Generator surges
I have a 1997 Damon Intruder with a 5500 Onan generator. It surges and I have tried to adjust the carb. It has two adjustment screws. I have gotten it to stop surging by adjusting the small ideal jet ...
Forum Discussion
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:Thanks this sounds like good advice.
Governor issue. Want to sound like a "pro"? The governor is "hunting". Proper governor action is an ideal point found between throttle reaction time and sensitivity to changes in load.
Governor induced hunting is diagnosed as steady speed unloaded all throttle positions (load must be disconnected and max speed-increase limited to 65 Hz) Steady speed until an "x" load is reached then the engine speed will oscillate up and then down, not down and then up. An analog Hz meter helps diagnose this. The vibrating reed type is the best. Have those also gone the way of the dinosaur?
I used to fix gumming issues with a cleaner called Berryman's Chemtool. Probably isn't the same stuff these days due to EPA. With engine not running I squirted it through the spray can straw onto governor and carburetor shafts with engine shut off. Moving the throttle back and forth by hand. Then I applied turbine oil or 3 in 1 oil for lube. Note the shut down engine notation repeat.
If the above did not work I then tore into the governor itself which is not recommended unless you are familiar with governors.
Boy, I'll bet Woodward gets a pretty penny for their electronic governors these days. They cost $500.00 33 years ago. Swapped out the power NPN transistor and driver on both of mine and they have trucked onward.
