Direct-replacement carburetor for the Onan Microlite 2.8 KV gasoline generator. Replaces OEM part 146-0802. Fits KV Spec EāK, KVC Spec A, and KVD Spec A. Includes gaskets. Meets or exceeds OEM specifications.
The Onan Microlite 2800 (2.8 KV) is one of the most common factory-installed RV generators ā found in thousands of Roadtrek, Pleasure-Way, Airstream, and other Class B and Class C motorhomes manufactured over several decades. The carburetor is the single most failure-prone component on these generators, and a worn or varnished carb is responsible for the vast majority of no-start and rough-running complaints.
The 146-0705 is the current Onan replacement carburetor for the 2800's KV-series engine, superseding the original 146-0802. It restores the precise fuel-air metering that the generator's engine needs to start reliably, run smoothly at load, and shut down cleanly. Sitting for extended periods without a fuel stabilizer is the primary cause of carburetor failure ā the ethanol in today's gasoline leaves behind a sticky varnish residue that clogs the main jet, float needle seat, and idle circuit. When cleaning fails to restore proper operation, a fresh carburetor is the definitive fix.
Engineered to match original 146-0802 specifications exactly ā bolts directly onto the Onan 2800 KV engine with no modifications
Manufactured to meet or exceed original Onan specifications ā tested before shipping for reliable out-of-box performance
Comes with the carburetor-to-engine mounting gaskets needed for a leak-free installation ā no separate gasket purchase required
OEM carburetors for the Onan 2800 can cost $600ā$1,200 through dealer channels ā this replacement restores performance at a fraction of the price
The 146-0705 fits the following Onan Microlite 2800 generator spec designations: Confirmed Compatible: ā¢ KV ā Begin Spec E through K (2.8KV, Spec E, F, G, H, J, K) ā¢ KVC ā Begin Spec A ā¢ KVD ā Begin Spec A How to confirm your spec: The spec letter appears on the Onan generator nameplate, typically located on the side or top of the generator housing. The model/spec designation reads in the format: 2.8KV [Spec Letter] (example: 2.8KVE, 2.8KVF, etc.). Replaces OEM Part Numbers: ā¢ 146-0802 ā Original carburetor (this part's direct predecessor) ā¢ 146-0705 ā Current Cummins Onan replacement part number This carburetor is NOT compatible with the Onan 4000 (KY series) or other Onan generator models. For the 4000 KY, see part 146-0785, 146-0803, or A042P619.
The following symptoms on an Onan Microlite 2800 are consistent with a failed or varnished carburetor: ā¢ Generator cranks but will not start ā most common symptom after extended storage ā¢ Starts with starting fluid or choke but dies immediately ā main jet or float circuit clogged ā¢ Runs roughly or surges at idle ā idle circuit partially clogged with varnish ā¢ Bogs or loses RPM when load is applied ā main circuit not delivering enough fuel under load ā¢ Runs but hunts or cannot hold steady frequency ā governor and carburetor interaction issue Before replacing: Always try a thorough carburetor cleaning with spray carburetor cleaner and compressed air first ā if the generator sat with old fuel and the jets are only lightly varnished, cleaning may restore function. Replace when cleaning does not resolve the issue or when the float needle seat or emulsion tube are physically damaged.
Tools Needed: 8mm and 10mm wrenches (including a thin-profile wrench for the rear bolt), flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, fuel line clamp pliers, drain pan Installation Steps: 1. Run generator dry or shut off fuel and allow engine to cool completely before starting 2. Access the generator: On most Class B vans, the generator must be partially lowered from its mounting tray to gain working clearance around the carburetor 3. Disconnect fuel line: Clamp the fuel line above the carb, then carefully remove the fuel line hose from the carburetor inlet fitting. Have a drain pan ready. 4. Disconnect throttle and choke linkage: The throttle cable is a small bent wire that feeds through the carburetor linkage ā note its routing before removing. Rotate the carb 90Ā° to disengage the throttle wire bend 5. Remove the 2 mounting bolts: Two bolts secure the carburetor to the engine intake. The rear bolt often requires a thin open-end wrench to access ā this is the most challenging step 6. Remove old carburetor: Slide carb off the intake studs and discard 7. Install new gaskets: Place the included gaskets onto the intake manifold mounting face 8. Install 146-0705: Slide new carburetor onto studs, reconnect throttle linkage (note the correct wire routing holes), and tighten both mounting bolts 9. Reconnect fuel line and remove clamp 10. Test start: Start the generator and check for fuel leaks at all connections. Verify smooth idle and proper response to load.
Package Contents: ā¢ (1) 146-0705 replacement carburetor ā¢ (3) carburetor mounting gaskets NOT Included ā May Also Need: ā¢ Fuel shut-off valve (replace if leaking or stiff) ā¢ Fuel filter (replace at same service interval) ā¢ Fuel line clamps (replace if original clamps are corroded) ā¢ Spark plug (recommended to replace at same service) ā¢ Air filter (inspect and replace if dirty) ā¢ Carburetor cleaner spray (useful for cleaning old carb if attempting cleaning first)
Cummins / Onan RV Generator Support: Phone: 1-800-888-6626 Website: cummins.com/generators/rv To confirm compatibility before ordering, have the following ready: ā¢ Generator model number (e.g., 2.8KV) ā¢ Spec letter (e.g., Spec E, F, Gā¦) ā¢ Serial number All three appear on the generator nameplate. Service Manual: Onan Service Manual 981-0531 covers the Microlite KV, KVC, and KVD series engines and includes carburetor removal, adjustment, and specification procedures.
Always verify your generator's exact model number, spec letter, and serial number on the nameplate before ordering a carburetor. Using an incorrect carburetor ā even one that physically fits ā will result in improper fuel metering and poor engine performance. When in doubt, contact Cummins Onan support at 1-800-888-6626 with your nameplate information.
Many Onan 2800 no-start issues are resolved by carburetor replacement, but always rule out fuel supply, ignition, and oil/safety switch issues first. A generator that cranks freely but produces no spark ā confirmed by removing the plug and grounding it ā points to ignition components rather than the carburetor.