Onan Decarb Head at 1,000 hrs ????

[leeave96 490]

I had a guy ask me "just where does it say decarb the Onan cylinder heads at 400 hrs".

 

For whatever reason, I was pretty confident that Onan recommended decarbing or "cleaning cylinder head deposits" at 400 hrs and would have bet a Cub Cadet on it - LOL.

 

Sooooo, I looked at the Onan service manual and couldn't find it, so I went to the 1989 Wheelhorse 520-HC manual on this website () and it says "clean cylinder head deposits" at 1,000 hrs!

 

Where did I get 400 hrs?

 

Thanks!!!!!!!!!

Bill

[JackC 617]

The ONAN Engine Operator's manual says 1,000 hours (see Page 9).  More frequently if continuously running engine under light load (whatever that means).

 

One shop says every 200 hours and another said 500 hours.

 

1,000 hours may be fine for a generator application but I would not wait that long for the wheel horse application.

 

Especially now that the available parts and service is diminishing.

[Cable 180]

My 1993 520 came with RS14yc plugs.  I think it was in 1997 that the EPA published a requirement to use a RS17yx plug in the Onan P220.  I made the change and the engine runs better and there is significantly less carbon build up on the plug.  I would be interested in what think about the need to decarbon when using the newer plug verses the older one.

[JackC 617]

I had a 1965 Corvette. Once a week I had to run it very hard to keep it running right.  I am lucky I am not in jail but it did work.

 

I have several 1985 Mercedes 300D Turbodiesels.  Owners know that they need regular Italian tune ups (put the pedal to the floor and run the pizz out of it and the carbon goes with it).

 

Same is true for any engine especially the ONAN Performer Series.

 

 

Dear Auto Doctor: I own a 2002 Cadillac DeVille with only 66,000 miles. There is an engine knock that the dealer says is carbon buildup. He said a de-carbon treatment will cost $400. What is causing the problem? How can I prevent it?

-Bob

Dear Bob: When we have a customer with this problem we suggest the use of full synthetic oil, premium gasoline, and most importantly, brisk acceleration entering onto the freeway once a week. The carbon buildup is due to a combination of slow driving and oil deposits.