Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Onan wiring
| Onan wiring [message #119352] |
Sun, 20 March 2011 15:42  |
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cbwoodsr
Messages: 1063
Registered: February 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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What wire goes where on the top of the onan going to the elec module on left side as ur looking down on top.
I have 3 wires, 2 w/spade plugs and one with a bayonet connector.
.hooked the 2 spade s together and it wouldnt start, so I wanted to hook it back up like it was when running...
Thankx
CBWood
77 Kingslay
MWC OK
ONLINE PARTS PROGRAM
www.GMCMHParts.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan wiring [message #119364 is a reply to message #119357] |
Sun, 20 March 2011 17:02  |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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I was going to say come look at mine, Charles,
but then I remembered that The Money Pit is down
at Merle's Frame Shop for brake and shock work.
I guess you could go down and have a peek if you
don't get the info by the end of the week.
My Onan does work and will hold BOTH roof A/C units.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: cbwoodsr@swbell.net
> Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2011 16:26:19 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onan wiring
>
>
>
> ok, I have 4 wires, two not connected together but sidebyside in the wire bundle, another one beside that which is black stripe on green and a spade lugged wire also outside of the bundle which also contains the FP wire..
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>
>
> --
> CBWood
> 77 Kingslay
> MWC OK
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan wiring [message #119385 is a reply to message #119370] |
Sun, 20 March 2011 19:22 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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| Marsha wrote on Sun, 20 March 2011 18:33 |
" The 1973 model had a separate battery just for the Onan. "
This brings up an interesting question for me. My coach came with no batteries. I had assumed that the "back" battery was for the coach, so if it's for the gen, are there supposed to be be two batteries under the bonnet? One for the coach and one for the chassie? Or does the one run both?
Marsha'73-23' ol yelr
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Marsha,
Yes'm, That is how they came out of the box.
Back then copper was more expensive than batteries. Besides, it made a nice back-up. You can get to a power down coach, but since that back battery only starts the APU (genset) it will still be alive enough to do just that. And, once you light that up, you can fix everything else easily.
The coach was shipped with 2 ea Grp 27 batteries in the front. You can now use a little tiny starting battery for the main engine (batteries have gotten a lot better), and put a grp 29 or 31 for the house in the other side of the tray if you coach has gas reefer. Unfortunately most 73s were shipped with a 12/120V electric reefer and a grp 31 will barely make a day of dry camp in moderate weather. You are better off putting a pair of golf cart batteries in for the house bank. The smallest/least expensive battery you can find will spin and start the APU.
You need to think about how you expect to use the coach before you do anything rash.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan wiring [message #119386 is a reply to message #119370] |
Sun, 20 March 2011 20:00 |
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Marsha, my '73 has a battery holder that holds two batteries on the passenger side; the one in front is the engine and the one in back is the coach. There is a charging line that goes back along the driver's side to the electrical center mid-coach. A wire there goes back to the Onan compartment to charge that battery, after the Onan gen charger is disconnected. I think this is the place where many people put two six volt batts in series to add to the coach battery. Some are using a combiner to put between the back and front coach batteries to settle any charge/discharge problems. The charging line starts just in back of the boost relay, goes through a 50 A. disconnect, across the front of the coach and thence to the line going back. Hope not clear as mud.
geo groth '73 260 Sequoia
Carson City Nevada 89703
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan wiring [message #119407 is a reply to message #119386] |
Mon, 21 March 2011 00:39 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| ggroth wrote on Sun, 20 March 2011 18:00 |
Marsha, my '73 has a battery holder that holds two batteries on the passenger side; the one in front is the engine and the one in back is the coach. There is a charging line that goes back along the driver's side to the electrical center mid-coach. A wire there goes back to the Onan compartment to charge that battery, after the Onan gen charger is disconnected. I think this is the place where many people put two six volt batts in series to add to the coach battery. Some are using a combiner to put between the back and front coach batteries to settle any charge/discharge problems. ...
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Keep in mind Marsha has a 23 foot coach. As a GMC upfitted 23 foot coach, (IIRC) it has (had) a generator battery accessed from the INSIDE just forward of the Generator compartment and inboard of the wheel well. Under the drivers side rear "couch."
All 73 and 74 coaches had problems with the separate generator battery. Most owners did not run the generator enough to keep the battery charged. If we were talking about a 26 foot, I would recommend a battery set-up like the 75-78 gm upfitted coaches. For a 23, it might be better to set it up like a Birchaven, except using 2 6v "golf carts" in place of the one 12v house battery. (Use a three battery tray up front and start the generator with the house batteries through a long cable to the rear.)
