onan generator

[rampeyboy]

Hello, I am looking at two Onan generators. First is a gas 10kw model. Other is a diesel 12kw. Both are single phase. Small one looks like typical rv mounting, other is on "skids". $500 for the small one. Price unknown on other. Both are old and working condition unknown. Are either worth pursuing for someone on a budget? The small gas is aircooled, not sure about the diesel. Ive heard stories of how loud some gens are...
Boyce

[wg4t50]

If you give me the model number of each, I can tell you what they are, been Onan dealer for 40 years, be glad to offer info.
Dave

[rampeyboy]

Yeah dummy me, didnt have a pen on me, and said to myself oh I can remember these model numbers! Ha!

[TomC]

If the gasoline 10kw is the 4 cylinder air cooled-that's a good genset.  Onan did make a Vacucoool model that pulled the air through the gen and exhausted the hot air out of the cabinet (I have a 2 cylinder DJB 6kw Diesel genset that has that [very loud]).  If the 12kw Diesel genset is the 4 cylinder air cooled-I would pass on that in that they are very loud.  If it has a Kubota water cooled-buy that!  Good Luck, TomC

[rampeyboy]

I do remember the 10kw saying something about vacuucool on it. I also do not recall seeing any radiator on the bigger unit. So will probably pass on them....

[rampeyboy]

Dave, I tried to PM you, but I can't find my message in my outbox, and you haven't replied so maybe something didn't work as intended! Anyway, a few days ago, I sent a message to the effect that the units are still available. Here's the numbers:

10cw-3r/316e serial number 58b587429
10kw  single phase gas air cooled (vacuflow cooling)


120djc-3cr/18319aa serial number h770255398
12kw single phase air cooled diesel

Both I think are very old. Working conditions unknown. They are being sold from a government surplus auction, and the folks there know nothing about the conditions. The 10kw is big enough for my needs, but I know the 12 would be nice because I could plumb it to the existing bus tank. I'm afraid either unit would be too loud...assuming they even work!


Lastly there was a Deutz brand portable diesel generator there, claiming 11.3kw. Hard to believe because the generator head was relatively small. I did see it run, and it is pretty loud. It's probably the best deal of all 3, but don't know if I would want to live with that much noise..I can't believe the onan's would be any louder than it was...

Boyce

ps: one odd thing about that 10kw gas unit, I could not find for the life of me any fuel lines running to or from the fuel pump, and no fuel inlet to the carb!

[gus]

I gave away the Onan gas 5.5 KW air cooled gas gen that came with my 4104 because it shook the whole bus and could be heard for about half a mile. I just couldn't stand it any longer even though it worked fine. It was about a '78 model as I remember.

I spent $4,200 plus a lot of labor to install a liquid cooled Honda 6KW genset that was quiet and smooth, never regretted one dollar of the expense. Unfortunately Honda no longer makes those which were especially for RVs.

Also, since Cummins bought out Onan the parts prices are outrageous, they weren't cheap even before that!!

Would I buy either of those sets, not likely?

[luvrbus]

For the price buy one replace the engine with a Kubota or other brands of a compact diesels from a refer truck most engines from those can be had for less than a 1000 bucks and  then you have a good generator for less bucks the older ONAN heads are tough to beat not like the electronic controlled junk in today's market.

I would go for it in a minute buy the 10Kw and with a higher hp diesel you will have a 12kw most likely

[Skykingrob]

Boyce
For you or anyone else who wants to do what Clifford is suggesting, i.e. remove the generator portion and put a new engine on it or rebuild the engine. I have a 12.5KW onan that the generator portion is fine but I didn't run the engine like I was supposed to and the exhaust, which had a weather cap but it stuck open and I didn't notice it, let rain in and in two weeks the number one cylinder was frozen solid. It is mounted on skids and has the full weather cover. It is free to the first person who wants it. I live just south of Springfield MO.

Rob
91 Prevost LeMirage
Missouri

[gus]

My old Onan was rated at 7.5 KW but only at 3P,  it was only 5.5 at 1P.

Even if those were originally wired for 3P you still have plenty of 1P power left.

[oldmansax]

Boyce
For you or anyone else who wants to do what Clifford is suggesting, i.e. remove the generator portion and put a new engine on it or rebuild the engine. I have a 12.5KW onan that the generator portion is fine but I didn't run the engine like I was supposed to and the exhaust, which had a weather cap but it stuck open and I didn't notice it, let rain in and in two weeks the number one cylinder was frozen solid. It is mounted on skids and has the full weather cover. It is free to the first person who wants it. I live just south of Springfield MO.

Rob
91 Prevost LeMirage
Missouri

I wish I was closer to Missouri, I could use that head, got an engine.

TOM