Cost for Routine Service on Onan 4,000 Generator?

[Jimx7]

how much to you pay for a tuneup on an onboard Onan 4,000 generator ?
thanks

[Eagle5]

Hi Jimx7,
How many hours are on your generator?
Eagle5

[Jimx7]

200 hours

[Eagle5]

You might try an oil change, and air filter change, and a new spark plug to see how it runs.
I recommend 0W-40 Mobil 1 for the oil (the same for your engine as well.) Drain it thoroughly, and fill it right-up to the top. Remember that the correct use of the dip stick (part of the fill plug) is to NOT thread it in to make the oil level measurement.
Eagle5

[Jimx7]

Not my skillset on the generator
Had a bid of $400 for tune up kit and labor wanted to find out if that’s average?

[creativepart]

The 4000 is a very simple device. It doesn't even have an oil filter.

I would say $200 would be a high price. I guess it depends on what all is included in the service.

I realize it's not in your skill set, but it would cost you $60 or so at most.

[Ted Fyden]

We had ours done at a Ford commercial vehicle center when they did our F 53 oil change. $280. their claim was it was special oil. the RV oil change was like $140. We have a Mack dealer next door that does not do RVs. My Brother was over the road driver and thought all Cummins dealers would work on Cummins things, but I guess not. I guess were at the mercy of those that agree to work on them. I end up paying what I got to pay and moving on. good luck in finding what is reasonable to you.

[Morich]

I would say $400 is way, way out of line for the things which are currently do at 200 hours!
But then it always apays to get the correct advise from the folks who build the things, so I go for what the owners manual tells me!
For oil it looks like 15W40 is best for those who will be running between 10 and 100 degrees temp! You can back off on that if the temps are more moderate!

But at that low hours, the only recommended things are the oil and cleaning the spark arrester if needed. Air filter, plug, etc. are not noted until later but page 10 has the info!
For the easy stuff, I might just look to a local handy man!
https://www.cummins.com/sites/defaul.../0981-0154.pdf

[Jimx7]

I would up get the parts at camping world.
Air filter
Oil
Spark plug
$31
Did it myself and was very easy about an hour.
Thanks for you tube saved $369.

[Rickb33952]

I would look for a Mobile RV Tech company that will come to you. The price is their minimum plus the parts that you buy and have on hand. I would estimate less than $50 for the oil, plug and air filter that any RV parts shop will reccomend and sell you. The minimum is usually 1 to 1 1/2 hours and the job should be completed and leave time to check and service a couple of other annual items.
If the Generator needs work, that is outside of normal service.

[Jimx7]

Just did it myself
Got parts from camping world $40
Filter, oil and plug.
Watched some YouTube videos and was good to go. Saved a lot of money.

[Bobn1957]

Originally Posted by Eagle5

You might try an oil change, and air filter change, and a new spark plug to see how it runs.
I recommend 0W-40 Mobil 1 for the oil (the same for your engine as well.) Drain it thoroughly, and fill it right-up to the top. Remember that the correct use of the dip stick (part of the fill plug) is to NOT thread it in to make the oil level measurement.
Eagle5

Don't forget to change the fuel filter as well!

[Jimx7]

Didn’t do the fuel filter
Will do at 200 hours

[paof6]

I've always run the oil cap/dipstick in until tight to check the level as per pg 12 of the manual.
Is the manual wrong Eagle 5 or you just prefer your method?
I just replaced the air filter at 260hrs. 1st time.
The air filter was simple enough to replace after I got the angle of the dangle correct to get the fool thing out.
After 6 yrrs of use & many attempts I still can't get the arrestor plug out.
Tried it hot & cold with a special socket I bought.
Ideas?

[Eagle5]

Hi paof6,
I just reviewed my paper manuals, and they do not mention generator oil level checking.
The Cummins Onan Generator Set CD provided with my original documentation does mention checking the oil level on Adobe page 31, and here is what is said:

1. Unscrew the oil fill cap and wipe oil off the dipstick.
2. Reinsert without screwing in the dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick again to check oil level.
4. Add or drain oil as necessary. Keep the oil level between the full and add marks.
5. Insert the dipstick and screw the oil fill cap back on securely.

Mine is a 2019 4,000 watt model for the Minnie Winnie.
I do not know why the manuals are different.
Thanks, Eagle5

[Morich]

I think it may just be two people writing about something that is not critical---within limits!
Certainly too low is super bad but we can't really get it too full without it running out of the hole!
So there is a certain amount of "slack" in the difference between too low and not being able to go too high. My method is to get it pretty close to running over but just short of squishing out as I screw the plug in!
And from there, I check it pretty often if I'm using it much, simply because I'm sure I don't want it low!