| Author | Message | ||
| Jim Rink (Fakeguy)
Registered Member Username: Fakeguy Post Number: 97 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 70.61.17.52  Rating: |
I have 2 ONAN 65KW gas generators on my 4106 (one on each side). both run great but for some reason, one has started putting out close to 150 volts. I have manuals which specify operating range to be 118-132 volts but no instructions on how to troubleshoot. Does anyone out there have any experience/tips on this problem?. Thanks in advance. | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 474 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 151.199.104.128  Rating: N/A |
This should have everything you need: http://asavage.dyndns.org/Onan/display1.php?Path=900-0337&db=Onan&table=900_0337&Page=fron t | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 475 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 151.199.104.128 Rating: N/A |
oops....managed to double post. (Message edited by barn_owl on July 07, 2008) | ||
| Jim Rink (Fakeguy)
Registered Member Username: Fakeguy Post Number: 98 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 70.61.17.52 Rating: N/A |
WOW...GREAT...thanks a ton, Barn Owl | ||
| Frank Allen (Frank66)
Registered Member Username: Frank66 Post Number: 84 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 64.12.117.73 Rating: N/A |
when you get this fixed how about sharing the info so we can all be a little more smart Frank allen | ||
| Jim Rink (Fakeguy)
Registered Member Username: Fakeguy Post Number: 99 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 70.61.17.52 Rating: N/A |
Frank; Will be glad to share but unless I missed something, the manual at the link Barn Owl provided did not address the problem of generator putting out too much voltage or how to adjust voltage output. Soooooooo as of now still broke. Next move is to check with Onan dealer...no support at their website that I could find. | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 694 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 4.231.129.244 Rating: |
The voltage on the Onan I had was adjusted by the engine speed. Adjusting the gen governor adjusted the voltage. You can surely download a manual for your gen from Onan, I did. 65KW?? Are you sure it isn't 6.5KW? | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 263 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.195.51 Rating: |
Jim; generators are set by the voltage and the rpm's control the output of the unit. I set them with a volt meter;and if you have on a frequency meter that will help set the 60 cps of the unit. Your problem ,which I have seen many times is the throttle hangs in a place that wont allow the governor to control it[rpm] Check it out and POST THE INFO LOL | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 480 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 153.2.247.32 Rating: |
Try reading page 23 under governor adjustments: "....Engine speed determins the output voltage and frequency...." (Message edited by barn_owl on July 09, 2008) | ||
| Jim Rink (Fakeguy)
Registered Member Username: Fakeguy Post Number: 100 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 192.88.212.34 Rating: N/A |
Hey..thanks to all. Barn Owl...I knew I missed something....thanks for pointing me to the correct page; I will check page 23.; . Gus; Yes..typo 6.5KW. Manual I have I purchased from ONAN...was not able to download. Looks like I have done everything wrong so far...perhaps things will go better now. Will advise after corrected. Thank you to all | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 699 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 208.54.200.228 Rating: N/A |
Jim, My Onan drove me crazy because it would stop after running about 30 min. finally realized the points had no gap, don't know yet how it ran at all-point float I guess. Anyway, I never was able to find new points for it but did download some manuals before Cummins took it over. | ||
| Bob Wies (Ncbob)
Registered Member Username: Ncbob Post Number: 260 Registered: 2-2006 Posted From: 70.220.232.100 Rating: |
Please give us the model and spec numbers when you ask for Onan information. As an old Onan dealer I can help you but I can't read your mind. If it's a 6.5 NH Spec _ or a 6.5 NHE Spec _ ? Adjust the engine speed (governor spring tension nut) for 61 Hz NO LOAD. Don't mess with any other adjustments...you don't know what you're doing! Get some numbers and get back with me...I'll tell you more about that generator than you want to know! cordially, Bob | ||
| Jim Rink (Fakeguy)
Registered Member Username: Fakeguy Post Number: 102 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 70.61.17.52 Rating: N/A |
