A low-tech way to quiet down an FC generator

[Scott Forman]

Good idea. Will put that on my "to-do" list

Scott

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "one_dusty_hoot"
wrote:
>
> Hi Scott, What you have done would make a good
> project contribution to the files section with
> a few pictures in the photo section if you care
> to do this. Maybe someone will be looking later
> and what you did is just right for them as well.
>
> bob janes, greenville, sc
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman" <sforman@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Happy New Year everyone,
> >
> > I have had my FC for about 2 years now, and in that time, one of
> the
> > few things I have disliked about it is the amount of noise the
> > generator creates in the porch area. I use my coach primarily
for
> > college football, which means that I am rarely on hook-ups. The
> gen
> > noise has really been a draw back to me as I'm sure it is to you.
> >
> > I have made good progress at quieting it down by re-insulating
the
> > compartment inside and readjusting the door so that it fits
> > snug...these changes have helped reduce the engine noise down to
a
> > reasonable level. What I hadn't been able to change, though, is
> the
> > jet-engine like racket created by the radiator fan sucking air in
> > through the intake grill. You FC owners know it is deafening.
> >
> > I considered several fixes, from John Finn's radiator/fan
> relocation
> > to springing the bucks for a new Onan Quiet Diesel. Instead, I
> have
> > solved it for about $30 in materials and 2 hours of work.
> >
> > I have built a "sound deflector". I took a piece of plywood and
> cut
> > it 20" wide by 35" high. The 20" is the approximate width of the
> > intake grill, and the 35" allows me to place the board on the
> ground
> > 6 or 8 inches out from the coach and lean it in to the side just
> > above the intake grill. I finished the plywood on all sides to
> make
> > it waterproof and added a strip of rubber at the top edge so that
> it
> > wouldn't mar the paint where it leans to. Then, to the back side
> > that faces the intake, I stapled some of the pyramidial
acoustical
> > foam used in recording studios and radio stations...this absorbs
> > sound that hits it instead of reflecting it. The end result is
> > amazing.
> >
> > The sound from the air intake is now virtually nonexistant.
> Airflow
> > is not a problem, as the sides are still open to allow air to
flow
> in
> > to the grill. The acoustical foam is the key, all the sound that
> > hits it is killed...without the foam, it would still be quieter,
> but
> > not nearly as much.
> >
> > If you are bothered by the noise, try this fix, it is simple &
> cheap,
> > so if you don't like it, you haven't lost much. You could easily
> > paint the board to match your coach color and it would hardly be
> > noticable. Email if you have any questions or would like me to
> snap
> > a picture for you.
> >
> > Scott Forman
> > 82 FC35RB
> > Memphis
> >
>