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Topic: Noisy Onan Emerald III Propane generator (Read 865 times) previous topic - next topic

Noisy Onan Emerald III Propane generator

While "up North" I noticed the exhaust pipe from the generator was up against the driver's front tire. Upon further inspection I saw that the pipe had torn right out of the muffler. It is a midpoint discharge on the muffler. I removed the muffler and had the pipe welded back on.

It is now obviously quieter, but still much noiser than I like. the noise isn't coming from the exhaust but seems to originate from the large cooling fan discharge area. Is this normal?
Where might I get a new muffler for a '89 generator? Oh, the generator was rebuilt about a year ago and the "clock" says about 1,732 hours, but no telling if it was reset after the rebuild.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Noisy Onan Emerald III Propane generator

Reply #1 –
Most additional noise would come from the generator hitting / rubbing something, as if it had moved, loose mounting bolts, poor isolation rubber mounts, exhaust hitting body etc.
Parts are available, we ship Onan parts world wide every day.
GENERATOR SERVICE COMPANY
FWIW

Re: Noisy Onan Emerald III Propane generator

Reply #2 –
I'm working on putting my Emerald III on a slideout. As such I have made a new frame for it. One of the areas where I needed to watch the clearances is where the exhaust fan shroud is. The shroud actually extends below the gennie mounting plate; the plate itself was bolted to the factory frame with standoffs to raise it for clearance there.

There are two rubber isolation mounts under the generator itself, but near as I can see, only one under the engine. If that mount is worn enough, there will be enough movement such that the exhaust fan shround may be rubbing or hitting the frame. That certainly would increase the noise levels, and that movement could possibly account for the exhaust pipe breaking.

Am thinking that I'll be replacing those rubber mounts before I bolt everything back together again. Mine are 20 years old, yours a little older. Would probably be a good idea regardless. Hope this helps.

Steve
1991 U225 Grand Villa

Re: Noisy Onan Emerald III Propane generator

Reply #3 –
Steve, Just a note from the legal dept, make sure when you are done, there is some sort of screen, grill over the fan so no one can put fingers up into it and get them chopped off.  This actually happened many years ago, so now you see why the screen is there. point is, don't remove it.  Kids can stick fingers into the darnedest places.

Re: Noisy Onan Emerald III Propane generator

Reply #4 –
Thanks Dave.  :)

I am likely replacing the existing broken grill with something of a finer mesh. I was thinking more of critters getting in than kids sticking their fingers in there, but you make an excellent point.

Yesterday we completed a dry run with the slides, new frame and gennie attached. Works like a charm. So much easier to access everything for service or repairs. Once we work out all the details regarding extending connections, it'll be torn apart again for the frame and spacers to get powder coated. Details will be posted in the Renovations section.

Going shopping now for new isolation mounts. They do get pretty sloppy after 20 years of service. Coming to visit your site Dave.  ;D

Steve
1991 U225 Grand Villa

Re: Noisy Onan Emerald III Propane generator

Reply #5 –
Steve, Screen should not be too fine, the Rat screen works best, about 1/4" square opening in Rat Wire/Screen, too fine and it will get stopped up quickly.
Yes, there was a big law suite over the kid that put his fingers up into the Onan generator vac-u-flo squirrel cage fan, this was before the screen became standard issue.