Genset access

[JBK]

Does the genset compartment on an 86' 45 slide out? It looks like it is on slides with securing bolts, but frankly it is too damned cold to look really close.
I have to get to the carb and clean it since there is something plugged and it won't run. The fuel pump works and it runs if I put fuel down the carb, so there I have it.
There is about 3 inches above the carb and I can't get my fat hands in there, so if there is a way to slide it out, it would be great.

JB

[JBK]

I doubt that it matters but it is an Onan I believe.
JB

[Wabbiteer]

fifteen below - when I moved to MN I had the power steering fluid solidify and had to flush slush at -15; I can't help with the slide question but I sure feel for you...

Is the generator a known working unit that has gone inop in the cold?

[overlander63]

It is very possible the carb has "iced", either has water in the bowl which has frozen, or the throttle plates have accumulated moisture which has frozen. Best thing is to pull the entire moho inside if possible, and allow it to thaw out. Put a couple of bottles of drigas into the main fuel tank, this will help if you have water in the fuel.
And yes, the genset should slide out if the rollers and slides are not rusted solid or damaged, you may have to unlatch them, the latch should be at the front, or outer, edge of where the rollers/slides are.

[JBK]

Thanks guys. It isn't ice. The MH has been only driven a couple hundred miles in the past 4 or 5 years and I doubt if the genset has been run at all in that time. It wouldn't work in 50 degrees, so ice isn't the prob. It will run with gas poured down the throat, but won't keep going. I have flooded it with carb cleaner and SeaFoam, but it apparently has a plugged jet and I have to take it apart. I am glad to hear that it should slide out. That will make my life much easier.
Oh yeah, it's not an Onan, it's the gold colored one that I can't put my finger on the name. Oh well, maybe it will get above freezing sometime before the 4th of July. Thermometer read -10 on the drive in this morning. Getting to -20 tonight with a high of -7 Sat and Sun. This is all before factoring the 15 to 20 mph winds. Gotta love Northern Minnesota...

JB

[Wabbiteer]

Check for iced up fuel filter - filter mesh so fine it won't allow liquid water 'dropd' to pass - a new one is no big expense usually...

There is always the tap-tap-tap with a metal rod trick, not hard enough to damage the pot-metal castings but enough to free a shellac welded float or corrosion welded needle valve.... even the percussion of a tap hammer on a long 3/8" socket wrench extension will sometimes work miracles...

And Minnesota gas is EXTREMLY SEASONAL BLENDED; you will be far ahead of the game to drain the old gas and add fresh since the summer-blend will not atomize properly in cold air & vice-versus, plus unless you puchased 'recreational' blend gas, MN fuel is blended for commuters so they never expect a tank to be more than a few weeks old meaning it goes stale FAST. Is there a smell of turpentine to the fuel? Try to get to the carb float bowl and open the drain plug on its under side then allow gravity and/or fuel pump to clear line & bowl of debris.

Minnesota gas also is 10% ethanol which is exactly what gas-line drier is - don't waste the money.

[JBK]

Tanks' you silly Wabbit. (Couldn't resist.)
Like I said, if it ever warms up here I will tackle it. I know it's in the carb so it is just a matter of taking it down and giving it a good cleaning. I'm glad to know that I should be able to slide it out to access it.
I just hauled in some wood so I am pretty warm. Might go out and look at that slide set up before the sun sets in an hour.
Later...

JB

[Pat370]

JB, how much gas is in the fuel tank? If you have less than one quarter tank the pick up tube for the Gen set will not pick fuel. Your Gen set sounds like it is a Kohler brand. The Gen set is not on a sliding drawer, it mustbe dropped down from the bottom with a floor jack after you take out the bottom panel and remove the muf

Good luck, I hope this helps.

Pat370

[str8strm]

our 85 had a kohler and was not on a drawer, it lost a "leg" and we replaced it with an Onan Marquis, works great!

[JBK]

Hey, Pat. There is plenty of gas. As a matter of fact it is full. I have made a couple of trips in it to the Cities in the past couple of months since I got it. The fuel pump pumps. It is definately in the carb. I did go out an hour or so ago and it looks like you are right. I can't see any slides. I think I may just take it to a shop and have them get it inside and fix it right.
Yep. It's a Kohler. I couldn't remember the name. So used to Onans on everything I have had in the past.
Well, enjoy your weekend. It's gonna get cold down your neck of the woods. They are talking -20 here tonight. I won't mind if the wind doesn't blow too hard.
I cleaned out the wood furnace this afternoon, so it should burn cleaner and hotter. It had a hard time keeping the house warm last night so I figured it was time. Seems better already.
I'm rambling. Have a good weekend and root for "Da' Bears".

JB