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I have an onan generator in a 1985 winnabago. It worked fine when parked in the fall.Now it quits when I release the starter button. What would cause this?
Optional Information: Make: onan Already Tried: I have checked wires everything looks ok
Hello!Thank you for choosing Just Answer for the solution to your problem.My name is XXXXX XXXXX X am going to assist you with this.What is the full model number of the genset?'.
The numbers are long gone off the tag
This is a huge problem with these laser printed tags - they fade very easily. But it does not help me much - I can not tell even the basic series, if it is a BGE or NHE, or something else, much less the specification level. One trick I have used with much success to be able to read the label is to use a very strong flashlight, held at an angle to the label, while getting very close to the label at the opposite angle, and moving my head and the flashlight. Most of the time I am able to see the 'shadow' of where the print used to be, and can make out the numbers. Try that and see if it works.
I can tell you that the most common cause of this is that the genset is no longer producing any electricity.
But if I don't know which model you have, it will be difficult for me to tell you how to check it.
If you absolutely can not read the label, even with a flashlight, could you get a picture of the genset, and post it here, using the paper clip icon at the top of the reply box?
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The tag is totaly unreadable and i don't have the tech. to send pics all i can come up with is it says its an Emerald 1 genset
I'm afraid that does not help - there were a lot of different models that were considered 'Emerald I'.But let's assume it is a BGE.We just need to figure out which spec level it is.Look at the top of the genset, right in the middle.Is there a tall rectangular shaped tin cap, about 1" wide, 3" long, 2" tall?On the back side of the genset, toward the right, is there a very large plastic cover?Remove the control panel from the genset.Inside, do you see a tan box, about 3" x 3", with a 12-wire harness attached to it?.
no on tin cap & plastic cover There is a tan box in the bottom of control box but only has 7 wires has 03 88 on it
Yes, that is the voltage regulator,.As I had said, the most common cause of your issue is that the set is no longer producing any power.
Set your meter to ACV.
Connect the black lead to a good ground.
Connect the red lead to the back of the circuit breaker (either one), on the terminal farthest away from you.
Press and hold the start button for 6 - 8 seconds, and note the voltage.
How much voltage is there?
Well Hank when I tried to check voltage the generator started and stayed running. Maby had a bad connection ?
No, you likely have dirty brushes and/or slip rings. This is very common on a genset that sits that long.Here is what you need to do.
Remove the air cleaner. Directly behind the air cleaner is the end bell of the generator. In the middle of the end bell is a rectangular plastic cover. Use a flat tip screwdriver to pry it out and expose the brush block.
In the center of the brush block are 2 round holes with a single bare wire coming out of them. These are the brush leads. Use a small diameter probe to stick down in these holes until it hits the brush. Mark the probe where it is flush with the brush block. Remove the probe and measure from the mark to the tip of the probe. If this measures 1" or more, the brushes are worn and must be replaced.
Leaving all wires hooked up, remove the 2 screws securing the brush block by turning each screw about 4 turns at a time. The brush block must come out straight, as it is made of ceramic and is very fragile. Be very careful to not drop the screws. It can be harder to get them out than to get a lollipop from a 2 year old. Use the wires to hold the brush block and guide it out.
Examine the brushes. They should not have any chips or cracks and should be worn in a smooth arc pattern. They should slide freely in the slots in the brush block.
If they stick or bind at all, clean the brush block with electrical contact cleaner.
Now examine the slip rings. They are the 2 bands that the brushes ride on. They are made of copper and should be as shiny as a new penny. A light brown patina is normal, and should not be construed as damage. However, they should not be a dull black color. They should be smooth and not have any scratches or pits. If they are dirty, clean them by attaching a piece of scotch brite pad to the end of a small stick and holding it to the slip rings. Remove the spark plug wires, ground them out to prevent damage to the coil and condenser, and press start to crank the set and make the slip rings turn. WATCH YOUR FINGERS!
Reassemble the set and see how it runs. If this did not help, please let me know and we will dig deeper.
Experience: Certified on Onan and Generac generators