What ever you end up with, have combiners feeding all the batteries.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan wiring [message #119408 is a reply to message #119358] |
Mon, 21 March 2011 00:54 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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I only remember 3 wires at the voltage regulator. According to the wiring diagram in the manual, one does go to two locations...
From the manual, One is an AC input from the small alternator under the fly wheel. (This is also fed to the control board and uses it as a signal that the generator is running.) One is the 12v B+ to the battery... for charging. The last lead is ground.
If you only have 3 leads... you might only need to tape them up... not connected to each other at all. (As long as there is a way for the battery to be charges.)
Hopefully I can check mine tomorrow. Watch all three generators be different and not match the manual!
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan wiring [message #119427 is a reply to message #119407] |
Mon, 21 March 2011 09:59 |
Marsha
Messages: 144
Registered: February 2011
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Yes, my gen (back) battery access is inside under the seat. I figured it was for a battery as it has one (no, not two) large gauge wire sticking out of a hole in the side of the box. But it sounds like I might need to do some rewiring. That does not sound to pleasant. I have never liked electrical work.
I already know my plans for the coach. I love to take long road trips Sometimes I am also required to work long shifts and I drive something I can sleep in. I have a SOB that will go on down the road as soon as the GMC is usable. I would have liked to have a 26', but could not find one that I could afford without selling the SOB first. And I didn't want to give up this summer's trip (thinking Canada...). So the goal is to make it as dependable as possible. Inside needs work, but that will come after it runs, drives and stops without any problems.
Marsha'73-23' ol yeler
--- On Mon, 3/21/11, Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onan wiring
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Monday, March 21, 2011, 12:39 AM
ggroth wrote on Sun, 20 March 2011 18:00
> Marsha, my '73 has a battery holder that holds two batteries on the passenger side; the one in front is the engine and the one in back is the coach. There is a charging line that goes back along the driver's side to the electrical center mid-coach. A wire there goes back to the Onan compartment to charge that battery, after the Onan gen charger is disconnected. I think this is the place where many people put two six volt batts in series to add to the coach battery. Some are using a combiner to put between the back and front coach batteries to settle any charge/discharge problems. ...
Keep in mind Marsha has a 23 foot coach. As a GMC upfitted 23 foot coach, (IIRC) it has (had) a generator battery accessed from the INSIDE just forward of the Generator compartment and inboard of the wheel well. Under the drivers side rear "couch."
All 73 and 74 coaches had problems with the separate generator battery. Most owners did not run the generator enough to keep the battery charged. If we were talking about a 26 foot, I would recommend a battery set-up like the 75-78 gm upfitted coaches. For a 23, it might be better to set it up like a Birchaven, except using 2 6v "golf carts" in place of the one 12v house battery. (Use a three battery tray up front and start the generator with the house batteries through a long cable to the rear.)
What ever you end up with, have combiners feeding all the batteries.
--
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
'73 26' exPainted D. -- `78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- `77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan wiring [message #119433 is a reply to message #119427] |
Mon, 21 March 2011 10:48 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Marsha,
Ref, batteries for your 73...
Here are some photos of the Onan battery compartment on my 73, 23ft.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=38039&title=pertronis3-004&cat=4620
Looking down into compartment -- note that the battery holder is removed -- a metal tray that sits on two ledges.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=38037&title=pertronis3-002&cat=4620
And one badly focused shot into the Onan area.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=38038&title=pertronis3-003&cat=4620
I had to replace my main battery tray and used a Ragusa two battery model..
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=19560&cat=4620
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=20408&title=004&cat=4620
Good luck,
Dennis
| Marsha wrote on Mon, 21 March 2011 09:59 |
Yes, my gen (back) battery access is inside under the seat. I figured it was for a battery as it has one (no, not two) large gauge wire sticking out of a hole in the side of the box. But it sounds like I might need to do some rewiring. That does not sound to pleasant. I have never liked electrical work.
I already know my plans for the coach. I love to take long road trips Sometimes I am also required to work long shifts and I drive something I can sleep in. I have a SOB that will go on down the road as soon as the GMC is usable. I would have liked to have a 26', but could not find one that I could afford without selling the SOB first. And I didn't want to give up this summer's trip (thinking Canada...). So the goal is to make it as dependable as possible. Inside needs work, but that will come after it runs, drives and stops without any problems.
