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Old 07-23-2016, 12:57 PM   #1
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Generator Mods

So this past trip, I was having the generator shutdown uncommanded due to what I believe is vapor lock. I took it into Onan and they couldn't figure anything out. Tech said they typically install an aux fuel pump inline with the factory one, outside of the Onan compartment. He said that would resolve the vapor lock issue. But I also noticed that the 2017 models now come with a generator vent on the door panel. So I emailed FR asking how I'd go about purchasing this vent/shroud since I don't have an FR dealer near me so I can resolve the vapor lock issue. They offered to send the vent/shroud to me for free and apologize for the inconvenience. I was pleasantly surprised for sure. I just didn't want a generic cover on the side of our 2015 30DS. Anyways, here are some pic of the installs if it helps anyone.

Tools I used on the vent install was an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel, hole saw with drill, and a flat/half radius file. I need to order some lap sealant and butyl tape along with getting some screws from Lowes. But this should resolve any vapor lock concerns for sure. Between the shroud/Gen, I have about 1/2-3/4" gap. Definitely feel the cool intake air rushing into the generator. I had to trim the outer ring as well as the depth of the shroud.

Vent Cover PN: 70A08495A
Vent Shroud PN: 70A08493A

For the fuel pump, I replaced the old stock one with a new one in case it was getting weak from being so hot and moved the fuel filter aft of the aux pump. Solder into the same power supply for both pumps. Tech at Onan said the PCB can handle the additional amps.

Aux Fuel Pump: Airtex E11005 ($49)
Wix Filter (33001): $4
Replacement OEM Pump: Airtex E11006 ($33)
Brass barb fitting, 1/4"ID x 1/8" NPT ($2)

Hope this info helps someone.
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Old 07-23-2016, 01:05 PM   #2
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Pro looking job! Those compartments need all the Air they can get! Youroo!!
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Old 07-23-2016, 01:24 PM   #3
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late 2016 models ALSO come with a vent.
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Old 07-23-2016, 05:29 PM   #4
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Did something similar on my old Mirada last year.

Generator Compartment vents | 2001 Coachmen Mirada 300QB

These vents are from a Skidoo watercraft..
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Old 07-24-2016, 06:52 PM   #5
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Timing is everything. I had sent an email about a week ago asking the same thing, how to get the vent. I also was pleasantly surprised when the reply came back that one was on the way to me. I hope to get it this week. Thanks for the pics. Now I know how to install it.
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Old 07-26-2016, 10:25 AM   #6
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I too am impressed with Forest River Service. Sent a Email to them about the door vent for generator and Chris of warranty from Forest River is sending a baffle and vent at no cost to me. Thanks and a hat tip to KansasFR3 for bringing this to the forums attention. Including the install process.
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Old 07-29-2016, 08:54 AM   #7
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Generator Mods

Added the aux fuel pump and we are off again on the hot highway. Thanks for the post and I will let you know how it goes. Not sure how to order the vent /shroud. But will figure that out when we get home. Nothing like working on things on the road


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Old 07-29-2016, 09:01 AM   #8
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Great job on the vent and the same for the others who have modified there compartment doors. Great thing about this forum is your experiences that you have shared will without a doubt save others much frustration and money.
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Old 07-29-2016, 09:23 AM   #9
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Where would we order these parts from? My Google results for those part numbers just bring me back here.. :-)
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Old 07-29-2016, 09:52 AM   #10
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Specifically the vent cover and vent shroud.
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Old 07-29-2016, 10:54 AM   #11
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Contact Forest River on their site by Email.
Forest River RV Contact Us - Forest River, Inc.

Good luck.
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Old 07-29-2016, 09:48 PM   #12
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Ran all day in the heat and the ac never tripped. Life is good. Happy cAmping


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Old 07-31-2016, 04:52 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by antilley View Post
Ran all day in the heat and the ac never tripped. Life is good. Happy cAmping
Good deal! We're hitting the road again next weekend to CO test out all the new mods. I don't expect we'll have any issues with the Gen/AC any more. Happy travels!
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Old 07-31-2016, 04:54 PM   #14
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Generator Mods

Ran three days rolling down i20. Not one issue. Also starts after a single prime

Thanks a ton!!!!!


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Old 08-15-2016, 09:20 AM   #15
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Thanks Kansas
I found this post searching for the same problems you had. I have a Thor Ace and the dreaded 36 code. Thor didn't have a clue as to getting the vent so I called Camping World where I bought my Ace, they also sell Forest River. Gave them the parts numbers and your model number and have a vent on the way.
Will probably be doing the aux fuel also.
I believe the rubber shroud between the door and the generator is the key to making this work. Just a vent in the door doesn't keep the hot air from the exhaust and engine from being suck back into the intake.
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Old 08-15-2016, 09:53 AM   #16
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The shroud is actually extruded plastic surround. Right now, it still has a 1/2" gap between the shroud and gen in case of gen vibration. You can feel the intake pulling the fresh air in from outside and it really makes a difference in the temps on that side of the genset. I think you can hold off on doing the extra aux pump since I think most benefit is the cooler operating temp. Though I do like the idea of having my fuel filter on the outside genset, which will make it easier to change out in the future. Good luck with your install. Its nice to have a reliable generator again.
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Old 08-15-2016, 10:24 AM   #17
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Hey so one thing just came to my attention while researching this one a bit is the operating temperatures. The QG 4000 manual states it should work fine up to 120F. I wonder what the actual temperatures are in that cabinet while driving on a hot road with a V10 shoving a lot of heat back at the gen set as well???
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Old 08-15-2016, 01:13 PM   #18
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Carl; good points.

115 Deg F outside air temperature on I-10 outside Phoenix. That doesn't include the nice black asphalt, or the V10 cranking out BTUs right in front of the generator compartment. I'll guess 140 at the air intake on the genny !!!

On our next road trip, I'll put a couple temperature sensors inside the generator compartment and get some readings..
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Old 08-15-2016, 08:34 PM   #19
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following for sure, interesting topic
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Old 08-19-2016, 03:11 AM   #20
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I've contacted FR twice now to request this vent for the generator but have not had any reply. What or where can l get this vent??
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