2002 Friendship

[Willyt]

What is the best way to get to thermostat on the 7.5 diesel generator? Gen does not slide out. Is there a way to get to it without pulling generator. Have done all maintenance, filters, spark arrestor, changed out antifreeze. It has 450 hrs on it. Started it today, it ran for about 45 min with one ac on and quit, it hasn't been reliable. The thermostat is the only thing I haven't replaced
Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you, Tom

[jimcox]

Hi Tom.

I have an ONAN 7.5 generator which blew a fan belt. I had to remove the generator to fix it. I also replaced hoses, thermostat and sensors while i had it open to avoid one of those going in the future. The thermostat is at the very top of the engine and you will have to drop the generator to get at it.

If you plan on doing this yourself, here is a link to how I went about it.
https://www.gsowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6425&highlight=remove+generator

Good luck with whatever you decide

Jim Cox

[Larry8146]

Would you please send me pictures

[jimcox]

Hi Larry8146.

Some of the generator photos attached as requested. In img_3009_2, there is a red arrow which points to the thermostat housing. The thermal sensor is in the housing on the opposite side.

The engine is a 3 cylinder Kubota tractor engine.

Jim Cox

[Willyt]

Thanks Jim good idea using the levelers, what two brushes are you suppose to replace ? Thanks. Tom

[jimcox]

I did not replace the brushes. BIG Shasta had his done and I assume he meant the brushes on the generator itself

[Willyt]

Thanks Jim, I'm going to give this a try....
This isn't my idea, but it makes sense, I was reading this guys forum and he is adamant that the 7.5 Onan generator's dip stick is not marked correctly and when it's reading full it's too full without any room for oil expansion. He said he was having issues with his gen cutting off after it ran for a while. Eventually he withdrew a pint of oil which took it down to the quarter full mark. He said it ran for thirty some hours after that whith no issues. I'm going to try that, can't hurt !! My diesel mechanic who works on my 7.3 Ford always did tell me not to fill it to full line it will just blow it out somewhere.

[jimcox]

I hope that works for you.

[Willyt]

I'll let you know Jim