Forum Discussion

Explorer

Jul 02, 2013

How to operate a 1987 era Onan

I recently acquired a 1987 Mallard on a GM Chassis? At least it has a 454 in it.I am trying to test for repair purposes the electric fuel pump on the genset but I do not know how to start the genset or to turn power on to it.It has a dash mounted switch which simply says Generator and when I move it to one of its two positions the Genset starter kicks in, the switch has a red light but nothing out of it. The control panel on the Genset has a switch this is also a two position , but all it says is stop and start.I would certainly appreciate it if someone could clue me in to how this critter is supposed to work.I have tried on the internet but no luck I did find a cd that claimed to be an owners manual but when I went to the section for generators it said to see your Onan Manual and when I go to the Onan section it tells me to see owners manual

Class A

13 Replies

dougrainer
Nomad
Jul 03, 2013
You have the OLD model and will not be like the other op's 06.
You just push the start button. Do NOT crank more than 15 to 20 seconds as you may burn out the starter IF you have a starter. Please post the Model number and spec of your Onan. I do not know when Onan went to having starters. The older models used the Main Armature as the starter. IF the unit has NOT been used in years, then the Carb and fuel pump are probably gummed up. Also, that old a unit may have rotted rubber fuel lines from the Main gas tank to the Onan. You also have to have at least 1/3 tank of fuel as the Onan stops pulling Gas from the fuel tank at the 1/4 level. The indicator light will not come on until the Onan is running on the older models. Doug
ttneil
Explorer
Jul 02, 2013
I'll sure try it. Thanks
tahiti16
Explorer
Jul 02, 2013
On my 06 Onan at least if you hold the button in the stop position it runs the fuel pump and primes system, once the light comes on you can push start/on and the gen should start.