Onan Diesel Generator
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 694
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From: Vashon, WA
Onan Diesel Generator
Just got a Onan 7.5kw diesel marine generator for practicably nothing. Supposedly it runs fine(I haven't had a chance to try it yet) only problem is the voltage regulator doesn't work. He said it is now setup for 220v but instead the generator is putting out about 300v.
Any idea what parts I need to fix this or what might be wrong? I will try to tinker with it later to get more info. Any info in general on these machines, never had one before, I was told this is Cummins' generator brand.
Any idea what parts I need to fix this or what might be wrong? I will try to tinker with it later to get more info. Any info in general on these machines, never had one before, I was told this is Cummins' generator brand.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
I know nothing about them but you should maybe check what speed the engine is set at. It could be that there is a governor problem and the engine is running too fast.
If you can, back the engine speed a little and see if the voltage follows it down.
Hopefully opinions from those who know more than me will follow.
If you can, back the engine speed a little and see if the voltage follows it down.
Hopefully opinions from those who know more than me will follow.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 694
Likes: 8
From: Vashon, WA
Well hooked it up to a battery and stuck the fuel lines in a gallon of diesel and it fired right up. Was a little rough but I have a feeling after I put it on the garden hose and let it run for more than 10 seconds it will clear out. Oil pressure is 50psi.
Here's some pictures. I was told it's a 1979.
Here's a picture of the wiring box, I really have no idea how these hook up or how you switch from 110 to 220v. I'll get my voltmeter out and start testing.
Here's some pictures. I was told it's a 1979.
Here's a picture of the wiring box, I really have no idea how these hook up or how you switch from 110 to 220v. I'll get my voltmeter out and start testing.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,259
Likes: 17
From: Gambrills
That generator is missing MAJOR COMPONENTS! You NEED a terminal board! PLEASE DON'T RUN IT WITH OUT ONE!
L1, L2, L3 and ground are your 4 wires. Man, PLEASE get all the parts before you mess with it any further. Throw out all you know about "home electricity", this is a different animal.
L1, L2, L3 and ground are your 4 wires. Man, PLEASE get all the parts before you mess with it any further. Throw out all you know about "home electricity", this is a different animal.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 694
Likes: 8
From: Vashon, WA
the terminal board is on top, above the switches. I will try to take a picture.
This box is just where the wires come out(normally comes through a grommet on the side, I just took the panel off)
This box is just where the wires come out(normally comes through a grommet on the side, I just took the panel off)
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,259
Likes: 17
From: Gambrills
do you have a multimeter with a htz function? Normally at 1800 RPM you will have 60 htz. I would get the hertz right first then try to adjust from there. I would check each phase (wire) to ground. You should 110-120 volts. Get the hertz (htz) straight then go from there.....I wouldn't trust ANY meter on the machine
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 694
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From: Vashon, WA
yes I have a htz meter. So how exactly do I figure out which of the 4 wires is which? The PO slices some suff together as you can see but there are 4 wires coming out of the generator, all the same size/color.
I know a lot about automotive wiring but have never working on an AC generator before.
I know a lot about automotive wiring but have never working on an AC generator before.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,259
Likes: 17
From: Gambrills
OK, get rid of all the splices and put back on the "split bolts" where they are spose to be.....LO=ground....L1, L2, L3 are your phases. There should be a switch to configure in the generator as it runs. Go to "120-240" and measure for voltage...AFTER you have found 60 htz.
You have it Brother!.......It can't be that broke!....again don't trust the factory gauge(s)
You have it Brother!.......It can't be that broke!....again don't trust the factory gauge(s)
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,259
Likes: 17
From: Gambrills
get anywhere yet?
I will help you find a manual...what is the brand and model#?
there should be a throttle to control the htz and another **** to tweek the volts.
A few posts up I said LO is ground....That is not the ground that goes to the grounding rod. The grounding rod ground should come STRAIGHT from the generator engine/frame.
I would like to help you out with your new toy, please keep me in mind while you are tinkering
I will help you find a manual...what is the brand and model#?
there should be a throttle to control the htz and another **** to tweek the volts.
A few posts up I said LO is ground....That is not the ground that goes to the grounding rod. The grounding rod ground should come STRAIGHT from the generator engine/frame.
I would like to help you out with your new toy, please keep me in mind while you are tinkering
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
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From: Drummonds, TN USA
That's a nice find - restore it and it will last forever.
Undo every bit of bad work and set it up right. There's a reason why Onan is the number one generator supplier for RV's and motor coaches!
Undo every bit of bad work and set it up right. There's a reason why Onan is the number one generator supplier for RV's and motor coaches!
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,259
Likes: 17
From: Gambrills
Here are some manuals....: http://www.gbwoodies.com/OwnersManua...r/OnanOper.zip
for some reason it is not opening from a cut paste link. please find the link in the 1st post here: http://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39452
I will try to find another easier pdf manual when I get a chance
for some reason it is not opening from a cut paste link. please find the link in the 1st post here: http://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39452
I will try to find another easier pdf manual when I get a chance
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 694
Likes: 8
From: Vashon, WA
Still can't quite figure out the wiring. I will try to trace them back up into the terminal box and maybe they're marked there but as you can see in the picture there's just 4 identical wires coming out of the box. How do I figure out which one is which?
If possible I would like to wire it so I have both a 120 outlet and a 240 outlet on the generator.
If possible I would like to wire it so I have both a 120 outlet and a 240 outlet on the generator.