How to operate a 1987 era Onan

[ttneil]

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

[spritz_55423]

We have a 82 Pace Arrow with a gas Onan genset 6.5 with 2 fuses next to the start/stop on the Gennie the fuel pump is right next to them. I also have the rocker switch on the dash, amber in color and stays lit as long as the Gennie is running. Yes we run it for the Coleman Ac-ers on the roof while driving.
As far as movement the previous owner bolted the slide tray in place, and it don't move or shake hardly at all.
There is a (I believe) electric choke on the carb that should be setting so the top screw is @ 11:00 and the bottom screw sitting around 5:00 (on Ours). The filter is on the right hand side and is located in the rear of the Gennie ours needed to be changed when we bought her.
I am not sure as far as the gas level but my rear tank is between E and 1/4 right now (closer to E sad to say) and still is running it really runs great but it only has around 250 hrs. We just changed the 2 plugs also, so she fires right off. I have a manual if needed

[cajunfisherman]

may not be much help but for the first start up ,I would hot wire it direct off the battery. My 1992 has a electric fuel pump so check that make sure it has fire too. I'm going to disconnect my fuel line and go to a gas can. mixed with chem 12 strong to let it clean out everything as it runs.

[Don_and_Barb]

I have a '96 Onan Model 5. I have a rocker switch on the dash, push it up it cranks, push it down it shuts off. It didn't start the other day after it had been running. I opened the air filter enclosure and cranked from the generator and it started right up. Blew out the air filter and it works fine.

[augoldminer]

yes i am having the same problem. i hit ether start/stop switch and it cranks But will not start.
I pulled the fuel line from the tank and its dry but i had around 50 gals in the tank so i was above the 30gal fuel pick up level
I do suspect that the fuel pump on mine may be the 120volt version (NHE)
I use to be a generator repairman/electrician for a generator shop and mining company but my Onan experience was with diesel Onans.

6.5 NHE Onan service and operators manual no need to go to flea bay just burn your own copy to a CD
http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/pdf/manuals/940-0502.pdf
http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/pdf/manuals/940-0122.pdf

these Onans have a very low pressure fuel pump 2 to 3 psi max

[jmerritt]

That model generator probably has an oil level switch which, if the oil level is low, will allow it to crank and start but stop right away. Also, if you go on eBay you can buy a DVD that has all the info you will ever need for your generator. I have one for my NHE. That series genset the control board is for starting and stopping and not for voltage regulation. You might want to kill power to the genset and remove the control board and clean the connector contacts and coat with dielectric grease for corrosion protection. Reconnect everything and see if that helps. If not you may have a bad board. Also, the red light on the dash will come on once the genset is up and running. Check the remote start/stop wires at the genset, especially if they have gotten under the genset. Mine were frayed from getting caught between the genset and the bottom support. From the info you provided I am guessing you have a BGE spec C model but you really need to make sure which model, NHE or BGE and Spec Emerald it is for parts purposes mainly. Operation of both is basically the same.

John

[MotorPro]

If it is turning over then remove the air cleaner from the top of the carb. Pour a very small amount of gas in and try to start.remember very small amount.If it fires and dies repeat a few times to prime the pump.If it doesn't try to fire then check for spark. Once it has run you should just be able to just hit the start button for a couple seconds to fire it up.

[jmerritt]

Genset is mounted such that it will move a lot when first starting and when shutting down. And yes it will move fairly easily with your hand. There should be two breakers at the genset which protect the two 110v circuits provided by the genset. Looking at the genset the two breakers should be located right around the control panel where the start/stop switch is located.

John

[ttneil]

I know exactly what you mean by this thing being scary when it cranks.What do you mean by pulling the breakers?
How loose or wobbly or whatever would be the right word, is your gen on the mounts? When I grab mine one handed and give it a shake I thought it was going to land on my foot.I want to Thank everybody for their help, I certainly know a lot more than I did.

[timmer594]

I have an 88 with a 6.5 kw oman. Might be similar. I also have the 2 switches. When I push the start side there is sometimes a 2-3 second delay. But it is not the fuel pump on the genny. I think the switch is just bad. Anyway when you push either start switch the genny should kick right over. Don't let it scare you. My first couple times I bout wet meself. If it does not turn over you have to start trouble shooting. Some wont start unless your gas tank is above 1/4 full. Mine wouldn't start because my house batteries were bad. I just had to replace the end bearing on mine so I had tobecome intimate with it. Onan I believe has the manuals on line. And to stop it use the stop switch. By the way,to be safe open the breakers on the genny and don't be plugged in to shore power. Mine back feeds. Don't know why yet,maybe yours wont. I also put a fuel filter right at the genny,now I know if its pulling gas. Good luck.

[ttneil]

This is the info that I got off the genset,I hope the numbers are right they were hard to read. Model-4 obgI 18/26100c
Serial # B870874252 and Thanks

[dougrainer]

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]

I'll sure try it. Thanks

[tahiti16]

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.