Awesome video! So helpful. I know nothing about generators and just bought my first one. I wanted to find an easy step by step video to maintain it. This was a perfect video and gave me confidence I could do it myself.
I do appreciate this video and your effort to educate us on the general maintenance. Thank you very much. Just a comment about the cabinet design...my hands are still recovering from all of the cuts recieved while trying to remove the oil drain plug. Probably the worst access design of any gasoline engine. Again, thank you for your work !
I replied to pachilly below with a far easier method for changing the engine oil without needing to disturb the drain plug. When refilling it is important to have the P4500 perfectly level to prevent over or under filling. Fill just to the bottom thread. A 5 ml Luer-Lock tip syringe is extremely useful for adjusting the oil level. By not spilling any oil it is easy to ascertain if the engine has a main shaft seal leak. While not common I have seen a leak on a new generator.
There is not a fuel filter on the unit that we are aware of and sorry about your hands. I will definitely pass along the feedback to Cummins. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful day!
You got that right! Tried to undo the bolts at the bottom of the casing on the carbeurator side of my 2500i and the flimsy plastic enclosure for the nut on the inside gave out before either of the two bolts started backing out. Someone in factory overtorqued on the way in or they didn't count on the plastic giving out on disassembly in the design phase is my guess. Now stuck trying to figure out how to get a wrench on these quasi-nuts without destroying the casing. Thank-you designed-in-America assembled-in-China Cummins-Onan!
Which valve is the intake valve and which one is the exhaust? They have different clearances, so you need to know. The user manual doesn't say either. The parts diagram doesn't answer the question either. I even called 1-800-cummins tech service and HE could not tell me!
Here is the response that I received back from Cummins. The intake valve is always the valve closest to the air filter side of the engine. The exhaust valve is the valve closest to the muffler side of the engine. Thanks!
@@rockymountaingeneratorsupp1543 I went into deep research mode and eventually found in the master parts manual that the left hand valve is exhaust in the right hand is intake. Thanks! Great video!
Another helpful clarification: the manual quotes valve lash for intake as "0.0035 +/- 0.0043", which the latter number would then be a ridiculous tolerance. The numbers are OK, but the "+/-" should just be a "-" (dash) thus indicating a range, NOT a tolerance. Same is true for the Exhaust side numbers.
next time that you try to show somebody how to adjust a valve, tries to bend your filler gauge so you don't rest against the edge of the valve cover flange of the head to get an accurate reading.
How much oil should you anticipate adding after a complete drain? I don't want to have to stop and constantly check level. I noticed that bottle supplied is .63 qt
Well, after 7 months of good use, mine finally took a crap. Even after recommended schedule service. Waiting to see what Cummins does about it. Just like all portable gens, except Honda, they dont last more than a year. If Cummins gives me a new one, per warranty, I am selling it and going back to Honda.
Unfortunately, we do not at this time. We will add that to our list of suggestions. Thanks for your comments and please let us know if there is anything further we can assist you with.
Thank you for your reply. I appreciate that. I have a new question for you…where can you buy the replacement battery for the Cummins Oman P4500i? I cannot find a brand on the original battery or a part number for it. Can you help with that? Thanks
According to the Cummins parts manual it is PN A064N120. I have reached out to Cummins for pricing and availability and will get back to you. Unfortunately, they don't give me any additional description besides a Cummins part number. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful afternoon!
The cost on the replacement battery is $79.00 plus shipping. If you would like to order please contact us at (303) 777-6778 or via email at wcolby@rmgsco.com Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful day!
Cummins has its smaller line of generators. Cummins does not make them, they just have an oem in China put their name on them. The Cummins name means nothing. It's not Cummins quality, it's not Cummins reliability, it's not Cummins design. It is the same cheap generator you can buy under the Westinghouse or other brands. If you have enough money to purchase a minimum quantity, you can have YOUR name put on the same generator. You will pay a premium for the Cummins name but you are not getting the quality that you expect from a Cummins product because it's not. Now if you are buying a larger industrial generator that is a different story. Cummins/Onan is still a well respected manufacturer of large gensets.
