I have an Onan Emerald 4000 generator on my class C mh. I was running the generator on a camping trip, when it suddenly died. It won't even turn=over now. It only makes a single click sound when I try to start it. I noticed the bearing on the generator end appears to be damaged. If this is the cause for the generator to stop and not crank, should I expect more damage than just the bearing? What should I expect to replace, and where is best place to purchase the parts?

If the ball bearing has broken then the generator rotor is most likely jammed against the rotor. Usually the support bracing for the rotor will be broken and this is really an ONAN technician type of job. It is usually fixable. See if you can find a level 3 tech as they are more experienced. If no ONAN trained tech, go someplace else. Check the yellow pages under "generators, electric" or call ONAN at the number in your owners manual.JimL

I agree with Jim. Bearing drops and rotor can jam into stator. If you have the service manual and good with your hands. You could do the repairs yourself. But if you are not sure. Find someone that can.If you are close by. I would be willing to help you out.903-536-2816

What's the full model number and I'll post service manual. Good to hear from you Jim how are you feeling ?

Yes, ALWAYS include both Model and Spec. All the letters and numbers is even better. Those three replies above are three of the top RV genset gurus you'll find. Here and probably anywhere else.Every one's been a help to me. You can take what they say to the BANK.

j-d wrote:Yes, ALWAYS include both Model and Spec. All the letters and numbers is even better. Those three replies above are three of the top RV genset gurus you'll find. Here and probably anywhere else.Every one's been a help to me. You can take what they say to the BANK.Thanks jd but its those other two guys that have the knowledge I just try to store manuals to help out as I have been helped.

Onan Emerald 4000 bearing issue | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

stephensrm
Explorer
Nov 19, 2013
Thanks. I tested the windings and all was good. Replaced the bearing and everything operates great. Thanks for everyone's help.
Generator_Jim
Explorer
Nov 12, 2013
Don't forget the "O" ring around the bearing. It helps it stay in position.

JimL
TEXAS
Explorer
Nov 12, 2013
I agree with Drycamper. Do a good check of the system before you spend to much. Check where the bearing fits in the housing. Make sure it is a good fit.Stator and Rotor test are in the manual. Easy to do.
TEXAS
Explorer
Nov 12, 2013
DryCamper11 wrote:
TEXAS wrote:
Sorry Jim. Message was ment for dry camper.
Which one? The one about being a founder of smokstak? (On the Internet, no one knows you are a dog. :))

I was not the founder of the stak. I was the founder of the Onan part of the site. Yes I know on the internet you can be anything.
DryCamper11
Explorer
Nov 12, 2013
stephensrm wrote:
Well, I may have gotten lucky. I have it disassembled and it appears to be only bearing damage. I have new bearing and brushes ordered.

That's great. Be aware that you can easily test the windings to see if they've shorted to themselves or ground. The test method and resistances are in the manual. Don't put too much money in until you are sure they are still good.
stephensrm
Explorer
Nov 12, 2013
Well, I may have gotten lucky. I have it disassembled and it appears to be only bearing damage. I have new bearing and brushes ordered.
DryCamper11
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013
TEXAS wrote:
Sorry Jim. Message was ment for dry camper.
Which one? The one about being a founder of smokstak? (On the Internet, no one knows you are a dog. :))
stephensrm
Explorer
Nov 08, 2013
Thanks again!
TEXAS
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
Sorry Jim. Message was ment for dry camper.
TEXAS
Explorer
Nov 05, 2013
Generator Jim wrote:
Thanks j-d. The reason I'm late getting back to here is that I was shopping for a bigger hat. Couldn't find one, they were all too small.

Now if we can only get a "what I did to fix it" report from the OP, we will be fine.

JimL

No problem. I was just having a bad night. Ran out of BEER. Yes there is good help on both sites. Never hurts to have all the help you can

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Onan Emerald 4000 bearing issue

25 Replies

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