Onan Generator Ready! with pic's

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michigander

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ry%3D400

ry%3D400
ry%3D400

ry%3D400

I started out with a 4000 watt generator that was taken out of a motorhome about 15 years ago. It is a 1972 model, but did not have many hours on it. I have had the generator for a long time and finally decided I had to do something with it. I bought a gas tank on Ebay last year to use above it , as the electric fuel pump was bad. I built a frame around it and mounted the gas tank above the generator. The gas tank frame is bolted to the bottom frame if I ever need to take generator off. I attached some wheels so I could roll it around garage and put folding handles on the one end. At first I was going to mount battery on generator end, but decided to mount it above motor. I have some aluminum and spacers under battery for a heat shield. I found out these CCK model generators have a cast iron block, hold 3.5 quarts of oil, run at 1800 RPM. So, it should outlast me. Parts are available at a Cummins dealer and one is close to me. I bought a set of points and condenser for a spare and a can of ONAN green. After setting for I know 15 years, I was leary about the carb. I hooked gasline up, turned gas on. With a big battery it cranked for only about 20 seconds and fired. The generator only puts out 120 volts, but works great too. I was grinning!:clap: If you ever run into one of these, with a little effort it can be a great backup for power, for the house or that OWB to keep the pump circulating.
 
That should be real handy, I have heard nothing but good things about Onan, and that cart you welded up should make you a nice setup. Congrats on your work..
 
Now all you need is a nice nelson muffler and you won't even hear that thing run.Looks great!
DON
Big Beam, Any idea where I can find a Nelson muffler for this Onan? I've been looking online and can't seem to find much. Are they sold at any local automotive stores or franchised muffler shops? Thanks for your help!
 
Nice job, you might want to check that unit to make sure it is putting out proper voltage at the right frequency so you are sure you won't damage anything you plug into it. Some multimeters will measure frequency, I have a cheap radio shack one I have had for years that will do it. Just to make sure you are bang on 60hz. The frequency will vary with the speed of the motor. I may be telling you something you already know but it may be good info for others. I setup my pto generator this way because the tach on my tractor isn't quite that accurate.
 
Nice job, you might want to check that unit to make sure it is putting out proper voltage at the right frequency so you are sure you won't damage anything you plug into it. Some multimeters will measure frequency, I have a cheap radio shack one I have had for years that will do it. Just to make sure you are bang on 60hz. The frequency will vary with the speed of the motor. I may be telling you something you already know but it may be good info for others. I setup my pto generator this way because the tach on my tractor isn't quite that accurate.
Blakey, Thanks for the heads up on the frequency and voltage check. I've been lurking on the smokestack website too, and learned about a meter called 'Kill-a-Watt'. I have one on my ebay watch list right now. If the voltage is on and the frequency is off. Do you just raise the speed or lower to set the frequency? Thanks if you could clarify!
 
Blakey, Thanks for the heads up on the frequency and voltage check. I've been lurking on the smokestack website too, and learned about a meter called 'Kill-a-Watt'. I have one on my ebay watch list right now. If the voltage is on and the frequency is off. Do you just raise the speed or lower to set the frequency? Thanks if you could clarify!

I just set the running speed with a voltmeter on mine. It burned up a tv set and kicked the ac off when I first got it. It was running too fast. Would 60 hz be 3,600 rpms?

I've been thinking of taking the one off of my motor home and making a home generator out of it. I don't use it to often in my motor home.

BTW, good job.
 
It should have a voltage regulator I assume so once you hit a certain rpm you get 120 volts and won't go any higher but your frequency varies directly with engine speed. Just something to check for peace of mind.
 
I just set the running speed with a voltmeter on mine. It burned up a tv set and kicked the ac off when I first got it. It was running too fast. Would 60 hz be 3,600 rpms?

I've been thinking of taking the one off of my motor home and making a home generator out of it. I don't use it to often in my motor home.

BTW, good job.

This is exactly what I was talking about.
I am not an expert but I believe generators usually run at either 1800 or 3600 rpm. I think the better ones run at 1800.
 
Blakey, Thanks for the heads up on the frequency and voltage check. I've been lurking on the smokestack website too, and learned about a meter called 'Kill-a-Watt'. I have one on my ebay watch list right now. If the voltage is on and the frequency is off. Do you just raise the speed or lower to set the frequency? Thanks if you could clarify!

I don't know much about the Kill a Watt meter but I understand it is more of a power consumption meter. I am just talking about a multimeter like an electrician would use. It has to have the capability of measuring frequency, my generator guy sells them for approx $50, I have seen them in surplus places as well.
 
Precise Engine Repair

You might want to check out this site. It's a mom-n-pop setup with a
LOT of good info & reasonable prices on parts. They also have a small engine forum.
Al

http://www.perr.com/onan.html
 
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sweet package.
those old CCK's ran welders, generators, ThermoKing reefers, and ran forever. Hence the big oil pan also.
1800 rpm much quieter and smooth. The cheapie homeowner gensets run 3600 because the engine is smaller, and the 2 pole generator cheaper to build than the 4 pole for 1800 rpm.
They just sound so nice. I have a briggs flat twin 18 hp on hydraulic power unit. queite and smooth.

kcj
 
The best way to find nelson is to look at JD sites.Most of the better garden tractors with kokler motors used them.They aint cheap 50-75 bucks.
DON

Also do a search for (nelson 1") or (nelson 1 1/4")
DON
 
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Is that a 18 or 20 Hp. You can get parts from BridgeWay Power. I think they have branches all over the state. I think the muffler for this engine is the same for the 18,20,24 hp engines. I got one for my sawmill in Grand Rapids and they had it in stock. I think it ran somewhere in the 50.00 range.
 
On the original spec's, it is only rated at 10 HP. I ordered a muffler today from a local automotive parts store. It was made for a Gravely tractor with this style motor. I hope to have it put on tomorrow and test it out. Is Bridgeway Power the Cummins dealers? Thanks for your help!:cheers:
 
I think they are a cummins dealer. The one in GR used to have a big selection of Onan parts on hand and at the time I only live 10 miles from them. They do alot of work on Motorhomes.
 
Finished the Generator up!

ry%3D400

Here it is after I put the flex and the muffler on. I tested it and it does quiet it up a lot. I didn't think it was real loud before, but I'm sure the neighbors will appreciate it when it has to run at night. Today I recieved my "Kill a Watt" meter, plan to check the voltage and frequency with it tomorrow. The nearest Cummins dealer is about 12 miles away, so parts should be no problem. I bought a hour meter to add to it too. Hook it up to the 120 volt side and know how many hours it has run since last oil change. Thanks to everyone who gave me ideas!:clap:
 

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