Randy thanks for your comments. The one other advantage that you get from purchasing a Cummins branded generator is the world wide service and support network.
Randy, what you say is only partially true. Granted, Cummings does not manufacture these in house. They are produced by a company named Ducar in China. Now with that said, l live off grid and have used generators from a variety of manufacturers, Honda, Yamaha, Ryobi and Firman. There is NO other generator that provides the same level of service as Onan. Want your Honda or Yamaha gen set worked on, you will wind up taking it to a power sports dealer. They work on Bikes and watercraft, so expect to wait while they order the parts they don't have in stock. Out of warranty, they average $85.00- $125.00 per hour. Cummings has a service center in every major city in the country. Pulsar and Westinghouse have similar generators, you notice I said similar, they both warranty their product for 3 years or 1000 hours. Sounds pretty good? Onan warranties their generator for 3 years, unlimited hours, sounads a lot better doesn't it. I have never added a drop of oil to my machine between oil changes and it runs EVERYDAY. At this point I have almost 2500 hours in the past year. Honda 3000 runs about $2400.00, 1500 watts less power, Yamaha 3000iseb runs about the same price. So with the Onan you get more power better fuel economy and a vastly superior dealer and warranty network for just a little less than half the price. Go buy the other brands and quit bashing Onan. I've been there, done that, that's why I have the Onan. I like to keep my money in my pocket.
@@jrsetser833 agree, my Honda 2000 has issues such as starting and running without pulsing, had to take it in several times to a lawnmower shop and pay 125 to 200 every time and they have never ever fixed the problems, and they are a Honda dealer. Honda is very expensive to get repaired and quite frankly, they do not seem to repair well? Go figure.
I have two of these generators one is surging.. any thoughts on that. It starts but then won’t stay running. Checking spark plug today oil filters changed oil change done. Could it be water in the fuel?
I would suggest attempting to manually operate the choke and see if you can get it to quit surging. If this resolves the surging issue, I would suggest you replace the choke stepper motors and they may have failed. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful day!
I was hoping you would let us know how much oil to put in. I purchase My RV used and it came with this generator but no manual. Any idea on how much oil?
Unfortunately, I do not believe that is going to be an easy one to diagnose. If your generator is still under warranty, please let me know your zip code and I can refer you to the nearest Cummins distributor location for service. You can email me at wcolby@rmgsco.com Thanks!
My apologies for the delayed response. Please give us a call at: (303) 777-6778 and we would be happy to provide you information on your closest Cummins Distributor location and can repair your generator under warranty. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful evening!
Did it run after you installed the high altitude carburetor kit? Please make sure that you have the main power switch turned on and the fuel is turned on. Please feel free to give me a call if you wish to discuss further. Office: (303) 777-6778 or my mobile (303) 618-9257. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks for the question. I don't see anything in the owners manual referencing or suggesting using oil on the air filter. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful day!
Can toy make a trouble shoot video because I’m having trouble starting mine it will start after 15-2 mins of trying until the battery goes out and then pull starting over and over again but then the next day the same thing happens
You should not be having that type of an issue. What model do you have and when did you purchase it? I may be still under warranty and we can provide you information on whom can complete a warranty repair is still covered under factory warranty. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful day!
Jacob, thanks for the comment. Please give me a call (Willy Colby) @ (303) 777-6778 with your serial number and shipping address. I will get you a replacement dipstick. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful week!
@@rockymountaingeneratorsupp1543 Thank you so much but we contacted Cummins customer support and they have one on order for us. Thank you so much for your kindness Have a good week!
I’m wondering how that’s going for you after a few years, just got mine and it seems like a solid unit. My only complaint is the case, the accesses were clearly not designed by someone that has ever serviced anything in their life.
