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Topic: Best way to clean an Onan Emerald III generator? (Read 893 times) previous topic - next topic

Best way to clean an Onan Emerald III generator?

In solving my start problem today (see my other post) I discovered what appears to be the body of a large dead moth sticking out one of the cooling vents at the end of the generator.  I also noticed that all the wiring, etc. inside the control box is covered with dust.  I am afraid to use brake cleaner on that area as I am worried that it might affect the generator wiring.  Can I use an air gun from my shop air or onboard air compressor to clean out the control panel area and the air vents?  I can adjust the shop air pressure to less than the 150 psi that it puts out but I have no way to regulate the onboard air readily.
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP

Re: Best way to clean an Onan Emerald III generator?

Reply #1 –
John, yes using the air nozzel with the air compressor is a safe way to blow out the dust and for sure do not use brake cleaner or carb cleaner, that is a sure way of creating major problems as it eats the insulation, and causes corrosion on other metals.
A good air nozzel works good, for oil, use an electrical contact cleaner, it will not eat things up.

Re: Best way to clean an Onan Emerald III generator?

Reply #3 –
Looks fine to me, I would try it, says safe on plastic, that is a good sign.

Re: Best way to clean an Onan Emerald III generator?

Reply #4 –
When I saw the price of the cleaner I found on the web I started looking for something cheaper and available locally.  I found several brands that I was familiar with, CRC and Chemtronics.  Electronics Parts Outlet (EPO) in Houston said they had some plastic safe contact cleaner but it was not either of the two I was looking for.  On my way to EPO I decided to stop at some of the auto parts stores to see if they might carry something.  I got lucky on my first stop at Pep Boys and found this:  www.crcindustries.com/auto/content/prod_detail.aspx?S=Y&PN=05103.  It says it is plastic safe and it shows a Molex nylon connector on the label.  It was on $5.99, not the $17.00 quoted me by EPO or the $35.00 for the one I found on the Internet.  Since I was going to use it to clean out the control box area I figured I would need a lot and $12.00 for two cans is better than $70.00.
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP
 

Re: Best way to clean an Onan Emerald III generator?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: John Cooper –
When I saw the price of the cleaner I found on the web I started looking for something cheaper and available locally.  I found several brands that I was familiar with, CRC and Chemtronics.  Electronics Parts Outlet (EPO) in Houston said they had some plastic safe contact cleaner but it was not either of the two I was looking for.  On my way to EPO I decided to stop at some of the auto parts stores to see if they might carry something.  I got lucky on my first stop at Pep Boys and found this:  www.crcindustries.com/auto/content/prod_detail.aspx?S=Y&PN=05103.  It says it is plastic safe and it shows a Molex nylon connector on the label.  It was on $5.99, not the $17.00 quoted me by EPO or the $35.00 for the one I found on the Internet.  Since I was going to use it to clean out the control box area I figured I would need a lot and $12.00 for two cans is better than $70.00.
John,
That' is the product I use as well.  Purchased from Advance Auto.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH