How to access inboard side of generator?

[Dr.Theopolis]

I need to access the far side (the inboard side) of my Onan BF generator in my 1977 Argosy 24 to access the cylinder head for maintenance. Does anyone know if this can be done from inside? Is there a panel that was designed to be removed for this purpose?

[Mike Leary]

I know lots about gen sets, but zip about Argosys. Can you post a pic? Also, what kind of
"maintenance" requires you to be back there?

[87MH]

Originally Posted by Dr.Theopolis

...access the cylinder head for maintenance. Does anyone know if this can be done from inside? Is there a panel that was designed to be removed for this purpose?

You can change the plug, but that is about it - to scrape the carbon from the head the genset is removeable without too much difficulty - if you have an engine hoist or a fork lift.

You have to take off the air filter assembly, drop the exhaust, separate the wiring and gas line, and about 4 bolts on the bottom and it will come out of the compartment.

[85MH325]

And don't take any shortcuts, and make sure that you have adequate lift in place for the genset when you loosen those bolts. You don't want to drop it on any thing you can squish like arms or feet. The current version of the Onan 4k genset weighs 172 lbs. IIRC, the 7.5 kw Onan in my '85 325 weighed something close to 350 lbs!

Roger

[Dr.Theopolis]

Yay! I finally got the generator out. After I have fixed it all up and have it running good, I'll let you know if I am going to sell it and buy that Yamaha 3000w inverter generator I saw for sale somewhere for an outrageously good price (damn craigslist - makes me make all these decisions). The Onan is from my 1977 Argosy 24 mh (BF model 4kw).