Bob...you are correct, I do not know what I am doing and that is why I am here. Here is info I was able to get off nameplate of the generator in question 6.5NH-3CR/6000C SERIAL NO. 0372426227 Perhaps this will shed some light on the issue at hand. Please see attched pic  | ||
| Jim Rink (Fakeguy)
Registered Member Username: Fakeguy Post Number: 103 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 70.61.17.52 Rating: N/A |
Bob...left this off...Thank you for your offer to help | ||
| Bob Wies (Ncbob)
Registered Member Username: Ncbob Post Number: 262 Registered: 2-2006 Posted From: 70.220.167.78 Rating: N/A |
Jim, when I stated that you didn't know what you were doing that was not to imply that you're dumb or stupid. If you were offended...please accept my apology and explanation.... There are times when a well meaning mechanic will attempt to make adjustments to the mixture and speed of a generator engine and not realize that he's put OUT of adjustment some critical factors which provide the balance the governor and engine need to perform properly. For example: Governor sensitivity, which has no label it's just another screw...but is a critical factor. Your unit was built in 1972 and is capable of being connected 120/240 or straight 120 Volt. Back in those days they were controlled by an electronic board (which didn't work out very well) and it had NO Voltage regulator. Adjusting the speed as I indicated is the best you're going to get for voltage regulation. There are manuals available on the E place for these older (Spec A thru N) units which will give you a lot of info. HTH Bob | ||
| Jim Rink (Fakeguy)
Registered Member Username: Fakeguy Post Number: 104 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 192.88.212.43 Rating: N/A |
Bob...no offense taken; just admitting that I have much to learn in all areas of bus maintenance...thank you very much for your concern and help in this matter. I will adjust speed as you describe. | ||
| Bob Wies (Ncbob)
Registered Member Username: Ncbob Post Number: 263 Registered: 2-2006 Posted From: 70.220.167.78 Rating: N/A |
Jim, when I stated that you didn't know what you were doing that was not to imply that you're dumb or stupid. If you were offended...please accept my apology and explanation.... There are times when a well meaning mechanic will attempt to make adjustments to the mixture and speed of a generator engine and not realize that he's put OUT of adjustment some critical factors which provide the balance the governor and engine need to perform properly. For example: Governor sensitivity, which has no label it's just another screw...but is a critical factor. Your unit was built in 1972 and is capable of being connected 120/240 or straight 120 Volt. Back in those days they were controlled by an electronic board (which didn't work out very well) and it had NO Voltage regulator. Adjusting the speed as I indicated is the best you're going to get for voltage regulation. There are manuals available on the E place for these older (Spec A thru N) units which will give you a lot of info. HTH Bob | ||
| Bob Wies (Ncbob)
Registered Member Username: Ncbob Post Number: 266 Registered: 2-2006 Posted From: 70.220.163.251 Rating: N/A |
Ian, I am unable to delete the duplicate post...please feel free to do so if you wish. Thanks, Bob | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 700 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 208.54.200.218 Rating: N/A |
Jim, I finally got tired of the noise, vibration and weight of my Onan 5.5kw. I gave it to a friend and got a nice small, quiet dependable Honda for around $4200. Have been happy ever since. Bob, I, too, was frustrated when I couldn't delete a duplicate post. Finally figured out that I could "edit" and delete the contents. Never did figure out how to delete the whole thing even though there is a "Delete" button?? | ||
| Jim Rink (Fakeguy)
Registered Member Username: Fakeguy Post Number: 105 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 70.61.17.52 Rating: N/A |
Gus. sounds sweet...right now I cannot justify the expense. Though old, these generators run great, have 275 hours on one and 315 hours on the other. The original owner put fewer than 5k miles on the conversion before sticking it in barn for 15 years Thus much of it is old but in good condition. Just needed new life put into her with TLC. We rarely use generators, except when power goes out at a bluegrass festival from time to time for short periods or for running below deck AC when making our short trips. I just need to get the voltage in line for one of them and a new muffler for it as well. Based on that, I think I will stick with them for a while. I appreciate your suggestion for future replacement | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 701 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 208.54.200.250 Rating: N/A |
