Onan question

Last weekend we used the PC to support the amateur radio field day event.  After running the generator, Tom wants to do an oil change....the question is how do you access the Onan to do an oil change?  We can see the lower end of the generator and can open the little access door. on the 2552 but how do you access the onan to do basic maintenance? Is there a magic button that I missed?

There are some excellent videos online if you Google it.  I could go into the explanation, but they do it much better than I could and have pictures etc.  Some folks have a problem getting to the drain plug and have resorted to pumping out the oil filler.  I prefer to drain the proper way.

cat House.   There is a little plate on the bottom of the genny held in place by two cap screws.  Take the cap screws out and there is a metric (I think) plug that you remove and drain the oil out.  If I recall correctly it only holds a couple of quarts of oil, check the manual for oil weight that of course depends on the temperature you will be experiencing.  If the 4000 has a filter they are just spin on/off style.

Hi Cat House,

My 4000 Onan is 5 years older than yours, but I think they are the same.

The oil drain plug is underneath, just look up from below.

To remove the access panel, there are two levers that you don't easily see.  Depending on your PC, you may have to feel for them.  Turn them 1/4 turn to the right and upward to a horizontal position and the top of the Onan cover then pivots forward.  Then lift up the cover to get it off the bottom groove and then slowly lower it down behind the PC body, down to the ground and out.

The two black cover release levers are shown here.


I don't recall the exact place to add fresh oil but it is easily identifiable once the cover is off.

Some people accidentally loose the cover while driving because they don't properly seat the bottom of it, or latch it correctly.  Make sure it's on right when you are done.  Not just for protection, but also for proper cooling, the cover is a critical piece because it forces incoming air into the right places for cool operation and long term reliability.

thanks for the information...now if we could just get a dry day to do the oil change.  lol