Onan 5500 generator propane problems

[kencol]

UPDATE -- PROBLEM SOLVED
I went with what the cummins tech recommended below. Split the bottles and dedicated one bottle to the genset with 3/8" line. Works fine now.

I purchased my 2011 Montana from Camping World and had them install an Onan 5500 propane generator in it. The generator has not worked properly since day one. It seems to run better in real warm weather, like above 80 F., but keeps dying out in cooler weather. It seems to be a propane delivery problem. I had it looked at by a Cummins dealer, and the tech said it needed bigger fuel lines (from 1/4” up to 3/8”). Camping World replaced the lines as recommended and also replaced the regulator, but the problem remains. Now the Cummins tech says it cannot be tapped off the same line running to the furnace and needs to have one tank dedicated to the generator (the furnace is not running when the problem occurs so is not putting any draw on the propane). Camping World says they have always installed generators this way (tapped into propane line to furnace) without any problems.

Has anybody else run into this problem of a generator not getting enough propane?

[kab449]

I installed my own generator in the prepped compartment. Keystone had a T in the propane line with a plug in the one opening. I am pretty sure the plug was 1/2" pipe thread. I would say the Cummins tech was right but the supply line should be 1/2" all the way from the regulator.

[camper4]

Mine was factory installed. Mine would get "starved" for gas at times. Ended up being the gas hoses that connect to the tank. Those little black hoses have flow restrictions built into them. Mine came from the factory with a little too much restriction for the Onan. The dealer replaced the hoses and it has worked since.

[bncinwv]

camper4,
Any chance you can post a picture of the exact lines you replaced and what you replaced them with. We have occasional problems as well, and it sounds like your fix may be step one for us.
Bingo

[camper4]

Sorry I am technically challenged with getting pictures on this site.
They are the short black hoses that screw directly to the propane tanks. I was shocked they would make a difference but the dealer explained that they have flow restrictors in them and some are too restrictive.
Everything else worked well. But the Onan is a gas hog that cares exactly how much it gets where as the furnace and hot water tank will work with less.

[bncinwv]

Am I correct in assuming that you replaced the entire assembly including the connectors to the tank? Something like this?
Propane connector
Bingo

[camper4]

Exactly!
They replaced both sides.

[pappy65]

I installed my own 5500 with the plumbing arrangement in picture. I bought the hose from the T to the generator at an Ace hardware. I would guess, if there is a restriction it would be in the hoses from each bottle to the regulator. I wonder where the dealer got hoses with less restriction. If we can figure that out, I would replace mine just to eliminate that piece of the puzzle.[img][/img]

[bncinwv]

camper4 e-mailed me pics of his installation that shows the replacement hose being manufactured by Mr. Heater. I hope he doesn't mind that I am posting the picture he sent me:



Bingo

[mhs4771]

Those hoses are real problems. I bought a 12' extention to use with a separate tank and our grill. Now this brand new hose wouldn't let enough gas thru to even lite the grill. Went back to my home made hose set-up.

[camper4]

I am not sure my parts are less restrictive by design or they just tried new ones of the same thing. The dealer told me he had trouble with a slew of the hose assemblies from time to time on campers with the Onans installed.
He thought some hoses were made with a defect.

[pappy65]

Ordered two of the Mr. Heater 12" from amazon using the link Bingo provided. This hose is at the bottom of the page that link takes you to.

[mhs4771]

I think it's more than just a few of them. Maybe made at the same plant as the Chinese Marathons. Maybe they use the scrap rubber from the tires to make the hoses. Just a thought

[seahunter]

quote:Originally posted by mhs4771

Maybe made at the same plant as the Chinese Marathons. Maybe they use the scrap rubber from the tires to make the hoses. Just a thought

LOL!

[kab449]

I had my propane supply company make the hoses for me. They made sure the internal diameter was 1/2" all the way from the regulator to the generator.

[seahunter]

I vote for Strickland Propane - they'll set us up with everything we need for propane and propane accesories.

[kab449]

quote:Originally posted by seahunter

I vote for Strickland Propane - they'll set us up with everthing we need.

Excellent plan, you know it will be done right.

[mhs4771]

Only as long as you get Hank, if Buck gets involved all bets are off!

[travelinsparky]

Thanks for all the intresting read I just bought the onan gen set, will install shortly. It looks like that I should be fine if I follow the cut out info that came with the gen. It is going in a new 3400RL pre prepted for the gen. Will run half inch pipe from the T to the gen. Thanks

[seahunter]

quote:Originally posted by travelinsparky

Thanks for all the intresting read I just bought the onan gen set, will install shortly. It looks like that I should be fine if I follow the cut out info that came with the gen. It is going in a new 3400RL pre prepted for the gen. Will run half inch pipe from the T to the gen. Thanks

Some folks here have added the generator. If you need any help, try the search function, or just ask questions. I'm sure I've seen pics of installation someone could direct you to.