dnewman
Redding
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I have a Onan 5500 quiet diesel generator model HDKBA SN G040671485 spec B with 40 hours on the clock. In early 2009 the rubber used in manufacturing the dipstick tube failed. I bought the replacement kit that included a redesigned dipstick tube, bracket, and dipstick (flat steel, original was woven cable). I was surprised to see 6" of the dipstick missing when I went to service the generator. It is ether stuck at the bottom of the tube or has slipped into the oil pan. My plan is to access the dipstick tube at the point it enters the block remove the tube and hope that the 6" of dipstick is accessible at that point. My worst fear is that it may have slipped into the oil pan and if it has is it ok to just leave it in the pan? My local Onan dealer says "maybe"
Has anyone had to replace the original tube then had problems with dipstick failure? The dipstick at the broken point appears to have a slight bend where the fracture took place. I can only speculate that because the dipstick is so long and hard to install that when I last checked the oil and replaced the dipstick it bent slightly then fractured because of the vibration of the MH?. Any thoughts?
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pulsar
Lewisville, NC
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Joined: 12/30/2001
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Moved from Forum Technical Support to Tech Issues.
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ronfisherman
SE Michigan
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Replaced mine this summer. Have not seen any problem yet.
2004 Gulf Stream Endura 6340 D/A
TST tire pressure monitor system
Kodiak Chassis Class C Forum
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johntichy
Florida
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Your oil pump should have a pickup screen. Should not be an issue.
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jamesa403
Cambridge, ON, Canada
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I have had the same problem with the dipstick in my Onan 5500 diesel. It has now broken twice. The first time it cost $980 as they had to take the generator out of the RV to get at it. Now that it is broken again, I am not paying that again. Just won't buy a MH with an Onan 5500 in it without getting a lifetime warranty! I'm sure Onan know about the problem - too bad they don't stand behind their faulty equipment.
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dnewman
Redding
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Left the broken part of the dipstick in the pan but did take the tube out to be sure that the passage was clear before inserting the new dipstick. I concur that the oil pump screen will keep the broken portion of the dipstick from doing any harm.
I also agree that Onan has a problem with the dipstick on the 5500. Part of the tube is made of rubber and because the rubber on the original tube failed (dipstick came out of the side of the dipstick tube) I had replaced the tube and dipstick. While checking to be sure the tube was clear I discovered that the rubber portion of the tube was starting to crack again! so it looks like the rubber is only good for about 4-5 years. Onan needs own up to the problem and go back to the drawing board to come up with a all steel dipstick tube.
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big whitey
raleigh,nc
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jamesa403 wrote:I have had the same problem with the dipstick in my Onan 5500 diesel. It has now broken twice. The first time it cost $980 as they had to take the generator out of the RV to get at it. Now that it is broken again, I am not paying that again. Just won't buy a MH with an Onan 5500 in it without getting a lifetime warranty! I'm sure Onan know about the problem - too bad they don't stand behind their faulty equipment.
time for a red/blue gen set and forget about this dip stick foolishness. 
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SanDiegoScubaDiver
Temecula, CA
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Well, I get to join the list of "happy" (NOT) Onan 5500 owners! Same issue, rubber fill tube failed, cracks down each side and probably a hole in the bottom. Just took it in to have the generator pulled and tube replaced. Concerned they are putting a replacement rubber tube back in.
Has Onan designed a more robust tube for replacement?
Also, very upsetting to see my "premium" extended warranty package from XtraRide does not cover this as the tube is a "rubber" part. Has anyone successfully challenged that position, and if so, any suggestions would be appreciated.
Derek, Lykke...
and Bo our Llewellin Setter who is the Commandant of the Rig!
2005 Jayco Seneca 35GS
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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80psi
USA
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I can't believe it.
Someone other than myself has had the oil tube (part #123-2345) fail!
Price for the tube is $74.00
Price for the dip stick (part #123-2236) $75.00
I have had 4 failures in 9 years.
I shipped #3 tube to Michigan Onan for an opinon with no response
I wrapped #4 rubber tube with Rescue Tape (great product) to try and get a couple of more years out of #4.
Onan gets several hours labor to replace that tube plus the overpriced parts.
The gen has to be removed and most of the cowling and other components disasembled to get the tube unbolted from the engine block. It's a b*tch to get the bolt that holds the lower metal tube bracket off to remove the tube from block.
I have personally replaced three tubes and wrapped the fourth.
All this time I thought it was a problem that only I was having.
Onan will not admit to any issues with the quality of the rubber that they are using on the tubes.
THE RUBBER IS PURE JUNK!!!
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ronfisherman
SE Michigan
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80psi wrote:I can't believe it.
Someone other than myself has had the oil tube (part #123-2345) fail!
Price for the tube is $74.00
Price for the dip stick (part #123-2236) $75.00
I have had 4 failures in 9 years.
I shipped #3 tube to Michigan Onan for an opinon with no response
I wrapped #4 rubber tube with Rescue Tape (great product) to try and get a couple of more years out of #4.
Onan gets several hours labor to replace that tube plus the overpriced parts.
The gen has to be removed and most of the cowling and other components disasembled to get the tube unbolted from the engine block. It's a b*tch to get the bolt that holds the lower metal tube bracket off to remove the tube from block.
I have personally replaced three tubes and wrapped the fourth.
All this time I thought it was a problem that only I was having.
Onan will not admit to any issues with the quality of the rubber that they are using on the tubes.
THE RUBBER IS PURE JUNK!!!
My parts came to $170 including a new bracket.
Did the upgrade last summer. Here a link to thread on subject.
Onan 5500 generators
Some of the oil fill tubes were being rubbed through by the fan.
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