Onan 2500 LP Oil Change?

[RizeMaster]

Does someone have tips/tricks or links to how to change the oil in a QG2500 LP generator in a Rize (Scope) camper?


The issue is that it is under-mounted and tightly built in between battery and other stuff. Plus, it is very close to the road, so I would have to raise it up some (Lynx Lego blocks).


There is a bit of a blog here - THE INTERSTATE BLOG: OIL CHANGE FOR AN UNDERMOUNTED, CONSTRICTED ONAN 2500 LP GENERATOR but its for a different camper.


The RV place wants their hourly charge of $249 + parts. I would like to do it myself, but no idea even where the dipstick is. Getting the new oil in with no room to tilt a bottle may be worked around using a little pump. I do "regular" oil changes on all my cars including the ProMaster, so there is some basic understanding.

 

[RizeMaster]

I was hoping to hear from someone who had a similar issue/situation. Or maybe something remotely helpful? My goal is to spend $10 for filter and oil and an entertaining hour of intense learning vs the $250+.

Theory vs Reality: User manual vs what is there.

 

[16ACE27]

The dipstick is right behind the removable service door.

 

[RizeMaster]

Thank you. I wonder if Thor built these with the idea that for an oil change the genny has to be dropped down, out of its brackets, to be accessed. Blah.

 

[16ACE27]

Thank you. I wonder if Thor built these with the idea that for an oil change the genny has to be dropped down, out of its brackets, to be accessed. Blah.

Thor just installed a new unit and was only concerned with that installation. Periodic maintenance was probaly not in the engineer's mind (as is usually the case in any vehicle).

 

[RizeMaster]

Thor just installed a new unit and was only concerned with that installation. Periodic maintenance was probaly not in the engineer's mind (as is usually the case in any vehicle).

Some do, some don't. For ex, the oil filter on my '10 Jetta is accessible from above, just pop the hood, no need to climb underneath or lift up the car. Makes maintenance really easy. And may be an exception...

 

[16ACE27]

Some do, some don't. For ex, the oil filter on my '10 Jetta is accessible from above, just pop the hood, no need to climb underneath or lift up the car. Makes maintenance really easy. And may be an exception...

Same with my 2016 Sonic. Right up front easy to access with nothing in the way, EXCEPT it was a cannister filter with the open end pointing down so when you removed it oil dripped right down the side of the engine. In my 2020 Colorado they use the same filter, accessible from the top and they redesigned the cannister so only the top and the clipped on filter comes out, BUT, you have to push your way though hoses and wiring harnesses to get to it and wrangle it out.

 

[ducksface]

My bigblock 8.1L avalanche requires tipping a filter full of oil at about a 60° angle and dragging across the frame and exhaust.
I Pound a hole in the bottom of the filter with a screw driver and drain it before removal.

My Chrysler v6 is on top, in a housing with a drain. Not a drop on the engine when removed. Plastic crap, but brilliant execution.

On a related note;

I'm not real sure that a propane fired engine is going to get any oil contamination from unspent fuel and fuel byproduct.

I'm all but positive there isn't a way to dirty the oil other than internal wear.
Propane produces an ungodly amount of water when burned, maybe that's a reason.

Beau might know, or any warehouse forklift guy should be able to say.

Op,
Once you find a way to get to the plug, install a ball valve of some type and a drain hose. I have one on that stupid Honda 160 motor on my concreted mixer due to where the drain plug is.
And
Harbor freight makes a great little transfer hand pump with hose on each end.

 

[ghnl]

Does someone have tips/tricks or links to how to change the oil in a QG2500 LP generator in a Rize (Scope) camper?

 

[RizeMaster]

Well... thanks... yep there are a lot of videos on how to change the oil of generators that are side-mounted. Very easy peasy indeed. Did you take a look at the pic of my bottom-mounted one I attached?


The link I included in my OP is the closest I found, but on a Rize/Scope it seems even worse.

 

[RizeMaster]

I'm not real sure that a propane fired engine is going to get any oil contamination from unspent fuel and fuel byproduct.

I'm all but positive there isn't a way to dirty the oil other than internal wear.
Propane produces an ungodly amount of water when burned, maybe that's a reason.

Beau might know, or any warehouse forklift guy should be able to say.

Well, I am open to opinions, sure, but Cummins doesn't seem to agree and recommends oil changes for LP gennys too.

Op,
Once you find a way to get to the plug, install a ball valve of some type and a drain hose. I have one on that stupid Honda 160 motor on my concreted mixer due to where the drain plug is.
And
Harbor freight makes a great little transfer hand pump with hose on each end.

Hey now, that's a great idea... not sure there are "ball valve oil plugs" though.

 

[ghnl]

Well... thanks... yep there are a lot of videos on how to change the oil of generators that are side-mounted. Very easy peasy indeed. Did you take a look at the pic of my bottom-mounted one I attached?.

I guess we need a better picture of how the generator is installed in your rig.

They all drain from underneath. Getting (safely) underneath is likely your first obstacle. An olde fashioned lubrication pit would be ideal... I've got a four post lift in my garage (but the doors aren't high enough to get an RV in there). Very nice way to work on my sports cars or pick up truck...

 

[RizeMaster]

Op,
Once you find a way to get to the plug, install a ball valve of some type and a drain hose. I have one on that stupid Honda 160 motor on my concreted mixer due to where the drain plug is.
And
Harbor freight makes a great little transfer hand pump with hose on each end.

Oooh you are right! Fumoto, here I come. Anyone know the size of the oil plug by chance?

 

[ducksface]

If that's a Healey, I have a couple of vintage gifts for you....

 

[ghnl]

If that's a Healey, I have a couple of vintage gifts for you....

1961 MGA. I bought it in 1972.

 

[ducksface]

Nothing mga here at the shop and have 3lbs of Healey stuff I inherited.
I only know 70's lancias, and American.

Delivered my Cunningham/purple people eater/washburn 614 corvette race clone to the new owner yesterday.

Wife caught me looking at this yesterday after we delivered.
https://rungecars.com/
She threw a small but sinister fit(mostly about our 'no hardtops' rule)

I long for a Lister knobbly or a cheetah....

Hijack over.

 

[RizeMaster]

No worries, as long as I get some answers, hijack all you want!


Just checked and it looks like I might be able to remove the access panel to access the dipshtick and air filter (which also needs to be changed) by removing one of the two Coach batteries. I wanted to remove that one anyway, who needs a battery when you got a Genny? Just kidding.

With the battery/cage out of the way, I can open up the side and do the dipping and filtering. Just need to figure out what size EZ Oil Drain valve to get. Progress! :bow:


(According to Onan: Enclosure Door, Removal and Install: All components handled in this procedure weigh less than 23 kg [50 lb]. I guess they did not count on Thor blocking it with a 75lb battery).

 

[ducksface]

I sound deadened the holy hell out of my generator and it's cabinet.
Consider this while your battery is out.
And
On gq4000, much to most of the noise it makes come from the air filter housing.
I wrapped that 2 layers deep when I was I was in there. You can see it through the green grate in the picture. Maybe yours too makes noise.
Dramatic difference in tone, slight difference in decibel.
All of the cornet and snare drum is gone, but the euphonium and timpani is still there.

 

[RizeMaster]

My QG2500 is pretty quiet. From inside, the A/C is significantly noisier than the genny clattering.

 

[RizeMaster]

I guess I'll have to call Cummins about the thread size of the oil plug. Not looking forward to that...