| Onan ignition options [message #262193] |
Thu, 18 September 2014 02:13  |
Chris Tyler
Messages: 458
Registered: September 2013
Location: Odessa FL
Karma: 7
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Have sent an email to Jim K but no response yet, so asking here:
Applied lists two ignition packages for the onan: http://www.appliedgmc.com/level.itml/icOid/487
One is a CDI unit, the other replaces the points
Are they compatible?
Anyone running either [or both] of these?
Anyone have a PDF of the installation instructions so I can see what I'm getting into?
I like the idea of retaining the points as a backup. On the other hand, I have run points with CD units on cars and the points wore very little at all.
76 Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan ignition options [message #262199 is a reply to message #262193] |
Thu, 18 September 2014 06:28  |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Chris,
I know nothing about the CDI unit except that you imply that it retains the
use of the points. If true, that keeps one of the big shortcomings of the
Onan OEM system: The points are operated by a push rod which rides in bore
in the block. The friction in that bore makes operation of the points
erratic. By eliminating the points, the Pertronix mod converts the
original timing mark blur to a crisp straight line. Onan reportedly
retarded the timing from optimal a couple of times to reduce the
detrimental effects of that high-friction points operating system.
Ken H.
On Thu, Sep 18, 2014 at 3:13 AM, Chris Tyler
wrote:
> Have sent an email to Jim K but no response yet, so asking here:
> Applied lists two ignition packages for the onan:
> http://www.appliedgmc.com/level.itml/icOid/487
> One is a CDI unit, the other replaces the points
>
> Are they compatible?
> Anyone running either [or both] of these?
> Anyone have a PDF of the installation instructions so I can see what I'm
> getting into?
>
> I like the idea of retaining the points as a backup. On the other hand, I
> have run points with CD units on cars and the points wore very little at
> all.
> --
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan ignition options [message #262209 is a reply to message #262205] |
Thu, 18 September 2014 08:10 |
Jim Miller
Messages: 501
Registered: March 2008
Karma: 10
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It is interesting to see all the Onan ignition mods people are experimenting with!
I am experimenting with a coil-near-plug arrangement using GM LS2-series coils that have their own embedded charging/firing circuitry. These coils are internally dwell limited (which makes the control system trivial) and they produce one heck of a spark. The control voltage is simple 5V and I was planning to mount a Hall-effect sensor near the flywheel - ala pertronix - or perhaps machining a little adapter to go on the generator tailshaft that would have a protrusion for a Hall to read.
Googling for: gm ls2 coil
...will find a lot of information and videos on how people are using these coils. I paid around $12 each for them on Amazon although they are available at any auto parts store on the planet in case you needed one while on the road.
--Jim "saving the lives of Onans...one unit at a time" Miller
1977 Eleganza II
1977 Royale
Hamilton, OH
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Jim Miller
1977 Eleganza II
1977 Royale
Hamilton, OH
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| Re: [GMCnet] Onan ignition options [message #262211 is a reply to message #262209] |
Thu, 18 September 2014 08:42 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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Senior Member |
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Jim: would it be beneficial to modify a Harley single fire electronic ignition? It would allow the cylinders to fire independent.
quote title=Jim Miller wrote on Thu, 18 September 2014 09:10]It is interesting to see all the Onan ignition mods people are experimenting with!
I am experimenting with a coil-near-plug arrangement using GM LS2-series coils that have their own embedded charging/firing circuitry. These coils are internally dwell limited (which makes the control system trivial) and they produce one heck of a spark. The control voltage is simple 5V and I was planning to mount a Hall-effect sensor near the flywheel - ala pertronix - or perhaps machining a little adapter to go on the generator tailshaft that would have a protrusion for a Hall to read.
Googling for: gm ls2 coil
...will find a lot of information and videos on how people are using these coils. I paid around $12 each for them on Amazon although they are available at any auto parts store on the planet in case you needed one while on the road.
--Jim "saving the lives of Onans...one unit at a time" Miller
1977 Eleganza II
1977 Royale
Hamilton, OH
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[/quote]
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: Onan ignition options [message #262216 is a reply to message #262212] |
Thu, 18 September 2014 09:34 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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OK. For a different option, I assembled a Vellerman CDI kit and installed it on my previous coach's Onan. Kit still used the Onan points system with it's timing problems. But, for the $25 and a hours work, it functioned very well. There are several small engine CDI systems available, but they all still rely on the OEM points. There is an English made system that has a sensor trigger, but not generally available in the U.S.
Onan went with old coach, now, have Honda. You should have seen what the P.O. had installed for a 6 Kw genset. HF single cylinder air cooled 6 kw, very ugly thing. Straight exhaust, guaranteed to make no one happy when running. Gave that beast away for the effort of removing it from the hole.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
[Updated on: Thu, 18 September 2014 09:35] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Onan ignition options [message #262634 is a reply to message #262193] |
Tue, 23 September 2014 12:48 |
Chris Tyler
Messages: 458
Registered: September 2013
Location: Odessa FL
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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He PMed me with photos in lieu of the instructons. It looks easy enough. I will be ordering one.
He wasnt sure if the CD unit from applied would be compatible, but I dont see why it wouldnt. Would still like to heare from someone who has used that kit.
Is Jim K still on here?
Personaly, I have had good luck with MSD products and have used them since the 70s.
Im pretty sure that is the same MSD box I have on my Harley FXR w single fire ignition.
76 Glenbrook
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| Re: Onan ignition options [message #262665 is a reply to message #262634] |
Tue, 23 September 2014 18:21 |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
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Senior Member |
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Chris Tyler wrote on Tue, 23 September 2014 12:48...Is Jim K still on here?... Sometimes. He prefers to talk instead of type, so call him at his toll-free number: 1-800-752-7502
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