pressure sender was blown and an oil mess was under it. So as they saw Papa knows best.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked [message #175326 is a reply to message #175301] |
Mon, 02 July 2012 16:45 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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| Dave Wilson wrote on Mon, 02 July 2012 12:44 |
Hi All, we are currently heading home from the Black Hills to Michigan in this boiling 90F+ weather. My Dad has a '73 CanyonLands with a modified generator compartment. His original wood compartment had to be slightly altered to accept later models' flexsteel furniture. He has installed foil coated insulation around the generator and hasn't experienced any issues while using the generator during driving. However, if we go into a restaurant, he insists that the generator drawer is pulled out to keep things cool. I think for the 1-1.5 hours that it runs, we can keep it tucked away (and avoid the unsightly look of a noisy generator running outside of the vehicle).
Basically, is my Dad correct that the drawer needs to be pulled out while parked? Also, my brother has a '76 and I have a '77. Both our comparments have the insulated fiberglass compartments. Do we need to pull the generators out if running while parked? Thanks for any experiences shared!
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Dave,
I cannot speak about the modified generator compartment, but the standard "as built" was not designed to be run pulled out on the slides. The slides are were intended for service and maybe testing, not long term support cantilevered out at their maximum extension with a running engine.
One of the reasons the Power Drawer units are the way that they are is that they draw the air over the engine, not blow it - like most others. If you crawl underneath, you can see the air inlet where air is drawn in under the oil pan to the back so it can get pulled through the electric end and then on towards the engine. I doubt the unit itself will cool any better when pulled to the slide extents, and it may pull less air through the electric end. But, that is a question that should have been asked at Shawnee when we had the guy there that did the program.
Another reason to go to rallies.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked [message #175341 is a reply to message #175326] |
Mon, 02 July 2012 18:32 |
Dave Wilson
Messages: 94
Registered: September 2009
Location: Livonia, MI
Karma: 0
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Thanks guys for the responses, what do you personally do when you're at a stop with the generator and airs running?
Dave Wilson
'77 Eleganza II
Photos @ http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member.php?uid=2183&protype=1
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| Re: Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked [message #175354 is a reply to message #175341] |
Mon, 02 July 2012 19:51 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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| Dave Wilson wrote on Mon, 02 July 2012 18:32 |
Thanks guys for the responses, what do you personally do when you're at a stop with the generator and airs running?
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Dave
Your Dad may be concerned since his coach is a 73, and as you mentioned has a wooden Onan enclosure. I have seen several 73's where the wood is charred from a leak at the top of the exhaust pipe. I don't think the exhaust issue is unique to the earlier coach.
Some time back Bert & Faye mentioned having a design for a sheet metal cover for the exhaust.
Perhaps if your Dad installed one he would be less worried.
Just a thought.
Dennis
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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| Re: Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked [message #175362 is a reply to message #175301] |
Mon, 02 July 2012 20:38 |
GMCNUSA
Messages: 283
Registered: August 2006
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Karma: 0
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| Dave Wilson wrote on Mon, 02 July 2012 12:44 |
Hi All, we are currently heading home from the Black Hills to Michigan in this boiling 90F+ weather. My Dad has a '73 CanyonLands with a modified generator compartment. His original wood compartment had to be slightly altered to accept later models' flexsteel furniture. He has installed foil coated insulation around the generator and hasn't experienced any issues while using the generator during driving. However, if we go into a restaurant, he insists that the generator drawer is pulled out to keep things cool. I think for the 1-1.5 hours that it runs, we can keep it tucked away (and avoid the unsightly look of a noisy generator running outside of the vehicle).
Basically, is my Dad correct that the drawer needs to be pulled out while parked? Also, my brother has a '76 and I have a '77. Both our comparments have the insulated fiberglass compartments. Do we need to pull the generators out if running while parked? Thanks for any experiences shared!
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Dave,
I personally would not run it parked unless I checked the wood box for heat damage. If there is any signs of heat damage I would not run with the drawer closed and not moving. I agree with the other replies that the Onan is designed to be run with drawer closed while sitting or moving. I also think that there is extra air movement while driving that does not occur when sitting still and not a chance to recirculate some of the hot discharge air from the Onan.