@@chandee80 Sorry to hear that this approach did not fix the issue. I would recommend taking it to your local Cummins distributor. I can help you locate if you like with your zip code or here is a link locator.cummins.com/GlobalLocator/homeScreen.action?request_locale=en_US
Damnit. Mine’s having hot start issues, and is going into overload mode at 50% load. It sounds like the choke problem you describe might be the culprit.
The oil change was not that easy, it was so hard to access that drain bolt, very challenging. Plus lots of spillage into the bottom of the generator. Could of had a better set up
Try cutting the very top off of a water bottle. It makes a small funnel and fits right into the whole where the plug goes. At this point I have changed the oil on my more than 50 times with no oil in the bottom tray. Current hour meter reads almost 2500 hours. Take care of it and it will last a long time.
I suction old oil out from the filler. Tipping the generator 45 degrees when the fuel tank is empty is even easier. First temporarily replace the dipstick with a screw-in plastic oil filler accessory or metal extender if the oil is hot. Set the gen on a sturdy slightly raised platform. I've rinsed with clean oil to verify it all comes out this way. The hand carry inverters get drained the same way as they have no drain plug. Its not worth messing with the drain bolt and its crush washer.
Run the engine dry disconnecting the load as soon as it begins to sputter. Then drain the bowl with the fuel tap open and the fuel lines will also be drained. Do this every time you store for more than a few weeks and you will never have costly repairs due to a rusted tank or corroded carburetor. I air dry the tank then leave the cap loose as well. Months in storage and it starts with half a pull every time.
Unfortunately, I don't know the answer to your question. I would check with the EV charging requirements with respect to amperage and what voltage the EV charger requires. Thanks!
Ernesto, thanks for the opportunity to assist you. Your cost on the generator is: $1,048.00 and that includes free shipping, High Altitude Carburetor Kit $29.00, Maintenance Kit $34.00, Cover $34, & Paralleling Kit $68. Please feel free to call us at: (303) 777-6778 or visit us at: www.rmgsco.com Thanks!
It's a diesel fuel generator?Do you have any payment plans credit application or something, do you all Supply diagrams how I can connect directly to the breaker box?
Thanks for letting us know the gap adjustment . Took me hours to find setting.
Our pleasure and please let us know if there is anything additional we can assist you with. Hope you have a wonderful afternoon!
Awesome video! So helpful. I know nothing about generators and just bought my first one. I wanted to find an easy step by step video to maintain it. This was a perfect video and gave me confidence I could do it myself.
We are happy to be of service Lindsay!
Thank you once again. I appreciate your kindness and help. I hope this is the last time, but thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you for taking the time making this video greatly appreciated.❤
I do appreciate this video and your effort to educate us on the general maintenance. Thank you very much. Just a comment about the cabinet design...my hands are still recovering from all of the cuts recieved while trying to remove the oil drain plug. Probably the worst access design of any gasoline engine.
Again, thank you for your work !
There's a trick. A ratcheting open end wrench, does the job for me
I replied to pachilly below with a far easier method for changing the engine oil without needing to disturb the drain plug. When refilling it is important to have the P4500 perfectly level to prevent over or under filling. Fill just to the bottom thread. A 5 ml Luer-Lock tip syringe is extremely useful for adjusting the oil level. By not spilling any oil it is easy to ascertain if the engine has a main shaft seal leak. While not common I have seen a leak on a new generator.
I believe I have that problem. Whats the fix?
Is there a fuel filter on the unit? If so, where is it and how do you get to it?
There is not a fuel filter on the unit that we are aware of and sorry about your hands. I will definitely pass along the feedback to Cummins. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful day!
Very nice maintenance video! This will help me maintain my pulsar for years to come.
Thanks for the feedback nathan3306
!
Great video thank you.
Darn good video👌
Outstanding and informative video, I own the Westinghouse version of this generator.
Anthony, glad you found it informative and please let us know if there is anything further we can assist you with!
The name goes on before the quality goes in ! Another great company re badging Asian junk !
