onan 4.0 BFA-1R/1600C

There is VERY GOOD troubleshooting in that manual! Before I learned about online sources, I bought a paper copy at the local Cummins/ONAN distributorship. BTW they had the Points and Condenser in stock... That manual was SO worth the $12 or so I paid for it!
Our BFA was not in a the coach when we bought it. Needed Carb Cleaned, Fuel Pump, Points/Condenser. I can usually clean a small engine carb but couldn't get this one clean enough to do proper carb adjustment. I was lucky to have a nearby shop that could rebuild it with an ultrasonic cleaning,
It still hunted on speed and I replaced the Governor Spring. That settled it down.

84jaymini wrote:
I did find the correct solenoid and installed it. I am trying to find a condenser locally but am not having much luck so far. The local NAPA insists they can't get one but i am pretty sure they could if they tried. I am going to replace the condenser and go from there.

You have to get the Point/Condensor from Onan suppliers. Doug

I did find the correct solenoid and installed it. I am trying to find a condenser locally but am not having much luck so far. The local NAPA insists they can't get one but i am pretty sure they could if they tried. I am going to replace the condenser and go from there.

Generator Jim wrote:
While you are checking the relays, check that some of the panel mounting screws haven't fallen out and are at the bottom of the panel. We had at least 6 or 7 customers with that problem years ago.

JimL

Yes, THOSE screws will bounce on the relay connections and blow the 5 amp fuse. Doug

While you are checking the relays, check that some of the panel mounting screws haven't fallen out and are at the bottom of the panel. We had at least 6 or 7 customers with that problem years ago.

JimL

84jaymini wrote:
Thanks for the help.
On to another problem. I am not getting spark while cranking. Took the points cover off and they look like they have been replaced at some time. Where should i start to diagnose a no spark problem?

If the points (1 point) is opening and closing when cranking, the odds are the Condensor right next to the Point is bad. Replace it. But, have you replaced the Solenoid with the CORRECT solenoid? Down in the bottom below the Solenoid will be 2 Bosch type square relays. Check them and make sure they do NOT have ants in them. Ants like to get inside those relays and foul them up. Doug

Thanks for the help.
On to another problem. I am not getting spark while cranking. Took the points cover off and they look like they have been replaced at some time. Where should i start to diagnose a no spark problem?

900-0337 onan service manual
If you need all the manuals for it pm your email address .

Beware! That BFA is the iconic ONAN Workhorse. Twin cylinder, low RPM, VERY durable.
But the LAST thing you want to do is burn out the "Starter" because there IS NONE. It uses the Armature itself for starting! Any armature damage is very expensive.
When it's cranking correctly from a fully charged battery, it'll sound slow because there's no high-speed starter there to whine.
I have the service manual but it's on paper. If you want the manual, and it's really good, some of the guys here can send you a link to download it.

I had a feeling that was a possibility. I disconnected it as soon as i heard the pump kick on.I will try to get the correct one from NAPA. Thanks