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Old 09-18-2015, 04:16 PM   #1
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Generator low oil pressure

Hello again!

We just bought a pre owned 2014 AI and have only run the generator 20 hours thus far. it is an Onan generator. We intended to warm up some food in the microwave real quick and the generator cut off after about 30 seconds and flashed a "low oil pressure" note. Does this mean I must take it to get maintenanced or can I simply add oil to it? If I can add oil myself, what kind and how do I do it? Thanks! Learning as we go I guess!
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Old 09-18-2015, 05:38 PM   #2
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The most likely thing is that it's just low on oil. Generators are usually set up so it's easy to check the oil level and add oil yourself if necessary.

I guess the first thing to do would be to find the generator, get the model number, and then search for the owner's manual on Google.
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Old 09-18-2015, 07:47 PM   #3
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You can get the Onan specified (see owner's manual) oil from Amazon. There's a thread here that shows pics of the operation of filling. For just adding a small amount, the oil squirt can should suffice.

I let mine hang out over the end of the driveway which gives a lot of clearance to get to it.
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Old 09-18-2015, 08:32 PM   #4
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Your Onan Generator is due for an oil change at 20 hours and is probably low on oil.

Might try a search as there are quite a few other threads here regarding adding and changing oil.

You didn't per chance have the rooftop AC going when you tried the microwave?

Oil is 30w if you don't plan on using it in freezing temps or 10w40 if you do.
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Old 09-21-2015, 05:19 PM   #5
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Part of this discussion should probably be how to access the generator to even check the oil. My husband crawled under our new unit to check the oil level. It appears that once you have crawled under the unit you have to find the access panel which is next to the spare tire and facing the rear of our unit. Once the panel was off the dip stick could not be pulled out because the spare tire is in the way. Does that mean that the spare has to be dropped every time we want to check the oil level? For us that means a trip to Freightliner because we have neither the tools nor the space to do that with six wheels sitting on the ground.
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Old 09-21-2015, 06:53 PM   #6
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If you can get under to get the panel off, then w/ the spare dropped, it should be easier. I gain about six inches of extra clearance by letting the rear hang out over the street. But I guess the new Onan must be bigger or they relocated the dipstick since I don't have to drop the spare.
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Old 09-21-2015, 09:01 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kfrere View Post
Part of this discussion should probably be how to access the generator to even check the oil. My husband crawled under our new unit to check the oil level. It appears that once you have crawled under the unit you have to find the access panel which is next to the spare tire and facing the rear of our unit. Once the panel was off the dip stick could not be pulled out because the spare tire is in the way. Does that mean that the spare has to be dropped every time we want to check the oil level? For us that means a trip to Freightliner because we have neither the tools nor the space to do that with six wheels sitting on the ground.
Yep, have to drop the spare a little (a few inches should be enough)to let the tire swing out of the way so you can pull the dipstick out. It is good practice anyway.
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