And you pay a higher price for the name than buying a wesiting house!
You got that right! Tried to undo the bolts at the bottom of the casing on the carbeurator side of my 2500i and the flimsy plastic enclosure for the nut on the inside gave out before either of the two bolts started backing out. Someone in factory overtorqued on the way in or they didn't count on the plastic giving out on disassembly in the design phase is my guess. Now stuck trying to figure out how to get a wrench on these quasi-nuts without destroying the casing. Thank-you designed-in-America assembled-in-China Cummins-Onan!
I USE MY WIFES PANS TO CHANGE THE OIL TO !! shh shhhhh "our little secret"
Which valve is the intake valve and which one is the exhaust? They have different clearances, so you need to know. The user manual doesn't say either. The parts diagram doesn't answer the question either. I even called 1-800-cummins tech service and HE could not tell me!
Michael, I will inquire with Cummins and get back to you. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Here is the response that I received back from Cummins. The intake valve is always the valve closest to the air filter side of the engine. The exhaust valve is the valve closest to the muffler side of the engine. Thanks!
@@rockymountaingeneratorsupp1543 I went into deep research mode and eventually found in the master parts manual that the left hand valve is exhaust in the right hand is intake. Thanks! Great video!
Another helpful clarification: the manual quotes valve lash for intake as "0.0035 +/- 0.0043", which the latter number would then be a ridiculous tolerance. The numbers are OK, but the "+/-" should just be a "-" (dash) thus indicating a range, NOT a tolerance. Same is true for the Exhaust side numbers.
next time that you try to show somebody how to adjust a valve, tries to bend your filler gauge so you don't rest against the edge of the valve cover flange of the head to get an accurate reading.
How much oil should you anticipate adding after a complete drain? I don't want to have to stop and constantly check level. I noticed that bottle supplied is .63 qt
600 ml will fill it perfectly 👌
Well, after 7 months of good use, mine finally took a crap. Even after recommended schedule service. Waiting to see what Cummins does about it. Just like all portable gens, except Honda, they dont last more than a year. If Cummins gives me a new one, per warranty, I am selling it and going back to Honda.
I'm interested in purchasing one
So, which one is intake, and which one is exhaust?
This is an awesome video!!! Do you have one one storage/draining fuel from and cleaning carburetor?
Unfortunately, we do not at this time. We will add that to our list of suggestions. Thanks for your comments and please let us know if there is anything further we can assist you with.
Thank you!
Thank you for your reply. I appreciate that.
I have a new question for you…where can you buy the replacement battery for the Cummins Oman P4500i?
I cannot find a brand on the original battery or a part number for it. Can you help with that?
Thanks
According to the Cummins parts manual it is PN A064N120. I have reached out to Cummins for pricing and availability and will get back to you. Unfortunately, they don't give me any additional description besides a Cummins part number. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful afternoon!
The cost on the replacement battery is $79.00 plus shipping. If you would like to order please contact us at (303) 777-6778 or via email at wcolby@rmgsco.com Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful day!
Cummins has its smaller line of generators. Cummins does not make them, they just have an oem in China put their name on them. The Cummins name means nothing. It's not Cummins quality, it's not Cummins reliability, it's not Cummins design. It is the same cheap generator you can buy under the Westinghouse or other brands. If you have enough money to purchase a minimum quantity, you can have YOUR name put on the same generator. You will pay a premium for the Cummins name but you are not getting the quality that you expect from a Cummins product because it's not. Now if you are buying a larger industrial generator that is a different story. Cummins/Onan is still a well respected manufacturer of large gensets.
Randy thanks for your comments. The one other advantage that you get from purchasing a Cummins branded generator is the world wide service and support network.