Marsha'73-23' ol yeler
--- On Mon, 3/21/11, Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Onan wiring
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Monday, March 21, 2011, 12:39 AM
ggroth wrote on Sun, 20 March 2011 18:00
> Marsha, my '73 has a battery holder that holds two batteries on the passenger side; the one in front is the engine and the one in back is the coach. There is a charging line that goes back along the driver's side to the electrical center mid-coach. A wire there goes back to the Onan compartment to charge that battery, after the Onan gen charger is disconnected. I think this is the place where many people put two six volt batts in series to add to the coach battery. Some are using a combiner to put between the back and front coach batteries to settle any charge/discharge problems. ...
Keep in mind Marsha has a 23 foot coach. As a GMC upfitted 23 foot coach, (IIRC) it has (had) a generator battery accessed from the INSIDE just forward of the Generator compartment and inboard of the wheel well. Under the drivers side rear "couch."
All 73 and 74 coaches had problems with the separate generator battery. Most owners did not run the generator enough to keep the battery charged. If we were talking about a 26 foot, I would recommend a battery set-up like the 75-78 gm upfitted coaches. For a 23, it might be better to set it up like a Birchaven, except using 2 6v "golf carts" in place of the one 12v house battery. (Use a three battery tray up front and start the generator with the house batteries through a long cable to the rear.)
What ever you end up with, have combiners feeding all the batteries.
--
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
'73 26' exPainted D. -- `78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- `77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan wiring [message #119436 is a reply to message #119427] |
Mon, 21 March 2011 10:58 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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| Marsha wrote on Mon, 21 March 2011 10:59 |
Yes, my gen (back) battery access is inside under the seat. I figured it was for a battery as it has one (no, not two) large gauge wire sticking out of a hole in the side of the box. But it sounds like I might need to do some rewiring. That does not sound to pleasant. I have never liked electrical work.
I already know my plans for the coach. I love to take long road trips Sometimes I am also required to work long shifts and I drive something I can sleep in. I have a SOB that will go on down the road as soon as the GMC is usable. I would have liked to have a 26', but could not find one that I could afford without selling the SOB first. And I didn't want to give up this summer's trip (thinking Canada...). So the goal is to make it as dependable as possible. Inside needs work, but that will come after it runs, drives and stops without any problems.
Marsha'73-23' ol yeler
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Marsha,
I happen to have a pretty much unmolested coach of the same vintage. It has three (3) cables in that box. Two are heavy and go to the APU directly, and the other goes into the block on the forward bulkhead that space. This is supposed to be a fusible link (fuse) holder. The wire (#10) goes from there to the electrical cabinet that is immediately forward of the hanging locker (closet). I PO installed a switch in there that I leave open.
This is wiring that is more like plumbing.
You may find that a 23 is just fine for 1 or 2 at time. It just invites less opportunity to bring along stuff.
Do you have the maintenance books or the set of CDs with that information?? If NO, get them.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan wiring [message #119438 is a reply to message #119436] |
Mon, 21 March 2011 11:36 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| mcolie wrote on Mon, 21 March 2011 08:58 |
...
You may find that a 23 is just fine for 1 or 2 at time. It just invites less opportunity to bring along stuff.
...
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We have found the 23 is much better for parking and camping in tight spots and parking lots.
Trucks often fill up the "truck and RV" side of rest areas and the 26 doesn't fit very well on most of the car sides.
The 23 fits the car side better than many of the big pick-ups.
For two (and MAYBE 4 in a pinch) the 23 is better for our use.
Back to the Onan,
I have SEEN the battery set up stock on the early 23's. But have never worked on one. I own two of the Coachman 23 foot (Birchaven) set-ups but haven't gone through either. I like the Coachman design on paper... but am not impressed with the installation. (Looks like possible fire hazard.) I need to take pictures and then "fix" it. (It is on my list just after the brake work... but will most likely be done at the same time.) Installed correctly the "Birch" design would be simplest, most reliable and most likely cheapest over time. (Only 2 battery banks.)
BUT...
It might be 'easiest' to put yours back to stock (3 battery banks) and add a combiner from the generator battery to the main connection in the electrical cabinet, at the output of the converter. (Isn't that about 4 feet forward?)
With one other combiner between to house and engine and your batteries will all be charged from any source.
Batteries:
If you have to replace your battery tray, go ahead and get a three battery tray. You can use it with two batteries but may find you need more house capacity for dry camping. Two 6v golf cart batteries are hard to beat for price/capacity. (I built a "temporary" tray from 1/2 inch plywood for my '73. it is still good 6 years later.)
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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