Re: [a/s] Genset...

[Susi and John Burchard <saluqi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

That leads me to some questions.  I have a very old 4 KVA Onan genset in the
motor home.  A while ago, after running faultlessly for several years, it
suddenly packed up completely.  It was running normally, I shut it down
normally, and next day it wouldn't start when I needed it.  On investigation I
found a mechanical obstruction to rotating the crankshaft -- you can rotate it
with a socket wrench on the end, in either direction, for almost one full turn,
then it stops.  I have not applied any force.  There are no clattering, clanking
or scraping noises when you rotate it, and it turns easily enough until you come
to the point of blockage.

I've taken it to various repair facilities here (but not yet to the Onan folks,
who have a reputation of being extremely expensive) but so far nobody has
actually looked at it beyond what I did.  I have been quoted $2500 for a
short-block only (based on the assumption, not mine, that the engine is
irreparably damaged ... it might also be a screw or something that fell down and
is blocking the armature?) and well over $4000 for replacing the unit.  It is an
old one with breaker points ... remote start kit of course ... and only about
350 hours on the meter, though the meter was obviously installed aftermarket and
might not represent the full hours on the machine.  But up to this point it has
operated flawlessly, it did not make any dire noises either when shutting down
or when trying to start it up again, so I am rather tempted to try to rebuild it
(if that's what it needs) myself.

BTW I have seen a rebuilt and reconditioned identical unit for $1200 at an RV
salvage yard in Phoenix.  That was while mine was still in working order, and
the unit has long since been sold.  I think Onan wants something like $4500 or
even more for a new unit of comparable output (4.0 KW approximately).

Suggestions??

John

Susi and John Burchard
Tepe Gawra Salukis
saluqi@ix.netcom.com