Randy, what you say is only partially true. Granted, Cummings does not manufacture these in house. They are produced by a company named Ducar in China. Now with that said, l live off grid and have used generators from a variety of manufacturers, Honda, Yamaha, Ryobi and Firman. There is NO other generator that provides the same level of service as Onan. Want your Honda or Yamaha gen set worked on, you will wind up taking it to a power sports dealer. They work on Bikes and watercraft, so expect to wait while they order the parts they don't have in stock. Out of warranty, they average $85.00- $125.00 per hour. Cummings has a service center in every major city in the country. Pulsar and Westinghouse have similar generators, you notice I said similar, they both warranty their product for 3 years or 1000 hours. Sounds pretty good? Onan warranties their generator for 3 years, unlimited hours, sounads a lot better doesn't it. I have never added a drop of oil to my machine between oil changes and it runs EVERYDAY. At this point I have almost 2500 hours in the past year. Honda 3000 runs about $2400.00, 1500 watts less power, Yamaha 3000iseb runs about the same price. So with the Onan you get more power better fuel economy and a vastly superior dealer and warranty network for just a little less than half the price. Go buy the other brands and quit bashing Onan. I've been there, done that, that's why I have the Onan. I like to keep my money in my pocket.
@@jrsetser833 agree, my Honda 2000 has issues such as starting and running without pulsing, had to take it in several times to a lawnmower shop and pay 125 to 200 every time and they have never ever fixed the problems, and they are a Honda dealer. Honda is very expensive to get repaired and quite frankly, they do not seem to repair well? Go figure.
I have two of these generators one is surging.. any thoughts on that. It starts but then won’t stay running. Checking spark plug today oil filters changed oil change done. Could it be water in the fuel?
I would suggest attempting to manually operate the choke and see if you can get it to quit surging. If this resolves the surging issue, I would suggest you replace the choke stepper motors and they may have failed. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful day!
Thanks
I was hoping you would let us know how much oil to put in. I purchase My RV used and it came with this generator but no manual. Any idea on how much oil?
Mike, 0.6Qt. (20.3oz). Please email me, wcolby@rmgsco.com and I can email you the manual. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful day!
My generator, 4500i starts and runs but as soon as I plug my RV in (nothing big running, just battery charger) it immediately shuts off. Any thoughts?
Unfortunately, I do not believe that is going to be an easy one to diagnose. If your generator is still under warranty, please let me know your zip code and I can refer you to the nearest Cummins distributor location for service. You can email me at wcolby@rmgsco.com Thanks!
10996 West Point NY
@@rockymountaingeneratorsupp1543
WOW 😮
I got a brand new onan and upon initial start with nothing plugged in the overload light comes on and will not reset. Engine starts and runs fine.
My apologies for the delayed response. Please give us a call at: (303) 777-6778 and we would be happy to provide you information on your closest Cummins Distributor location and can repair your generator under warranty. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful evening!
Mine shut off and i cant get to start again, has gas and oil new battery and spark plug..what should i check next?
Did it run after you installed the high altitude carburetor kit? Please make sure that you have the main power switch turned on and the fuel is turned on. Please feel free to give me a call if you wish to discuss further. Office: (303) 777-6778 or my mobile (303) 618-9257. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Do you check the oil level with the dip stick screwed all the way in or just loose?
To check the oil, do not screw in the dipstick. Leave it loose and you will be good to go! Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful afternoon!
Thank you for the help.
Can you use the 10w-30 oil for your air filter?
Thanks for the question. I don't see anything in the owners manual referencing or suggesting using oil on the air filter. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful day!
Can toy make a trouble shoot video because I’m having trouble starting mine it will start after 15-2 mins of trying until the battery goes out and then pull starting over and over again but then the next day the same thing happens
You should not be having that type of an issue. What model do you have and when did you purchase it? I may be still under warranty and we can provide you information on whom can complete a warranty repair is still covered under factory warranty. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful day!
we just purchased one and it came without a dipstick do you have a replacement part you would recommend?
Jacob, thanks for the comment. Please give me a call (Willy Colby) @ (303) 777-6778 with your serial number and shipping address. I will get you a replacement dipstick. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful week!
