Onan generator service cost

[northshoreone]

I got a quote on servicing 2 onan 15kw units which includes valve adj. ,fuel pump rebuilds,new injectors, scope the cylinders and replace the belts. The est. totaled $6,900. The units have 4K plus hours and one starts hard, runs rough and smokes a bit. Thoughts.....

 

[Boatsb]

If you don't trust your mechanic find another one. How can we determine the needs and cost of servicing something we've got no knowledge of what's needed.

 

[Pascal]

I m assuming that the "fuel pump" refers to the injection pump, not just the lift pump.

It doet sound bad consiring the scope of the work, the question is whether or not it is really needed. I d do a compression check first, then adjust the valves and see how they start and run before replacing injectors and injector pump. 4000hrs isnt much on generators. How old are they?

 

[northshoreone]

1993 units one does run fine but one starts hard smokes and runs a bit rough. I just had them quote what I felt was due considering the hours and they are there already. With three plus hours travel time I don’t want them running back and forth. Better to have it all with them and deal with it on the spot!

 

[Avenger]

You can also get the injectors tested to determine of they need rebuilding. And as Pascal said, do valve lash first. 4K hrs really isn't a lot. I'm not a big fan of unnecessary parts changing. It costs money.

 

[Mike36c]

I just went thru this with my old NL 12kw. In my opinion start with a valve adjustment then conduct compression test, I bought a cheap harbor freight tester that used the glow plug hole. If it has low compression it could be caused by valve erosion, if that’s the case your fuel system is probably fine and you need head work. If compression is ok start with the injectors before the injection pump as the pump is where the $$$ is. And of course check/clean the fuel system prior to the lift pump. Also swapping lift pumps is easy. Start simple first.