My 26 ft gen box, which is fiberglass, had heavy heat scarring from leaking exhaust manifold and exhaust pipe gasket. I reinsulated with Jim Bounds sound and heat shielding and I added stainless steel shields above and down by the exhaust pipe.
JWID
Larry Dilk
Indianapolis, IN
76 Eleganza II
Patterson 455,Turbo City TBI,
Just LOVE It!
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| Re: Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked [message #175382 is a reply to message #175301] |
Tue, 03 July 2012 00:27 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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It certainly is quieter inside the coach with it pulled out...
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked [message #175485 is a reply to message #175479] |
Wed, 04 July 2012 08:14 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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For those still using the 3.6KW Junkerac, this is a concern. The Wix replacement filter is slightly less in diameter than the original, and leaves a slight gap where it goes through the cooling shroud. I used some of the foam I had kicking around from when I had Volkswagens and you have to seal the air shroud in them to the body. Tucked it around the filter in the gap. Set ran flawlessly to Montgomery last weekend in 100 - 110 degree heat. But I'm not going to brag it for fear it will pull a KenH on me and I'll have to do a KenH on it. I'm not gonna replace it till it becomes problematic. I will point out, it was installed by the P.O. some[lace towards the Left Coast, very likely by the Generac Guru (I don't have the paperwork in front of me to check, Frady has my coach) and the install is quite good. Buttoned up for air flow, large fan on the door which pressurizes the generator bay, proper exhaust routing, and still easy (remove one
baffle) to reach the filter and drain plug. Of course, trying to do anything inside the Generac shrouding in the coach is a joke.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
From: Steven Ferguson <botiemad11@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wednesday, July 4, 2012 8:35 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked
One of Duane Simmons big points was to clean under the shroud (do not use
water) and when you put it together, make sure there is a good seal around
the oil filter. This prevents cooling air loss through that gap. I've run
mine nearly forever both moving, and in place and never had any problems.
Having said that, also know that I am all about preventive maintenance.
On Mon, Jul 2, 2012 at 4:32 PM, Dave Wilson <dwilso38@talkamerica.net>wrote:
>
>
> Thanks guys for the responses, what do you personally do when you're at a
> stop with the generator and airs running?
> --
> Dave Wilson
> '77 Eleganza II
>
> Photos @ http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member.php?uid=2183&protype=1
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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--
Fathom the hypocrisy of a nation where every citizen must prove they have
health insurance......but not everyone has to prove they're a citizen.
Steve Ferguson
Sierra Vista, AZ
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked [message #221186 is a reply to message #221181] |
Thu, 05 September 2013 06:37 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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My Junkerac installation on the coach has a fan bolted to the door which pulls air into the genset compartment. The only thing which concerns me is to have a gentle breeze blowing from the passenger side of the coach, which could blow the (rising) hot exhaust air coming out the bottom of the compartment to the driver's side and recirculate it through the door inlet. Hasn't ever happened, but it would be a concern when sitting. We set a box fan by the company trucks and let it blow a breeze under the truck where the genset cooling air exhausts and then run them hours at a time.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
--------------------------------------------
On Thu, 9/5/13, Southmayd <wsouthmayd@aol.com> wrote:
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Thursday, September 5, 2013, 4:18 AM
I too have wanted to know about running the 6KW ONAN while
parked.
After all it is now FOOTBALL TAILGATING SEASON! In 100+
degree heat on a hot parking lot, I have also wondered if
the ONAN IN vs pulled OUT is better. Based upon the
threads listed, it seems to makes sense to me that it would
be better for circulation of the air around the unit to run
it while IN and door closed; however,
1) When it runs for a long time - hours - How hot is too hot
in the compartment if a temperature probe is located there
for monitoring purposes? When should I be concerned? Has
anyone run any temperature tests? How long would you
dare run the unit while parked - 3 hours, 6 hours, 12
hours???
2) It is a generator after all, while parked could an
electric fan and a clever duct arrangement be placed in a
strategic location adjacent to the compartment to force air
around the ONAN to help keep it cool (replicate driving
conditions)? What would that duct shroud look like and
where should it be placed to be most effective?
Saturday is on the way and it is going to be a hot one !
