Generator Tailpipe Spanked

[Mike Ellis]

OK fellows, I am sitting here after "events" led to my generator's tailpipe coming off. The hanger bracket rubber had weakened apparently, and with a little encouragement it gave up the ghost.



The generator in question is an Onan Microlite 2500, LPG, mounted in the provided genny compartment of a Bigfoot 2500 10. 6. What puzzles me, is that the tailpipe appeared to be a slip-fit onto the genny's muffler outlet. The compartment is sized fairly precisely to the Onan, and the only access to the generator innards is through the access panel on front of it.



There is no way I can see to get the whole "green cover" off the Onan, and there is no access anywhere to the joint where the tailpipe connects. SOOOOO... how in the world do they clamp the tailpipe to the muffler? Even if you unbolt the genny, there is only an inch or so of headroom in the compartment to lift it up >>> reaching the tailpipe joint would still be a problem it seems.



Attached are pics of the tailpipe and the hanger bracket assembly, including a closeup of the end that slips over the muffler outlet. This sure looks bogus to me, don't see how the pipe could possibly have been sealed good enough to prevent exhaust leakage. Any ideas how to get this rascal re-installed without having to find Plastic Man to do it???

 

[Boomer II]

Hey Mike, I'd go look at mine but it's in Colorado Springs getting some warranty work done on it.

 

[klenger]

I installed an Onan MicroQuiet 3600 LP in my 5er (see sig). The tailpipe attaches to the generator outlet, which is resessed inside the generator compartment about 1". It attaches with a small muffler clamp. The attachement is all done from below the generator.



I have PDF copies of the installation and service manuals on my website at http://www.klenger.net/arctic-fox/generator-installation/index.html



Hope this helps.

 

[Mike Ellis]

klenger,



I visited your site and downloaded the manuals, but I am unable to figure out how you get to the muffler clamp from below the generator. On my Bigfoot, the generator is installed above the battery compartment, and there is no way I can see to access the muffler area unless it is by lifting the generator up an inch or so (no more room). Maybe lifting it that much allows access to a clamp if you use a long enough screwdriver



From under my camper, you can see where the generator exhaust pipe is routed through a metal duct that goes straight down from the generator compartment, it is about 4" wide or so and about 2 feet long. Looking up inside trying to figure out how to get to a clamp in that location, makes me - kinda like that old joke about the gynecologist who takes a class in auto shop, and is given an A+ on the engine rebuild exam because he did everything through the muffler :-laf