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Topic: Generator Noise Levels (Read 924 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Generator Noise Levels

Reply #25 –
Let us know how the find works out. I'm with Dub, I don't know how some of these service folks sleep at night. But that's a whole other story.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Generator Noise Levels

Reply #26 –
So I had volunteered to fix my friend's 7000 Onan Marquis. Drive belt rubber dampener was broken. Put a new dampener, drive belt, belt tensioner. Pays 8 hours labor. PITA. His was propane powered. Not a great design IMO. Control computer was also $500 if needed, guess they go bad all the time. Dinosaur electronics make an aftermarket controller. 550 hrs. I didnt like the entire thing nor would I recommend purchase. IMO

Re: Generator Noise Levels

Reply #27 –
If there is any way possible stay with a diesel generator.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Generator Noise Levels

Reply #28 –
My bad thought we where talking about a gas generator
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Generator Noise Levels

Reply #29 –
I agree with everybody, get a built in diesel if possible. A 12,000-watt contractor style generator will drive everyone away from you. 72 decibels are LOUD, and at full throttle, it's probably even much higher.

If you end up having to go with a free-standing generator and can get by with 9000 watts, the Duromax 9000 IH is something to consider.  It is an Inverter style generator and is Dual Fuel. (Gas and LPG).  I got this one a few months ago and have it set up for emergency backup power for the house.  It is relatively quiet (runs at 68 decibels) and the good news, it on sale this month everywhere for $1999.  But it would be a real pain to haul around and set up to use.  It's heavy and bulky, 250 pounds. Being on wheels, it's great for home backup use, but can't imagine it being very fun with the RV.

I hope the salvage yard deal works out for you; it will definitely be the best route.

Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Generator Noise Levels

Reply #30 –
I don't know which Onan engine you have but I have seen Onans run over 50,000 hours. They may smoke some and drip a little oil but They are still running. I would not have a problem putting another generator head on that engine if it was not exhibiting problems. 

Central Georgia Generator in Milledgeville, GA sells good genny heads at reasonable prices. I have bought 3 from them to replace the heads on 3 generators in 3 different coaches. The most expensive was about $1300 for a 12K head. I imagine prices have increased some but should still be a decent deal. Good people and know what they are doing. I have no interest in the company, just passing along some info.

TOM
SOB (Some Other Brand) division
1995 Wanderlodge WB40
8V92 :D

Re: Generator Noise Levels

Reply #31 –
They don't have any diesel gens. They are either gas or LP. The one I'm looking at is LP.  dsd has thrown in some doubt about the Marquis, but it seems they have plenty to choose from. I may pick up something different. I already ordered the 12000 watt Duro Max dual fuel, guess I'll keep it around for emergencies. Worst case, I could hook it up to the house propane which is only used for cooking, so it's still 80% full and will be for a long while.

1990 Grand Villa Unihome 36ft U280
Build # 3587

74 Super Beetle

Re: Generator Noise Levels

Reply #32 –
I wondered about just replacing the generator portion, the motor still runs fine, no smoke or anything. Looks like original plugs and wires even...

I'll give them a call and see what I can do!
1990 Grand Villa Unihome 36ft U280
Build # 3587

74 Super Beetle

Re: Generator Noise Levels

Reply #33 –
Our '95 U240 had a Marquis 6500.  It was a horizontal unit, not vertical with belt like DSD posted above. The rotor and stator windings ended up getting wrecked on it due to the dumb placement behind the front tire.  If running while going down the road, it sucked up whatever was kicked up by the tire like sand or water.  It's been a couple of years, but I was able to find a NOS stator and also had the rotor rewound by Eurton electric in California.  It had very low hours so was definitely worth it.
I cut a truck mudflap to slip in under the slide frame to keep it covered while going down the road when not needed.
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: Generator Noise Levels

Reply #34 –
Quote from: Dave Larsen –
It was a horizontal unit, not vertical with belt like DSD posted above.
It too was a horizontal. Just had on its side to change belt, dampener, and tensioner. Have to split the housing in half after you remove. I admit im biased against that Onan. That particular generator only had 550 hours and just seemed real light duty. It also needed additional rotor shaft replacement due to wear. Was loose on the bearing that was not failed. I would be seeking a complete unit from a destroyed coach. Big ,Big job.. wish I could supply an easy solution. Replacing the head would be an easier  resolution. Im sure there are different onan models that would be more robust.
Scott

Re: Generator Noise Levels

Reply #35 –
I called Central Georgia Generator and they are awesome! 1399 plus shipping on a new generator portion that mates to my motor. That seems like the way to go.
1990 Grand Villa Unihome 36ft U280
Build # 3587

74 Super Beetle

Re: Generator Noise Levels

Reply #36 –
Quote from: dsd –
It too was a horizontal. Just had on its side to change belt, dampener, and tensioner.
Scott
I just meant horizontal as in generator bolted directly to engine, no belt.  Rotor and crankshaft in line and sitting horizontally.

Quote from: Uninjected –
I called Central Georgia Generator and they are awesome! 1399 plus shipping on a new generator portion that mates to my motor. That seems like the way to go.
Not too bad and no modifications needed.
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: Generator Noise Levels

Reply #37 –
Quote from: Uninjected –
I called Central Georgia Generator and they are awesome! 1399 plus shipping on a new generator portion that mates to my motor. That seems like the way to go.
I agree. If I was doing I absolutely would do service and replace the dampener, belt and tensioner. The dampener is a rubber product and is a time limited item like tires are. Tensioner just because to are there and a new factory belt. Let us know if you are doing yourself or having it done. It's a big job. The Monaco coach I did the one in was a pain to remove and having a forklift was a big plus. You have to remove the flywheel to access the dampener. Make sure the wires to the generator head are protected were they go thru the case half's. I can promise you dont want to do it twice. Seems like I recall the upper head bearing is exposed. I probably would glue a cover over it to prevent moisture and dirt from collecting.
Scott

Re: Generator Noise Levels

Reply #38 –
Uninjected, I too talked to Ga generator great folks good prices. However look closely at the measurements of their unit to make sure it will fit in Your space. The 11k single bearing is just shy of 16" long. It was too big for mine. Thats the reason I had to use a marathon pancake head.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country