Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Generator repair $800-$1000???
| [GMCnet] Generator repair $800-$1000??? [message #172571] |
Fri, 08 June 2012 10:42  |
gmc gmc
Messages: 69
Registered: May 2009
Karma: 0
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Hi all,
I have 78, and 6000 W Onan as you all know. Think 2-3 years ago had it in
a good shop here in Madison, WI, they did stuff and got it working. Not
used it much since really, and this winter mouse chewed a wire or two.
Shop called and says it needs anew controller board ( $200 part???) and
lots of corrosion etc... so minimum repairs to get it going is $700-800
or do it right $1000 or so.
I was shocked!!!!
Honestly I don't use RV enough, and if I do a few times we drive to camp
ground and plug in. SO... hummmmm.... should I wait to fix it until I
drive RV more or what you all think.
what you all recommend?
appreciate it.
Mike Derr
78 refurbished
Madison, WI area
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| Re: [GMCnet] Generator repair $800-$1000??? [message #172579 is a reply to message #172571] |
Fri, 08 June 2012 11:25  |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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Mike,
Something doesn’t sound right about that quote. I think these are very simple, reliable machines.
My serious wrench turning was way back in High School. I was fairly confident about working on the coach but when it came to the Onan I was pretty shy. Well, since I have more time than money, and not much of either, I decided to do some simple work on the old troll.
It’s a very simple machine. I have renewed confidence in anyone’s ability to work on that thing if you have a basic understanding of clockwise vs counter clockwise!
Some time ago I had to replace the Bridge Rectifier. It’s an electronic component that has 4 connections (easy). Recently I’ve replaced the motor mounts and the starter motor, and the starter motor bracket. That bracket installation I thought was beyond me because I had to pull the flywheel. With a simple Harbor Freight $10 puller it came off easily. In fact it comes off so easily that I’m about to do it again, as I failed to torque it properly and it’s now rubbing against the tin!
There is a TON of help here on the net. If you get the parts and ask the questions these guys will step you through it. What do you have to loose but time? The shop can fix anything you do. The generator isn’t working now anyway. Anything you fix is just a plus!
One other bit I think is important. Toby Maki put together a DVD of a Duane Simmons session at the Western States rally in 2003. Watching this video won’t make you an expert, but it will familiarize you with the generator and increase your confidence. In the video Duane mentions using a couple of spray cleaners and lubricants from Radio Shack that just might cure your broken board - I don’t know, but it would be the first thing I try. Lots of boards are replaced, so yours may well be bad. Jim K has the Onan board for $135 new, or $100 refurbished.
If you don’t mind getting a little greasy I’d say go for it!
Larry Davick
The Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
On Jun 8, 2012, at 8:42 AM, gmc gmc wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I have 78, and 6000 W Onan as you all know. Think 2-3 years ago had it in
> a good shop here in Madison, WI, they did stuff and got it working. Not
> used it much since really, and this winter mouse chewed a wire or two.
>
> Shop called and says it needs anew controller board ( $200 part???) and
> lots of corrosion etc... so minimum repairs to get it going is $700-800
> or do it right $1000 or so.
>
> I was shocked!!!!
>
> Honestly I don't use RV enough, and if I do a few times we drive to camp
> ground and plug in. SO... hummmmm.... should I wait to fix it until I
> drive RV more or what you all think.
>
> what you all recommend?
>
> appreciate it.
>
> Mike Derr
> 78 refurbished
> Madison, WI area
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] Generator repair $800-$1000??? [message #172636 is a reply to message #172571] |
Fri, 08 June 2012 17:56 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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How much is your time worth? There are sufficient resources to do it yourself if you want.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris junkerac
'76 palm beach 6kw onan
From: gmc gmc <gmc@derr.ws>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, June 8, 2012 11:42 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Generator repair $800-$1000???
Hi all,
I have 78, and 6000 W Onan as you all know. Think 2-3 years ago had it in
a good shop here in Madison, WI, they did stuff and got it working. Not
used it much since really, and this winter mouse chewed a wire or two.
Shop called and says it needs anew controller board ( $200 part???) and
lots of corrosion etc... so minimum repairs to get it going is $700-800
or do it right $1000 or so.
I was shocked!!!!
Honestly I don't use RV enough, and if I do a few times we drive to camp
ground and plug in. SO... hummmmm.... should I wait to fix it until I
drive RV more or what you all think.
what you all recommend?
appreciate it.