@@rockymountaingeneratorsupp1543 Thank you so much but we contacted Cummins customer support and they have one on order for us. Thank you so much for your kindness Have a good week!
Does it matter if I don’t use the Cummins brand oil?
No, you do not have to utilize Cummins branded oil. Please follow the recommended viscosity in the owners manual. Thanks!
How are you moving the pistons manually?
Pull start slowly w battery disconnected
dam i went 6000hrs on my spark plug and i change oil ever 2 week at like 100 hrs some times 200hrs if it snowing a lot
I’m wondering how that’s going for you after a few years, just got mine and it seems like a solid unit. My only complaint is the case, the accesses were clearly not designed by someone that has ever serviced anything in their life.
I’m having issues with my Cummins Onan p4500i generator cranks but won’t start, any suggestions?
See if you can manually operate the choke and see if it starts. The stepper motor on the choke mechanism may have failed. Thanks!
@@rockymountaingeneratorsupp1543 the choke is operating like it should and still no luck and try manually no luck
@@chandee80 Sorry to hear that this approach did not fix the issue. I would recommend taking it to your local Cummins distributor. I can help you locate if you like with your zip code or here is a link locator.cummins.com/GlobalLocator/homeScreen.action?request_locale=en_US
Damnit. Mine’s having hot start issues, and is going into overload mode at 50% load. It sounds like the choke problem you describe might be the culprit.
The only thing missing is dual fuel and two more 110 ‘s
You might want to put company information in the about tab
Jim, thanks for the comment and we will get this information posted. Hope you have a wonderful week!
The oil change was not that easy, it was so hard to access that drain bolt, very challenging. Plus lots of spillage into the bottom of the generator. Could of had a better set up
Try cutting the very top off of a water bottle. It makes a small funnel and fits right into the whole where the plug goes. At this point I have changed the oil on my more than 50 times with no oil in the bottom tray. Current hour meter reads almost 2500 hours. Take care of it and it will last a long time.
I suction old oil out from the filler. Tipping the generator 45 degrees when the fuel tank is empty is even easier. First temporarily replace the dipstick with a screw-in plastic oil filler accessory or metal extender if the oil is hot. Set the gen on a sturdy slightly raised platform. I've rinsed with clean oil to verify it all comes out this way. The hand carry inverters get drained the same way as they have no drain plug. Its not worth messing with the drain bolt and its crush washer.
You should have also drained the carburetor of any possible water, by using the small screw on the side of the bowl. Every oil change would be good.
Thank you Dave!
Run the engine dry disconnecting the load as soon as it begins to sputter. Then drain the bowl with the fuel tap open and the fuel lines will also be drained. Do this every time you store for more than a few weeks and you will never have costly repairs due to a rusted tank or corroded carburetor. I air dry the tank then leave the cap loose as well. Months in storage and it starts with half a pull every time.
Can this charge a EV? something about the ground. Some generators need some kind of jumper to fool the vehicle.
Unfortunately, I don't know the answer to your question. I would check with the EV charging requirements with respect to amperage and what voltage the EV charger requires. Thanks!
Whats the price ?
Ernesto, thanks for the opportunity to assist you. Your cost on the generator is: $1,048.00 and that includes free shipping, High Altitude Carburetor Kit $29.00, Maintenance Kit $34.00, Cover $34, & Paralleling Kit $68. Please feel free to call us at: (303) 777-6778 or visit us at: www.rmgsco.com Thanks!
It's a diesel fuel generator?Do you have any payment plans credit application or something, do you all Supply diagrams how I can connect directly to the breaker box?
How much will the unit take?
Are you referring to the quantity of oil? Thanks!
Yes, I see 20.3 ounces
@@jeffhall1393 That is correct. The oil capacity is: 20.3 ounces. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful day!
NEVER use engine oil on an air filter 🤦♂️
Use air filter oil. And yes, there is a difference
The manual says to use clean engine oil....
Thanks