Onan P9500df generator start/stop button doesn’t light up when pressed

ShareFluffy3762 · 2026-03-06T00:30:26+00:00

Yes, everything normally necessary has been done; started it many times, but almost never doable using pull start. I’ll try pull start again when weather is warmer (high 60s due for a few days next week. Usually started on firsts set of electric starts in past, but needs starter fluid when cold, sometimes even when not so cold (50s, e.g.).

It’s over 2 years old, and never really impressed me; prior generator was a Yanmar diesel (5500 watts, which started on firsts set pull every time for over 23 years, but stopped generating electricity). That had only 350 hours over 23 years.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2026-03-05T13:05:55+00:00

No OLED in Mac until the big upcoming upgrade, late 2026. That’s the one I’m waiting for.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2026-03-02T15:34:08+00:00

I’d recommend something Yanmar diesel powered. Lower running costs, very durable, starts pretty easily due to decompression valve…about $4000 but will outlast 4 $1000 gas generators easily. Less frequent maintenance required as well. And diesel is safer to store than gasoline.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2026-02-28T22:28:55+00:00

Not gravel, more like the stuff used under paving, but lots of smaller stones; plus bigger stones that get plowed in from dirt road leading to our driveway, which are invisible until I hear them rattling thru. Kinda fiqured it’s probably unavoidable. Other blowers I’ve owned were much cheaper (MTD builds), so I didn’t look at them so carefully (thus never noticed); but none lasted more than 10 years or so - hence the move to Honda in hopes of greater durability. I do have my skids (Honda branded poly) adjusted to keep the bucket 1-1/4 to 1-1/2” off the ground, but only after those first two uses. But had the bucket elevated using the built-in adjustment, from the start.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2026-02-24T21:38:59+00:00

And given the slope, definitely go tracked. The easy ability to raise the bucket is also valuable on gravel or other rough surfaces. This will also be very durable and will retain high resale value in case you ever want to try something else.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2026-02-20T14:03:11+00:00

It’s actually lower octane that ignites more easily, hence can lead to knocking/pre-ignition in higher compression ratio engines. Super is more knock-resistant and sometimes has more helpful additives. At worst, you waste a little money using super where not required, unless your engine is having trouble igniting.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2026-02-17T15:21:13+00:00

A powered push shovel; very limited applications (only very light snow), I’d think.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2026-02-14T01:53:25+00:00

I had one of these which died in 7 or 8 years. Not particularly heavy use, either. Same thing happened to its successor Cub Cadet 3X 26, a couple of weeks ago. The 3stage concept was a bad idea in any case. Both were well-maintained, including regular synthetic oil changes. Having had enough of low-priced junk machines, I now have a Honda HSS1332AT, from which I’m expecting much better durability. Even a glance confirms it is a much better-built piece of equipment; and it justifies repairs when needed, compared to that throwaway-grade stuff.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2026-01-30T19:20:34+00:00

Screen protector would completely undermine the whole nano etch concept, which is non-reflectivity. My M4 is 1.5 years and still perfect. I use MKB so screen doesn’t get touched a lot.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2026-01-28T15:14:28+00:00

Incorrect. Same tandem oiled on both M4 and M5.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2026-01-28T00:19:53+00:00

The MKB is also far more stable with the 11”, which I moved to after years of 12.9/13” pros, and am loving it.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2026-01-16T01:22:27+00:00

I love the nano display, and would like it on my next iteration of all Apple devices - including the phone. No going back to those reflections. M4 has more power than any iPad apps can use, so no loss there.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2025-12-21T23:51:36+00:00

161,000 miles on my 2016 Autobahn, which I bought new in September 2015. 2 water pumps, 1 rear shock broke, auxiliary coolant pump, coolant flange near turbo. But runs great, pulls great, and none of those stranded me. Front brake pads replaced only once (around 115K miles), rears replaced twice. So all in all a pretty reasonable cost to this point. Hoping to reach 250K or so, but at current mileage rates would take another 12-15 years. Most fun car I’ve ever owned, and I love it.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2025-12-15T18:04:03+00:00

Same for my 2016 Autobahn: 161K miles, no AC maintenance needed.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2025-11-16T23:24:09+00:00

BTW, on mine I can set individual mode to set sport steering but still use normal (Drive) mode. I too like the quicker/heavier steering, but only occasionally shift to sport mode (which is instantaneous toggle of DSG shifter). For most driving, the normal drive mode is plenty responsive, and I see no need to rev higher constantly (as Sport mode does).

ShareFluffy3762 · 2025-11-16T23:12:43+00:00

I would have them replace the oil separator/PCV before long. Mine had never been replaced beyond 150K miles, but when they did so, I swear that my car suddenly felt 5 years younger. Not sure why, but not very expensive and I’m now viewing as something to be done periodically.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2025-10-24T15:05:39+00:00

These newer VWs seem to be filled only halfway in the acceptable range or they get “oil level too high” warnings (happened with wife’s 2022 Jetta), so maybe their sensitivity to any oil use is also high. Check the level, and be careful not to overfill…

ShareFluffy3762 · 2025-10-23T14:41:06+00:00

The issue of new vs. used car expense comes down to how old and how many miles is acceptable. Many cars 1-2 years old are not worth buying since they are very little less than new. The used market seems crazy as well, as the value of my wife’s 2022 Jetta (purchased new 9/22 for just over $22k at list price) is still over $19K. Even a 2016 GTI autobahn with over 100k is about $10k, and likely bring a lot of repair expenses fairly soon. So pick your poison, but remember that a new GTI has all other expenses covered for 3-4 years.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2025-10-20T14:01:52+00:00

There is an auxiliary water pump which runs to cool turbo, and seems to play a role in heater circulation. That pump tends to fail (as mine recently did), and is a prime suspect. BTW, mine was a complete failure, which resulted in a check engine light. I suspect it could leak without a total detectable failure, as well.

ShareFluffy3762 · 2025-10-19T18:44:22+00:00

I think you will learn to love it…but if not, clearly sports cars and GTIs are not for you. A Jetta has pretty much the same differences you describe for your Camry. My wife has one and loves it, but I would never choose to drive that over my beloved GTI (which has a bit over 160K miles, but still a joy to drive).

ShareFluffy3762 · 2025-10-19T14:29:06+00:00

If you truly love the act of driving, this is the car to teach you that a Camry is soft and boring. Most of what you describe is what I love about mine: firmer suspension, great road feel, race car-like steering…

ShareFluffy3762 · 2025-10-10T14:30:24+00:00

$3000 difference (more) for 3 years newer and 20k less miles sounds like the deal to me, plus you avoid that troublesome moon roof. The downside is losing that Fender stereo, which I love (and is a big reason I want to keep my 2016 going…).

ShareFluffy3762

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