Mike Derr
78 refurbished
Madison, WI area
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Generator repair $800-$1000??? [message #172644 is a reply to message #172571] |
Fri, 08 June 2012 19:31 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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G'day,
Re the cost of repair: when I bought Double Trouble in the USA the PO's son
told me that they had just spent $1500 on repairs to the Onan from an Onan
shop. I found a new controller board in it and IIRC the receipt showed Onan
charged them $400 for the board. I can't remember what else was on the
receipt.
Re Onan running problems: On our trip the next year it would run for about
20 minutes and then die. I stopped by Tom Hampton's shop in Marysville OH
and he found out it was the coil and replaced it. The down side is that Onan
is VERY proud of their coils. You can get a 12vdc dual fire coil for a
Harley from aftermarket stores it will cost you a lot less!
I think ChuckB published the part number awhile back.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: gmc gmc
Hi all,
I have 78, and 6000 W Onan as you all know. Think 2-3 years ago had it in
a good shop here in Madison, WI, they did stuff and got it working. Not
used it much since really, and this winter mouse chewed a wire or two.
Shop called and says it needs anew controller board ( $200 part???) and
lots of corrosion etc... so minimum repairs to get it going is $700-800
or do it right $1000 or so.
I was shocked!!!!
Honestly I don't use RV enough, and if I do a few times we drive to camp
ground and plug in. SO... hummmmm.... should I wait to fix it until I
drive RV more or what you all think.
what you all recommend?
appreciate it.
Mike
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Generator repair $800-$1000??? [message #172653 is a reply to message #172571] |
Fri, 08 June 2012 20:29 |
chasingsummer
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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with info from this site i did repair a cold solder joint on my board,
i seem to overthink all my repairs, but i do believe with a little money(bigger stuff takes more money)and the help from this site i believe i can figure out anything, or with enough questions here some one else will figure it out and tell me what i need to do.
i may be the one of the tightested wods on this site, if it was me, before i gave in to such a large amount, i would atleast attempt myself. i really appreciate mine when i run roof ac while driving. i have also been seen sitting in mine in driveway, adult beverage in hand running genny and watching tv. i call it genny pm
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza, 74 build
119k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
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| Re: [GMCnet] Generator repair $800-$1000??? [message #172671 is a reply to message #172571] |
Fri, 08 June 2012 22:33 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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| gmc gmc wrote on Fri, 08 June 2012 10:42 |
Hi Honestly I don't use RV enough, and if I do a few times we drive to camp
ground and plug in. SO... hummmmm.... should I wait to fix it until I
drive RV more or what you all think.
what you all recommend?
appreciate it.
Mike Derr
|
If you are inclined to do it yourself these beasts are very basic. The control board can be confusing but the various trouble shooting guides that are available can narrow any problem down pretty quickly. About the only control board problems that can really be confusing to fix are corroded traces on the circuit board. However once you find one of these corroded traces they are easy to fix if you can solder. finding replacement relays may be a problem but I suspect someone here knows of a source. Call if you want, I'm on the Black List.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Generator repair $800-$1000??? [message #172774 is a reply to message #172571] |
Sun, 10 June 2012 06:57 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I have a new Simmons built OEM control board. $100
On Fri, Jun 8, 2012 at 8:42 AM, gmc gmc <gmc@derr.ws> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I have 78, and 6000 W Onan as you all know. Think 2-3 years ago had it in
> a good shop here in Madison, WI, they did stuff and got it working. Not
> used it much since really, and this winter mouse chewed a wire or two.
>
> Shop called and says it needs anew controller board ( $200 part???) and
> lots of corrosion etc... so minimum repairs to get it going is $700-800
> or do it right $1000 or so.
>
> I was shocked!!!!
>
> Honestly I don't use RV enough, and if I do a few times we drive to camp
> ground and plug in. SO... hummmmm.... should I wait to fix it until I
> drive RV more or what you all think.
>
> what you all recommend?
>
> appreciate it.
>
> Mike Derr
> 78 refurbished
> Madison, WI area
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Fathom the hypocrisy of a nation where every citizen must prove they have
health insurance......but not everyone has to prove they're a citizen.
Steve Ferguson
Sierra Vista, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Generator repair $800-$1000??? [message #172836 is a reply to message #172693] |
Sun, 10 June 2012 18:54 |
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Let us know when you have a new, modern Onan control board to offer. I'll
be among the first in line to purchase one.
bdub
-----Original Message-----
From: On Behalf Of Bruce Hislop
Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2012 8:58 AM
... snip ...
Turned out I didn't need to replace the relays, just changed my starting
procedure by holding the Prime button pressed until the engine was running.
The control board is a simple crude circuit but effective in its operation.
Some day I'll design something more elegant to replace it with, just because
I can.
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bdub
bdub.net
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