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•  ONAN Generators (Rialta Model Year 2000 and newer)
•  GENERAC Generators (Rialta Model Year 1999 and older)
•  Starting Tips

ONAN Micro-Lite Generators

The electric generator is probably the biggest cause of headaches for Rialta owners. The model used is the smallest and most compact of the product line of the manufacturer, either Onan or Generc. This means that it also is the cheapest of the entire line.

The culprit of the most problems with the generator is alleged to be "varnish" in the carburetor and fuel system thereby causing it not to start or fail to keep running. Supposedly, if you allow the vehicle to sit idle for several weeks, then the varnish from the gasoline begins to appear. To me it is unclear why such a varnish problem does not affect many other small generators used throughout the construction and piping industries. Regardless, no warranty coverage is afforded for problems in which varnish is diagnosed to be the cause.

One thing to note about losing output power is that according to Onan's brochure, for every 1,000 feet in altitude above sea level, you will lose 3-1/2% power and 1% for each 10 degrees above 85 degrees ambient. What this means is that while at a campground that is at 7,000 foot, you will lose 7 x 3.5 or 24-1/2% power loss. Your 2,800 watt generator just became a 2,114 watt generator. Similar results will occur when ambient air temperature is near 100 degrees or more.

One sure-fire solution to the "varnish" problem appears to be the installation of a fuel-cut off valve in the gas feed line to the generator. Before shutting off the generator for storage, the valve is closed and no additional gas is fed to the generator. The generator is then allowed to run until it uses up all the fuel in the carburetor and fuel bow. The thinking is that varnish can't form where there is no gasoline present. For information about installing a fuel cut-off valve, see the menu item "Modifications"

ONAN Micro-Lite 2800 Spec Sheet (PDF)

 

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Generac

The first model years of Rialta utilized a Generac generator instead of the more current Onan brand. The Generac company began to phase out these small generator sets which were used solely on the Rialta so Winnebago switched to the ONAN brand beginning in model year 2000. Manuals for these older, discontinued line of generators are still available for free download in PDF format at their web page for "Generac Manuals".

I've been told that as of May 2006 there are no longer any factory parts available for these so either existing used parts must be found or the entire unit replaced with the newer model Onan generator.

 

Generac Parts Quick Reference Chart (PDF)

Owner's Manual and Installation Instructions (Model 0661-4) (PDF)

Owner's Manual and Installation Instructions (Model 0661-5) (PDF)

 

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Starting Tips:

There has been much discussion about generators which will turn over but not start. Check the following, not in any particular order:

1. Start the engine on the Rialta then try to start the generator. If this works, it means your coach batteries are weak.

2. Do you have more than one quarter tank of gas? There is an auto shut-off feature of the generator when the gas tank gets below one quarter tank as a safety measure so you do not get stranded someplace.

3. Is the oil level in the generator up to the proper level? Improper oil level and generator will not start. Another safety measure. Some models have a trouble-prone oil sensor which the factory is recommending to be disconnected.

4. Are you parked on a relatively level surface? Again, gas or oil.

5. Have any repairs been made to the unit which involved the gas line, gas tank, generator or generator gas line? Maybe the pick up was not replaced.

6. Is the pickup in the gas tank for the generator plugged with "stuff"?

7. Is the start switch on the panel shorted? Don't forget, that is how one stops the generator and if the stop switch is stuck, then the unit will never start and continue to run.

8. Is there a manual cutoff for the gas and or the run switch someplace in the circuit/gas line which prevents the generator from going to the run mode?

9. Have checked the spark plug and wire?

10. Have you removed the spark plug, tried to start the engine, and checked to see if you are getting fuel into the chamber? To do this, disconnect spark plug wire, try to start generator, remove plug and check for gas on end. No gas, no start.

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