Onan head gaskets

[Pettybilt 3]

Hello guys, first i would like to say my wife has to get on me cause i tend to be on RedSquare just a little too much, however with so much great info, i can't stop myself.

Anyway i have a 16 hp Onan on a 416-8, after much reading i want to adjust the valves and pull the heads and clean out the carbon. Just reading what it will cost to replace/rebuild the Onan, i want to make sure it's going to last a long time. Its has 570hrs now, not sure what the PO has done far a maintinace goes. So with all that said, is decarbing the engine something that has to be done, or is it a if it's not broke don't fix it deal. Far a getting gaskets should i source them from OEM?

Thanks, Doug

[sorekiwi 761]

Last I checked there was only a couple of dollars difference between the Stens gasket and the OEM one. OEM is about $9 apiece at www.onanparts.com. ( but a Kohler head gasket would cost you most of that too! )

They also have a "Valve Grind Gasket set" for $38 which includes the exhaust and inlet manifold gaskets, and the valve cover gaskets. Curiously it doesnt include the valve stem seals

I havent priced the bits through my Toro dealer, but I probably would before ordering online. Support your local dealer if you can!

I cant advise you on whether decarbonizing is needed, I havent had an Onan running for long enough to know!! (I bought one with a "single cylinder twin" and havent got around to finishing it.)

[rickv1957 75]

Hello and I would leave it alone and just maintain it,Rick

[Pettybilt 3]

Thanks guys for the replies, Its hard to tear into something that runs so good. I have no problem doing the work, just don't want to extra work thats not required.

Thanks, Doug :D