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked [message #221188 is a reply to message #221181] |
Thu, 05 September 2013 08:05 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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My GMC was used as an office on construction sites. The Onan was run for
thousands of hours, always in the closed up position. My concern would
only be that running it while in the maintenance position, extended, would
probably not be good for the mounts or slides. Of course it will get warm
inside the coach, that insulation is old and probably missing in one or two
places. It has a shroud and if the gasket around the filter housing is in
good condition, it supplies enough air with it's own blower to keep itself
within operating temps.
Steve F.
On Wed, Sep 4, 2013 at 9:18 PM, Southmayd <wsouthmayd@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> I too have wanted to know about running the 6KW ONAN while parked.
>
> After all it is now FOOTBALL TAILGATING SEASON! In 100+ degree heat on a
> hot parking lot, I have also wondered if the ONAN IN vs pulled OUT is
> better. Based upon the threads listed, it seems to makes sense to me that
> it would be better for circulation of the air around the unit to run it
> while IN and door closed; however,
>
> 1) When it runs for a long time - hours - How hot is too hot in the
> compartment if a temperature probe is located there for monitoring
> purposes? When should I be concerned? Has anyone run any temperature tests?
> How long would you dare run the unit while parked - 3 hours, 6 hours, 12
> hours???
>
> 2) It is a generator after all, while parked could an electric fan and a
> clever duct arrangement be placed in a strategic location adjacent to the
> compartment to force air around the ONAN to help keep it cool (replicate
> driving conditions)? What would that duct shroud look like and where
> should it be placed to be most effective?
>
> Saturday is on the way and it is going to be a hot one !
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Take care,
Steve
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked [message #221189 is a reply to message #221188] |
Thu, 05 September 2013 08:10 |
Jeff Marten
Messages: 199
Registered: August 2013
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Good timing on this question, was going to ask it today as well!
Rear panel open or closed - better cooling with it open? Will be running the gen 5-6hrs on Sat for my daughter's 1st Anniversary party that's being held on a 750 acre ranch. A few of us will be camping there for the night too, so it may get a few more hours of run time.
> Date: Thu, 5 Sep 2013 06:05:53 -0700
> From: botiemad11@gmail.com
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked
>
> My GMC was used as an office on construction sites. The Onan was run for
> thousands of hours, always in the closed up position. My concern would
> only be that running it while in the maintenance position, extended, would
> probably not be good for the mounts or slides. Of course it will get warm
> inside the coach, that insulation is old and probably missing in one or two
> places. It has a shroud and if the gasket around the filter housing is in
> good condition, it supplies enough air with it's own blower to keep itself
> within operating temps.
> Steve F.
>
>
> On Wed, Sep 4, 2013 at 9:18 PM, Southmayd <wsouthmayd@aol.com> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > I too have wanted to know about running the 6KW ONAN while parked.
> >
> > After all it is now FOOTBALL TAILGATING SEASON! In 100+ degree heat on a
> > hot parking lot, I have also wondered if the ONAN IN vs pulled OUT is
> > better. Based upon the threads listed, it seems to makes sense to me that
> > it would be better for circulation of the air around the unit to run it
> > while IN and door closed; however,
> >
> > 1) When it runs for a long time - hours - How hot is too hot in the
> > compartment if a temperature probe is located there for monitoring
> > purposes? When should I be concerned? Has anyone run any temperature tests?
> > How long would you dare run the unit while parked - 3 hours, 6 hours, 12
> > hours???
> >
> > 2) It is a generator after all, while parked could an electric fan and a
> > clever duct arrangement be placed in a strategic location adjacent to the
> > compartment to force air around the ONAN to help keep it cool (replicate
> > driving conditions)? What would that duct shroud look like and where
> > should it be placed to be most effective?
> >
> > Saturday is on the way and it is going to be a hot one !
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Take care,
> Steve
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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1985 Gulf Stream 34' Sun Stream
1964 Falcon 'Vert
1980 Bradley GTE
1999 Chevy Tahoe
2005 Saab 93 Aero
1987 Suzuki Intruder 1400
1978 Glastron/Carlson CV23
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan 6K Generator-Running While Parked [message #221198 is a reply to message #221189] |
Thu, 05 September 2013 10:22 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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If you have lost your foam sealer around the Onan oil filter, a very good substitute can be made from a typical beverage can foam cooler. Cheap, and you can choose your brand.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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