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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Hodag on July 07, 2008, 02:44:24 PM

Title: Replacement starter for generator
Post by: Hodag on July 07, 2008, 02:44:24 PM
I have a 15KW Onan powered by a Cummins DL3 3 cyl.  The starter went out and the Cummins/Onan shop wants $750 for a new one (starter, not the whole generator).  This price seems ridiculous to me.  I found a no-name replacement part for $130 at partsfortechs.com.  Does anybody think I should go with the OEM part?  Can anybody recommend a shop in So. Cal. to rebuild mine?Thanks.

--Bryan
Title: Re: Replacement starter for generator
Post by: Ncbob on July 07, 2008, 02:54:10 PM
Having been an Onan Dealer for many years I know first hand how the Distributors hold up customers over proprietary items.

An honest answer to your question is: Whatever starter you can find for that application will work as well as anything Onan has on the shelf...except that your solution will be cheaper.

There are enough DL3 engines out there so that a large number of starters ought to be available through any number of rebuilders or shops.

It equates to this. If you had the option of buying your diesel fuel from a private refiner or Texaco...and the product was the same quality ....who's product would you buy?

HTH

Bob
Title: Re: Replacement starter for generator
Post by: DrivingMissLazy on July 07, 2008, 02:59:25 PM
Quote from: Hodag on July 07, 2008, 02:44:24 PM
I have a 15KW Onan powered by a Cummins DL3 3 cyl.  The starter went out and the Cummins/Onan shop wants $750 for a new one (starter, not the whole generator).  This price seems ridiculous to me.  I found a no-name replacement part for $130 at partsfortechs.com.  Does anybody think I should go with the OEM part?  Can anybody recommend a shop in So. Cal. to rebuild mine?Thanks.

--Bryan

Onan links that I use:

http://asavage.dyndns.org/Onan/display1.php?Path=900-0337&db=Onan&table=900_0337&Page=019

http://users.california.com/~eagle/list.html#GEN

http://www.smokstak.com/forum/archive/index.php?f-1.html

http://www.gmcws.org/Tech/onan_electronic_ignition/onan_electronic_ignition.html

http://www.gmcws.org/Tech/dsimmons/onan/onan.html

http://www.funroads.com/onanstore/osHome.jhtml

http://www.perr.com/onan.html

This is from the Help board under favorites.

I personally always used Singer Electric for any electrical repairs to alternators or starters. in the Anneheim area or someplace close by. You want to talk to Kim. I can not find a link but I am pretty sure he has a web site.

Richard

Richard
Title: Re: Replacement starter for generator
Post by: junkman42 on July 08, 2008, 05:37:58 AM
I recently bought a after market starter for a perkins diesel in My sail boat.  It is I think made in china, and rather than being a straight drive is a gear reduction high speed starter, and although cheap looking it saved a ton of money, it cost 129.  It works far better than the orignal and I can buy 5 more for the price of the lucas junk.  ebay and the outfit is in miami .  John
Title: Re: Replacement starter for generator
Post by: Len Silva on July 08, 2008, 06:29:18 AM
Have you checked into getting your own starter rebuilt?  There's not that much to a starter or alternator that cannot be repaired by a competent shop.

Len
Title: Re: Replacement starter for generator
Post by: jjrbus on July 08, 2008, 07:24:52 AM
Len is right on! The first thing to find is a good starter rebuilder. You may need one for the bus eventually. Look under automobile electric in the yellow pages. Try asking at a local auto parts store. Will save you lotsa $$$$$$$.
Title: Re: Replacement starter for generator
Post by: DrivingMissLazy on July 08, 2008, 01:43:40 PM
Finally found some information on Singer Electric. Give him a call. He is the best and most reasonable
shop I ever found.

Singer Electric Motors-Generators

1030 Ortega Wy
Placentia, CA 92870 Map

    * (714) 666-1919
    * Call

Sales, Repairs & Rewind

Richard
Title: Re: Replacement starter for generator
Post by: TomC on July 10, 2008, 10:42:16 PM
Just another reason to stay away from Onan.  Good Luck, TomC