What's your Onan Generator coolant level?

[Old-RV'er]

Clearly indicated on the CAP of the coolant tank is the word COOLANT. Take the cap (cannot remember color of cap) off - twist - not threaded, and fill that tank to within 1" or so of full. This is the overflow tank. Regardless, you should check the level, at least once month, (manual says daily but if not used and not leaking!!!) and if you run genset the required 2 hours as prescribed then after it has cooled down, like the next day works. The coolant should be blue I think, but the same that goes in the engine (diesel assumed) will work, if gas powered, and genset is not, then consult owners manual for correct type. I have attached the operators manual for the 7.5-8.0 KW diesel powered units. Take note of the coolant section. And please also note, the radiator cap should be replaced every three years, when you drain out the old coolant and replace with new. I believe the main engine also needs this done, cannot remember the interval.

 

[jagpot]

Clearly indicated on the CAP of the coolant tank is the word COOLANT. Take the cap (cannot remember color of cap) off - twist - not threaded, and fill that tank to within 1" or so of full. This is the overflow tank. Regardless, you should check the level, at least once month, (manual says daily but if not used and not leaking!!!) and if you run genset the required 2 hours as prescribed then after it has cooled down, like the next day works. The coolant should be blue I think, but the same that goes in the engine (diesel assumed) will work, if gas powered, and genset is not, then consult owners manual for correct type. I have attached the operators manual for the 7.5-8.0 KW diesel powered units. Take note of the coolant section. And please also note, the radiator cap should be replaced every three years, when you drain out the old coolant and replace with new. I believe the main engine also needs this done, cannot remember the interval.

Thank you. At the top of the tank there are two cap marked (coolant and oil). The coolant one I took off and didn't know if I put it in there or in the radiator itself. There is a min fill mark and a max fill mark in the lower right side of tank. Fluid is not visible. should I go to 1 inch of max or 1 inch of top of tank? Also do I mix 50/50 distilled water and coolant? The radiator cap is inside the Gen right?

 

[RandyB]

Use 50/50 pre-diluted ethylene glycol (most common) and pour it in the tank. Mine had the whitish colored cap labeled coolant. Somewhere between the min/max cold level markings on the tank is fine.

 

[jagpot]

Use 50/50 pre-diluted ethylene glycol (most common) and pour it in the tank. Mine had the whitish colored cap labeled coolant. Somewhere between the min/max cold level markings on the tank is fine.

Thank you so much. First time doing outside work on rig. I'm female and 67 but still like to save a dime when possible!

 

[VTPete]

Thank you so much. First time doing outside work on rig. I'm female and 67 but still like to save a dime when possible

What model generator do you have? Onan require special coolant in many cases

 

[jagpot]

What model generator do you have? Onan require special coolant in many cases

It says 7500 Quiet

 

[VTPete]

What Randy said above is correct, many of us use coolant we pick up online or from the local Cummins dealer, CC2825 - Fleetguard ES Compleat EG 50/50 Coolant Antifreeze - Pacific Power Group

 

[jagpot]

What Randy said above is correct, many of us use coolant we pick up online or from the local Cummins dealer, CC2825 - Fleetguard ES Compleat EG 50/50 Coolant Antifreeze - Pacific Power Group

Thank you all so much I ordered it online. Be here Sat, Wish me luck!

 

[RandyB]

@Old-RV'er provided the manual in a previous post. Pages 37 & 38 outline the coolant requirements. Regular shelf item ethylene glycol antifreeze meet the requirements.

 

[Old-RV'er]

Just going to say, diesel generators need special coolant, You can get from a variety of places, Freightliner or Cummins, or you can order it on amazon. I carry couple of gallons of it. Still getting air bubbles out of new engine. Check that one after every trip each evening when traveling. The PDF shows all the different types of coolant. The picture is the one my 6.7 engine is supposed to use. It can go in the generator, or the second one down from the top in the PDF can be used. I like to not have 6 different things for the same thing, so it gets the picture type. Once you get it filled up, between the marks, then check it once week until you know it's not losing fluid.
Also, please list your vehicle information in your signature file, as we on here would know how to help you better, knowing that. Have fun.