Replacement Generator

[George Lowry]

Jeff,

Here are some of my thoughts... Most generators fail because of
non-use. According to the figures you gave, your generator has been
used for a total of 5500 hours in 25 years which averages out to 18
hours per month. Not a bad usage factor if it was uniform, however, I
would assume that your generator, like most, had long periods of
non-use. Mechanical equipment tends to fail more from non-use than
heavy use. When an engine sits, seals dry out, get hard, and take a
set which then leak.

The Perkins engine has been used in industrial applications for many
years and has a good reputation, better than the Onan generators,
though the Diesel Onans seem to be better than the gas driven. Again,
most of these problems come from non-use.

That Perkins that you have, if used and serviced regularly should give
you over 30,000 hours of service. IF you are determined to change, I
would consider either the Power Tech, made in FL or the WRICO made in
Eugene, OR. Both are of excellent quality and are good for at least
30,000 hours if exercised regularly. RVers tend to "save their
generators" by not using them and when needed the generator is not
their for them.

It is your money, but I suggest you talk to the experts in the field,
Dick Wright of Wrico or the owner of Power Tech. I think they will
both tell you to replace the seals and USE your Perkins powered generator.

George Lowry
'95 WBDA 4203 & GM 4106 (for sale)
Spearfish, SD

Jeff August wrote:
> Today while removing the Perkins motor to replace the seals on it we
> got to thinking, does it pay to even do the job on a generator with
> more than 5500 hours on it? We wonder if all we will be doing is fixing
> this thing, and would the money be better spent in the purchase of a
> new Onan 8000 quiet deisel? Is this a good route to go and is a 8000
> big enough, its 240 pounds lighter than a 10,000 or a 12,500 watt Onan.
> Will it fit in the tray and can it be wired into the coach as it is?
> Looking for comments & suggestions by those who have made this move.
>
> Jeff & Michelle August
> 1980 FC35RB
> Plymouth, WI
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