Older Onan generator

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Exactly why do you believe it must have twelve volts? Onan always has violated common sense, so unless I read different specs in an Onan manual I would beware of assuming anything about the machine.

That low of AC voltage would be a miracle to tap into accidentally. I would be wary of assuming it is incorrect.

This is as close as I have come to confirmation so far.

Exactly why do you believe it must have twelve volts? Onan always has violated common sense, so unless I read different specs in an Onan manual I would beware of assuming anything about the machine.

That low of AC voltage would be a miracle to tap into accidentally. I would be wary of assuming it is incorrect.

Chum lee wrote:

SHRED wrote:
My 1995 Lazy Daze motorhome has the original Onan generator in it.

I tested an outlet in the RV with some lights on.
Hz - 64-65.5 Hz
Volts - 130-133 VAC

Volts at automatic choke lead on carburetor - 30.3 VAC.

I think this is way off.
Is this a generator control board problem?

You haven't stated that this unit has any starting or running issues. While I don't know what the voltage at the choke should be without looking it up (I have the same genny and the manual is readily available online) you seem to be insistent on finding issues when you haven't stated that any exist other than "I think this is way off." As others have stated, try running it loaded for a while and see how it works before condemning/fixing it. My 20 year old Onan 4000 usually hunts a bit before it settles down to "git 'er dun."

http://www.joshwakefield.com/xplorer/onan-microquiet-4000.pdf

Chum lee

It runs fine after warmed up.
My issue is the choke bi-metal heating unit doesn't work.
I just tested the voltage going to it and it is a steady 30.8VAC when I believe it is suppose to be 12VDC.

SHRED wrote:
My 1995 Lazy Daze motorhome has the original Onan generator in it.

I tested an outlet in the RV with some lights on.
Hz - 64-65.5 Hz
Volts - 130-133 VAC

Volts at automatic choke lead on carburetor - 30.3 VAC.

I think this is way off.
Is this a generator control board problem?

You haven't stated that this unit has any starting or running issues. While I don't know what the voltage at the choke should be without looking it up (I have the same genny and the manual is readily available online) you seem to be insistent on finding issues when you haven't stated that any exist other than "I think this is way off." As others have stated, try running it loaded for a while and see how it works before condemning/fixing it. My 20 year old Onan 4000 usually hunts a bit before it settles down to "git 'er dun."

http://www.joshwakefield.com/xplorer/onan-microquiet-4000.pdf

Chum lee

beachcomber_1 wrote:
Load it with heavy load for a while before changing anything. If it has not been run for a while use an electric heater, give the brushes and armature time to clean up.

I backed off the governor screw adjust even until there was a gap but governor itself is holding the idle up a bit on the rpm. Can't get any lower.

I managed to bring it down a little. It's been like this for years with no issues so I probably will leave it.
I'm getting 14.4 VDC across the batteries as they charge.

My biggest hurdle now is the 30.8 VAC going to the choke element. I can't seem to resolve this even after calling Cummins. I may just forgo trying to fix the auto choke. This unit is 23 years old and it's a bear trying to find parts and specs.

The electric output of your Onan Generator is associated with your RPM of the engine .. your Generator appears to be running at a bit higher RPM than normal - but not much. B4 messing with anything I would run the generator for a few hours under load - if you still have a problem a simple MINOR adjustment should put things right. Download the operators manual - s/b free on the internet.

RLS7201 wrote:
Tell us what model Onan you have. From that era, you most likely have a BGE 4K. It has an adjustment for setting Hz. If you have a MHN 7K the governor is non adjustable electronic.

Richard

4BGEFA26100M

your light bulbs won't care
and neither will a portable electric heater
they will work find

check the charge voltage to your house battery & electrical
don't want that 'too high'

and check the 120v with the A/C running

Tell us what model Onan you have. From that era, you most likely have a BGE 4K. It has an adjustment for setting Hz. If you have a MHN 7K the governor is non adjustable electronic.

Richard

beachcomber_1 wrote:
Load it with heavy load for a while before changing anything. If it has not been run for a while use an electric heater, give the brushes and armature time to clean up.

Thank you