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Old 08-24-2015, 09:00 PM   #1
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Changing Oil on a Onan 4kw Genset?

This may seem like a silly problem but I can't remove the 2 screws that hold the oil drain hole cover on. I have a 2014 Sunseeker Model 2250LE. There isn't much space between the bottom of the generator and the ground so I can't see them very well. I thought they were philips screws but they look more star shaped. My philips screwdriver doesn't fit the head of the screws. The Onan manual doesn't mention anything about what these screws are. It just says to remove them to get at the drain plug. The July issue of Motorhome also talks about removing the 2 screws on page 85 "Simply remove the two screws...". Are these screws really philips and I have the wrong size philips screwdriver or are they special screws with a star shaped head?
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Old 08-24-2015, 09:29 PM   #2
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Its a star shaped head... "T35" or "T40" one of those. Pick up a set of "T" bits.
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Old 08-26-2015, 08:18 PM   #3
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https://youtu.be/9kdEUXoYdfU
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Old 08-26-2015, 08:29 PM   #4
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They have mine installed directly above the trailer beam. I was thinking of adding a Fumoto valve. Anyone done that? May be a good option for the OP as well.

Yes, you need T30 torx bit for the cover and I think it was a 9/16th socket for the plug.
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Old 08-27-2015, 12:58 AM   #5
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Good video link, thx.
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Old 08-27-2015, 09:04 AM   #6
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They have mine installed directly above the trailer beam. I was thinking of adding a Fumoto valve. Anyone done that? May be a good option for the OP as well.
Not yet... But it is on my list of "to-do" along with a short drain hose to make it easier to keep it clean when changing the oil.
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Old 08-27-2015, 06:29 PM   #7
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To simplify oil changes on my Sunseeker, I replaced the access plate's Torx cap screws on my Onan with regular hex head cap screws. I don't remember the thread size. I put a label on the generator with the access plate and drain plug hex sizes.
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Old 08-30-2015, 11:32 PM   #8
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I found the videos helpful, as they did identify that the screws on the plate covering the drain plug are a Torx T30. However, the drain plug on my 4000 generator was not a 9/16", but was metric (12 mm). Also my drain plug had a crush washer, so I had to stop and take some time to go source a new crush washer. (Note a crush washer is a thick aluminum washer that is compressed when tightening the plug, and is intended to only be used one time only.) In some ways I was happy to see the crush washer as it took away any concerns about potential leaks, as they work very well.
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Old 10-24-2015, 07:25 PM   #9
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Not yet... But it is on my list of "to-do" along with a short drain hose to make it easier to keep it clean when changing the oil.
Thinking of doing this as well, just dont know the thread size for the valve
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Old 10-26-2015, 07:44 AM   #10
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Couple questions
Other than Dino 10w30 that Tito used in the Video,any other recommendations on oil?Someone once told me Onan gen sets use a specific oil.
We are fair weather campers in the south
Also Tito in the video used a thread sealant on the drain. I've never heard of using this.Wouldn't there be a possibility of contaminating the oil?
Compression washer sounds like a better option to me.
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Old 10-26-2015, 07:55 AM   #11
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mine came with some paper tags on the cover that said it has 15w40 installed.
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Old 10-26-2015, 08:03 AM   #12
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Compression washer sounds like a better option to me.
Honda Goldwings all use the "crush washer" and I guarantee you will never see a drop of oil under a Goldwing.

10 Pack of Crush Washers - Honda Gold Wing Parts & Accessories by WingStuff.com
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Old 10-26-2015, 12:56 PM   #13
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mine came with some paper tags on the cover that said it has 15w40 installed.

X2. We use 15w40. Depending on operating ambient temps... I believe straight 30 weight or 10w30 are acceptable per the manual.
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Old 10-26-2015, 02:05 PM   #14
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Couple questions
Other than Dino 10w30 that Tito used in the Video,any other recommendations on oil?Someone once told me Onan gen sets use a specific oil.
We are fair weather campers in the south
Also Tito in the video used a thread sealant on the drain. I've never heard of using this.Wouldn't there be a possibility of contaminating the oil?
Compression washer sounds like a better option to me.
Correct, I would not use tread sealant. It will contaminate the oil. Never used it on mine and it doesn't leak.
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Old 10-26-2015, 03:17 PM   #15
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I changed over to full sunthetic last time
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Old 10-26-2015, 05:42 PM   #16
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I changed over to full sunthetic last time

I was told by the head Cummins/Onan mechanic not to use synthetic, I wild have thought it would be better. He said the molecules were smaller and more able to make their way out of the system. Not sure how true all that is, but I would check your oil level often just in case he knew what he was talking about. He said a high end 15w40 regular oil is the best option with straight 30 weight a close second.
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Old 10-27-2015, 06:31 PM   #17
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Correct, I would not use tread sealant. It will contaminate the oil. Never used it on mine and it doesn't leak.
I've used teflon wrap on every drain bolt on every oil change I have done...
Several hundred in many vehicles.
I have never had a leak and have never hurt an engine- any type.
And I never buy new washers. Just be careful.
Don't over use it and it won't get into the crankcase.

Nobody changes my oil but me. (except on my company car- it's theirs)
Over 35 motorcycles and ATV's, cars, trucks, gennies, lawn equipment- anything with a motor.
25 oil changes just on my wifes last car.
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