Question Has anyone worked or replaced a generator Cummins Onan 2.8HGJBB? (Roadtrek Popular 190)

[Rcindallas]

Our Roadtrek Popular 190 2003 generator will crank but not start, and it is a very difficult-to-work on model (Onan 2.8hGJBB-1120A). It will crank, but not start. So far we have: replaced the fuel filter, soaked & cleaned the carburetor (as best we can; it is not designed to be taken apart and rebuilt), and replaced the spark plug. It is firing and cranking, but will not catch and start. Has anyone tackled this particular model? I have not found a replacement carburetor (OEM costs $900+) but was wondering if there is another similar model that can be adapted. I believe the carburetor part number is A043K683.

Or if the generator is toast, what have people replaced it with? Considering a Honda 2200, but wondering how to carry it; has anyone mounted a portable in the original cabinet of the built-in?

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Everything is a compromise! However you're dealing with a 2800w generator, so I suggest sticking with one the same or slightly larger in capacity.

 

[Rcindallas]

thanks! I wonder if you can find a portable one of the same size that will fit... space is tight in there! We have replaced the AC and it is now a 5000 btu so our wattage needs may be less.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Sounds like a window unit! Has it worked for you?

If efficiency is good then yes it will work with smaller gen.

I have a friend with similar btu unit that just moved to a larger generator. Not because the old one would not do the job, but they used it to much when new!

The new Medea window unit has my eye. It will run on solar fairly well.

As far as what fits,you will need to get your tape measure out and measure! I went solar years ago and have not looked back!!!

At this time half my solar is disabled,and have not had issues with things not keeping up. So, My system works fine on 1000watts of solar.

Some here may call me on that statement, but it's true! Although I actually have 3000 watts of panels,1000 got left behind for summer travel. Due to some system failures, I am modifying the system, so have some panels out of the system!!! This is giving me a reality check!

Guess what I am saying is!

With a Medea A/C I think 1000 watts of solar on the roof, may fill your needs with even a really small, let's say 1000 watt generator. Easily stowed in the gen compartment. Then using an inverter appropriately sized to run your house loads!

That is what I did before going totally solar!!!

Sometimes changing plans midstream, like replacing something you just installed (A/C)! can save money,even in the short term!

 

[Rcindallas]

thanks, but yes it is a new window unit (with extra buffering for the ride) and we are really happy with it so not looking to replace it. The 5000 btu size appears to be perfect for this space. We have determined that 2000W is sufficient for our needs, so looking to fix our current generator (2800W) or replace it with something in the 2000 to 2200W range.

 

[mitcht]

Our Roadtrek Popular 190 2003 generator will crank but not start, and it is a very difficult-to-work on model (Onan 2.8hGJBB-1120A). It will crank, but not start. So far we have: replaced the fuel filter, soaked & cleaned the carburetor (as best we can; it is not designed to be taken apart and rebuilt), and replaced the spark plug. It is firing and cranking, but will not catch and start. Has anyone tackled this particular model? I have not found a replacement carburetor (OEM costs $900+) but was wondering if there is another similar model that can be adapted. I believe the carburetor part number is A043K683.

Or if the generator is toast, what have people replaced it with? Considering a Honda 2200, but wondering how to carry it; has anyone mounted a portable in the original cabinet of the built-in?

I cannot help with it not starting but I can help if it will not keep running. for over a year, mine would not keep running. Had it looked at many times and was told it was fixed. WRONG! I saw a post on YouTube concerning the problem. Tried it, it now has worked for about four years. How problem was fixed? DO NOT fill oil to full. Supposedly onan made dipstick wrong. I drained the oil down to just below halfway on the dipstick. This is all I did, now runs great.

 

[jjrbus]

The portable units are a pain, I am sure of this as I have been using them for 25 years! Need to secure, power management, extra gas on and on. When I bought my Roadtrek I looked for a 200 with no back door as I knew what I was going to do. First I removed the good running Onan and sold it. Then I replaced the Fedders 10k AC with a LG 9500 dual inverter. Built a rack and modded a aluminum box for the Honda 2200. It is hard wired in and I can carry up to 10 gallons of gas for the extended run setup. Is it worth it? Unlikely for most people

 

[Digger Dawg]

Our Roadtrek Popular 190 2003 generator will crank but not start, and it is a very difficult-to-work on model (Onan 2.8hGJBB-1120A). It will crank, but not start. So far we have: replaced the fuel filter, soaked & cleaned the carburetor (as best we can; it is not designed to be taken apart and rebuilt), and replaced the spark plug. It is firing and cranking, but will not catch and start. Has anyone tackled this particular model? I have not found a replacement carburetor (OEM costs $900+) but was wondering if there is another similar model that can be adapted. I believe the carburetor part number is A043K683.

Or if the generator is toast, what have people replaced it with? Considering a Honda 2200, but wondering how to carry it; has anyone mounted a portable in the original cabinet of the built-in?

I believe the 1992 I just purchased has the same generator and it had trouble running while the van was on an incline but ran well once we put it on level ground. I eventually plan on replacing it with my Harbor Freight Predator 2000 which is identical to the Honda but much cheaper.

 

[dcruz99801]

I believe the 1992 I just purchased has the same generator and it had trouble running while the van was on an incline but ran well once we put it on level ground. I eventually plan on replacing it with my Harbor Freight Predator 2000 which is identical to the Honda but much cheaper.

I just inherited a 2015 with similar won't start issue -- it actually started once, ran 3 minutes; I shut it down and now it's inop. Did OP say carb cannot be disassembled/rebuilt?