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It's not done...but I'm going camping!

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KL1aplay

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It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« on: June 30, 2022, 09:15:58 am »
My deadline was to have this ready for a camping trip on the 4th of July. It's not pretty but it is sealed up and going on its maiden voyage this Saturday. This will also give me a chance to give the PC a shake down and see what else needs attention. I'm really excited to finally get to use my PC that was purchased about 2 1/2 years ago. It was purchased in New Mexico with knowledge about the rear damage and I then drove it home to Montana with no problems. So Mechanically it should make it 75 miles to the camp site.
« Last Edit: June 30, 2022, 09:17:49 am by KL1aplay »

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Engineerlt

Re: It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« Reply #1 on: June 30, 2022, 10:42:40 am »
Wow you really are talented it looks good from where you started. A little paint and it looks like your done with the rebuild of your PC. I look forward to seeing you out on  the road and wish you the best in your travels.
Very Respectfully
Lance

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KL1aplay

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Re: It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« Reply #2 on: June 30, 2022, 11:04:36 am »
Thanks Lance!
There was also some extensive damage to the cabinets inside the PC. I have them back to where they are usable but this will also need to be addressed later. Luckily for me I have been having fun working on it(actually look forward to it). What I like best about this whole project is I will be in it for less than $15,000 including the purchase of the PC.

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Engineerlt

Re: It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« Reply #3 on: June 30, 2022, 11:12:02 am »
That is amazing, you have managed to do all that work for that amount of money, plus the purchase of it. You definitely have a coach that is worth well more than you have invested. I hope your trip goes as you hope.
Very Respectfully
Lance

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mikeh

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Re: It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« Reply #4 on: June 30, 2022, 11:20:08 am »
All I can say is CONGRATULATIONS!!
I've seen all of your previous photos of the work on this unit and it was a pretty major undertaking.  You're correct about being lucky that you enjoyed working on the project, because a major, time-consuming effort like that one is hard to sustain over time unless it's something you actually enjoy doing.  Over my lifetime I've started more than one major project out of enthusiasm that just gradually diminished and finally became abandoned because I lost the willpower to stay the course.

The end result so far looks great, and I hope your maiden voyage proves to be a reward for all your hard work!
Mike

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Gixxerkid3

Re: It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« Reply #5 on: June 30, 2022, 11:26:10 am »
Congratulations on the mostly finished product.  I hope all goes well for you.  I haven’t watched this post in it’s entirety but I have seen some of the previous photos you posted great work.

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CalCruiser

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Re: It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« Reply #6 on: June 30, 2022, 06:01:03 pm »
Mad Skilz 2o2 Enjoy!
Goin' where the wind goes...

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2022, 07:57:32 am »
Awesome job KL1aplay!!!!  I am IMPRESSED.

I am also immensely impressed that you got to this point for a mere $15,000 including purchasing the rig.

Good For You!
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

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KL1aplay

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Re: It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« Reply #8 on: July 06, 2022, 03:04:44 pm »
The maiden voyage was a success. Almost everything seemed to work as it should. Since I was plugged in I did not need the generator(only 100 hours on it) but had to see if it worked. After priming it and hitting the start button It ran for about 2 seconds. It quit running and would not fire again after that(gas was at 1/2 a tank). I was so relieved that everything else worked and do not have to add to the list of things to fix.
All this hard work so far made for a really fun 4th of July weekend. Looking forward to some more trips.
Thanks everyone for all the kind words.

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Engineerlt

Re: It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« Reply #9 on: July 06, 2022, 03:23:51 pm »
That is good to hear. Glad that you had a good time on your maiden voyage. The good thing about the generator is it did start, so it probably won't take much to get it running.  Maybe its just the carburetor needing cleaned out. Look forward to seeing you out on the road.

Very Respectfully
Lance

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mikeh

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Re: It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« Reply #10 on: July 06, 2022, 04:53:18 pm »
Very glad to hear about your successful maiden voyage!  After all the work you put in to restoring your PC you deserve it!

Regarding your generator issue:  Based on experience I can almost assure you it's the carb.  Take a look at this message string, and especially the couple of posts I inserted:  https://forum.phoenixusarv.com/index.php?topic=4654.msg41702#msg41702
The correction is to clean out the carburetor bowl--especially the main jet and needle behind the altitude adjustment.  Once everything is clean use the primer to flush the line and you should be good to go.
Other's mileage may vary, but my 2019 unit has proved to be very sensitive to fuel (especially non-stabilized E-10) sitting stagnant in the carb bowl.  The two times I've let it run past a couple months without exercising the generator I got exactly the symptoms you describe.  In each case, cleaning the bowl took care of it.  I am now pretty religious about maintaining a monthly generator exercise as Onan recommends.
Mike


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KL1aplay

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Re: It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« Reply #11 on: July 06, 2022, 05:24:43 pm »
Thanks Mike, I will give that a try.
 It is 2 1/2 years not running with me and not sure of the previous owner. 100 hours in 17 years...it is probably due.

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donc13

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Re: It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« Reply #12 on: July 07, 2022, 11:36:47 am »
I put a quarter turn shutoff valve in the fuel line inside the Onan and when I store it, I start the genset, shut the valve and let the engine run itself out of fuel.  Fingers crossed, but so far, zero problems with the genset starting and running when I reopen that valve, prime and start the genset.

I have almost 500 hrs on it now.   We live in Colorado so don't worry about moisture getting in the windings over the winter... Or actually, anytime.
---
Don and Patti

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mikeh

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Re: It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« Reply #13 on: July 07, 2022, 03:35:15 pm »
That's a good approach, Don.
Phoenix begin installing similar shut-off valves around the beginning of 2019.  When I took delivery of my new unit in February 2019 the shop guys showed me the valve and told me they had just got permission to begin installing them on all units.  I assume they are still doing that.  I'm not sure it's foolproof, because I've found that with small engine carburetors, it's pretty common for a small residual amount of fuel to remain in the bottom of the bowl after "running dry".  With the Onan carb design positioning the main jet and needle horizontally at the very bowl bottom, that residual amount might still be enough to cause a problem.
For that reason, in all honesty, I don't use the shut-off all the time but it certainly can't hurt and it would be a good practice.  Your experience may support that it's an effective solution.
Mike

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: It's not done...but I'm going camping!
« Reply #14 on: July 07, 2022, 08:34:30 pm »
I put a quarter turn shutoff valve in the fuel line inside the Onan and when I store it, I start the genset, shut the valve and let the engine run itself out of fuel.
That is good practice.

We will all need to add a fuel cut-off on everything carbureted for when Biden's 15% ethanol mandate takes effect.  The industry expects 15% ethanol will damage all small engine carbs from continuous exposure.  The motorcycle industry is also very concerned.

It seems wise to run the engine with 15% as normal, then kill the flow of fuel to run the carb dry.  Doing so will limit exposure to times of use alone which will minimize damage for the long haul.  That will surely be a huge inconvenience.

mikeh, I hear you about how much fuel remains in the carb after running it dry.  I suppose we will all find out the hard way.

The jury seems to be out on the positive effects of using a fuel stabilizer.  It is not clear the additive will make matters better or worse.
« Last Edit: July 07, 2022, 08:40:21 pm by Ron Dittmer »
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