Question Newb with a generator question

[Cbc8]

Hello all,

Thanks for the add to the forum.

Had a 30 TT for a few years and loved it. We had a buddy who bought a class C Thor majestic from Cruise America and had nothing but awesome experiences.

So we sold the TT and got a 28A Thor majestic. Overall it’s been a good rig. We’ve had it about 2 seasons now.

first winter we had it the batteries die. After that I haven’t been able to get the generator to run. I fires up, runs a few seconds and dies. White smoke comes out of the exhaust. I keep getting a code 45.

So far I’ve replaced the carburetor, fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plug, fuel line, air filter. I’ve also replaced both batteries and have a full tank of gas.

The code 45 (according to Google Gemini…I know I know don’t flame me too bad) says it might be the brushes. I’m tired of throwing money at this thing without it being fixed and I know to get to the brushes I’m going to have to pull the generator and a bunch of stuff off it.

I’m looking for some sage advice lol. My local Cummins place said it’ll be $230 an hour and a minimum of 4 hours for diagnostic. Heck that’s almost 1/4 a new one with a 3 year warranty.

Looking for some help

Thanks in advance!

Also, we have a trip planned in 5 weeks going across the country with our 5 kids and 2 dogs in it….soooo I need to figure this out asap hahaha

 

[Boat Bum]

I think it's too late for sage advice as you've kept throwing parts at the problem rather than get to the root cause. Try to find an independent diesel mechanic, they're every bit as good if not better.

 

[Cbc8]

I think it's too late for sage advice as you've kept throwing parts at the problem rather than get to the root cause. Try to find an independent diesel mechanic, they're every bit as good if not better.

Pardon the ignorant question….i know Cummins is mainly diesel however the generator is just gas….are you saying a diesel mechanic would still know his way around a regular gas Cummins engine/generator?

 

[Boat Bum]

Apologies, I saw Cummins and I immediately thought diesel. I think your options just opened up as many small engine repair shops should be capable of the fix.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I quit trying to fix onan when a thin plastic cage in the starter Bendix was priced at 70 usd.

I started hauling around a quiet 2000w portable generator. Now am using solar.

On the other hand have you checked the oil level?

 

[TheLooks]

It is most likely not something in the engine. These sensitive pieces of crap have to many controls and electronic garbage on them. I am "certified" to work on them, but I don't. When mine dies, it will be replaced as as a weight savings on my class c. I already have my solar and an inverter generator mounted on my trailer for travel. I may remove it anyways.....

 

[Holdmybeer]

Apologies, I saw Cummins and I immediately thought diesel. I think your options just opened up as many small engine repair shops should be capable of the fix.

It's a Cummins Onan. Onan is Norse which roughly translates to "Might Start, keep trying". I have a Honda EB 6500X out in the garage, which has never hesitated to start, ever. Serviceable carbeurators and decompression mechanics isn't voodoo, nor is it patented. Onan could build a reliable generator just as easily as building the unreliable deadweight they're selling to the RV industry now.

 

[Boat Bum]

I have 5500 Onan in my coach (2015) and it has never failed me, even starts in the dead of winter when I turn my engines over.

 

[Holdmybeer]

Okay

 

[TheLooks]

Mine(onan) is from 2004 and runs also....with lots of noise and vibration. I have a Honda 5000 I used as a contractor and could not wear it out, gave it to my son and it starts every time 1st or 2nd pull. It is at least 45 years old and has had nothing but normal service. But where is the money in selling something like that? Campers have an estimated 10 year lifespan.
By the way, Onan/Cummins has come out with an inverter generator for MH and campers. It costs over $6000. I can buy 6+ of my Westinghouse generators for that.

 

[fishslayer]

Mine did that too..its programmed to shut off if gen is not producing power. The stator had to be replaced..1500 bucks for new parts..local shop had a used gen with blown piston, they swapped the gen section to my motor.. 1000 bucks including labor.. 2 yrs, works fine..If i ever have any more issues, i will pull in and just use my portable 4K gen.