I can understand that. I hated to put that kind of $$ into the 4104 since we have so little in it. The Onan just couldn't power the two ACs and the frige. It also got unbelievably hot, mostly in the exhaust system. The vibration really bugged me too, it shook the whole bus. We drive at least 10,000 mi/yr and use the gen to operate our roof ACs underway, so we need this power. Be sure to have at least one extra set of points. For some reason I never was able to find points for my 1979 Onan. My automatic choke also failed and it was a pain to get out and manually choke it. The choke has a very delicate electrical system with very tiny wiring. | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 265 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.193.220 Rating: N/A |
This may sound plumb dumb but, I used to have a 4500 watt generac generator that ran 2 13,500 btu rooftop ac units on an OLD bus that I started with humm several years ago and I never had any problem with them starting under load. THe reason was I used ONLY SYNTHETIC AMSOIL 10w30. Now I use as then synthetic oil in everything and yes it cost more but it last longer and it becomes cheaper as you go along. I used to get 18 mpg now I get 23 and change the oil as needed. every 6 months I check [analized]the oil, change filter and keep a going. Now I don't have any affilition with any oil company but for the cost plus performance I use 100% synthetic oil in all my vehicles and get that GOOODDD MILEAGE LOL Thanks for listning guys. gomer | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 318 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.209.252.224 Rating: N/A |
Marvin...was your Generac gas,propane or diesel? I have considered using our 6.5 gas Onan on the road for the basement A/C, but haven't tried it as yet...Onan is "pointless"= no points. Not sure how that might affect (effect) things as we roll.  Thanx RCB | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 266 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.193.220 Rating: N/A |
RC; the gen was gas and I forgot to say that the unit ran MUCH cooler also. My gen was rated at 5500 start and 4500 continous and was a little noisey but I insulated the box and that quieted it down a lot and the unit ran at 3600 rpm.s also but with the experience of dealing with gen's the newer ones run quieter because of lower rpm's and I still run syn oil in them for longer life and cooler. Hope this will help you. GOMER | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 319 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 70.210.221.55 Rating: N/A |
Yup...thanx. We also insulated the box with foil covered whatever....looks kinda like rock wool. Got it at a speed shop. Works very well. I have heard stories of not being able to use a gen on the roll because of carburetor problems, but we shall see. RCB | ||
| Jim Rink (Fakeguy)
Registered Member Username: Fakeguy Post Number: 106 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 70.61.17.52 Rating: N/A |
Success!!! Update...as always I did not check the simple first. Governor was hanging up...just dirty and sticking. A little WD40 and hand exercise and she is putting out 130 v no load and 115 with 2 of the 3 10,000 BTU basement ac running. However, during this process, I learned a lot from all you folks; especially that the voltage output is regulated by the generator speed...no some isolated voltage regulator that I was looking for....thanks a bunch RCB. I have 2 10,000 BTU A/C in basement, 1 on each side, and one in rear mounted inside roof over engine compartment. Since bus air is unhooked, only air I have on the road comes from 2 of the 3 running and powered by one of the 6.5KW Onans. Seems to work for me. Difference in noise is not all that noticeable. I have Penninsula glass throughout except windshield and rear. they seem to keep her a lot quieter inside than before I replaced original windows. FYI | ||
| Jim Rink (Fakeguy)
Registered Member Username: Fakeguy Post Number: 107 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 70.61.17.52 Rating: N/A |
Gus.. I have extra points...but good tip on the choke...one of them is touchy...seems to flood easily and I usually have to hand start from outside before I pull out or start the other from inside while running. | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 702 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 208.54.200.249 Rating: N/A |
Jim, My choke problem was just the opposite. One of the fine wires was probably broken and it wouldn't choke at all. I hand choked it for the first start of the day and it started fine after that. I also run my rooftop ACs with my gen while underway and for short times while stopped. Since gens get used so little by most busnuts I think it is actually good for the gen. The worst thing for a gen is not being used enough and at my age I'll never wear out the Honda anyway! |
