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| [GMCnet] generator mods [message #61739] |
Mon, 26 October 2009 10:47  |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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The previous owner made a number of modifications
to my funky Onan generator. Some of them have been
explained to me as good things. One though, confuses
me, so maybe someone here can shed some light.
In the manual, it shows the crank case breather tube
connected to the side of the carb. The previous
owner put a plug in the carb, and ran a long hose
from the breather tube out to the front of the unit.
So, why?? Is this a good or bad thing??
thanks,
Karen
1973 23' canyonlands
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1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] generator mods [message #61740 is a reply to message #61739] |
Mon, 26 October 2009 10:54  |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
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Not good , but that could mean there is excess blow by.
Get it running first.
We have good used 4k units if we find that your unit is worn out.
On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 8:47 AM, KB <kab7@sonic.net> wrote:
> The previous owner made a number of modifications
> to my funky Onan generator. Â Some of them have been
> explained to me as good things. Â One though, confuses
> me, so maybe someone here can shed some light.
>
> In the manual, it shows the crank case breather tube
> connected to the side of the carb. Â The previous
> owner put a plug in the carb, and ran a long hose
> from the breather tube out to the front of the unit.
> So, why?? Â Is this a good or bad thing??
>
> thanks,
> Karen
> 1973 23' canyonlands
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] generator mods [message #61746 is a reply to message #61739] |
Mon, 26 October 2009 11:18 |
dmumert
Messages: 46
Registered: December 2006
Location: Canada
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Hi Karen
I think that is a bad thing.
The Onan pumps air out the breather when the pistons are on the inward
stroke and sucks in air when they are on the outward stroke. When the
breather is connecter to the carb the air sucked in is cleaned by the air
cleaner, otherwise it will be sucking in dirty, probably dusty air, not a
good thing.
I would reconnect it to the carb.
Dave
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of KB
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 9:48 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] generator mods
The previous owner made a number of modifications
to my funky Onan generator. Some of them have been
explained to me as good things. One though, confuses
me, so maybe someone here can shed some light.
In the manual, it shows the crank case breather tube
connected to the side of the carb. The previous
owner put a plug in the carb, and ran a long hose
from the breather tube out to the front of the unit.
So, why?? Is this a good or bad thing??
thanks,
Karen
1973 23' canyonlands
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http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Dave Mumert
Olds, AB
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| Re: [GMCnet] generator mods [message #61750 is a reply to message #61739] |
Mon, 26 October 2009 11:43 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
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| KB wrote on Mon, 26 October 2009 11:47 |
The previous owner made a number of modifications to my funky Onan generator. Some of them have been explained to me as good things. One though, confuses me, so maybe someone here can shed some light.
In the manual, it shows the crank case breather tube connected to the side of the carb. The previous owner put a plug in the carb, and ran a long hose from the breather tube out to the front of the unit.
So, why?? Is this a good or bad thing??
thanks,
Karen
1973 23' canyonlands
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Karen,
The answers and reasons are correct, but the cause is probably not as bad as it could be.
It could be excessive blow-by, but it is as likely simple....
The dipstick seal wears out. This lets the stick pop out and then oil gets all over the place. As mentioned, the crankcase of these engines breathes a lot.
I don't know it a repair part is readily available, but I got some large heat-shrink tubing and put on several layers until it was tight. I had run into this on several other Onans - not all are gensets.
(Actually, I put on one layer at a time until I could not get the stick in or out with reasonable effort and then cut the last layer off. I did that about 60hours ago - 3yrs.)
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] generator mods [message #61803 is a reply to message #61739] |
Mon, 26 October 2009 18:07 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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Just to share, my genius mechanic friend has answered this question
more thoroughly for me:
"That is an OLD mechanics trick, when you get excessive blow by coming from the
crankcase caused by bad rings or low compression, you blow large amounts of oil
into the carb causing plugs to foul, so the back yard fix is to run a "road draft
tube" used before PCV systems to vent the oil vapor and liquid out on the road.
I have to admit, I have driven stuff so worn out I have had to do this."
So, as I suspected, this poor old Onan is gonna need a lotta love,
and probably more than I'm willing to give it.
KB wrote:
> The previous owner made a number of modifications
> to my funky Onan generator. Some of them have been
> explained to me as good things. One though, confuses
> me, so maybe someone here can shed some light.
>
> In the manual, it shows the crank case breather tube
> connected to the side of the carb. The previous
> owner put a plug in the carb, and ran a long hose
> from the breather tube out to the front of the unit.
> So, why?? Is this a good or bad thing??
>
> thanks,
> Karen
> 1973 23' canyonlands
>
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] generator mods [message #61909 is a reply to message #61907] |
Tue, 27 October 2009 08:30 |
GMCWiperMan
Messages: 1248
Registered: December 2007
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Thanks, Matt. This is obviously a general purpose engine -- it has oil
check/fill caps on both sides, drain plugs at front and both sides, and
a top access hole, capped, which looks as if it goes straight down into
the sump. That hole could probably easily accept a vertical float
switch, which I suspect B&S has somewhere in their inventory. I'll
contact them when I figure out its identification.
I'll get back to you if that's unsuccessful.
Ken
Matt Colie wrote:
> Ken,
>
> I have worked on several splash lube engines with low oil level shut-downs. It was just a little float switch in the oil sump. B&S might well have the switch available.
>
> Unfortunately, I can't even lock a manufacturer. B&S we know, but then there is Tecumseh (are they still making little motors?), Kohler and Wisconsin. The last two built industrial small engines with splash lube.
>
> If they can't help, come back and tell me and I will try to find one of those I have seen and get you a supplier and part number.
>
> Matt
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] generator mods [message #61912 is a reply to message #61909] |
Tue, 27 October 2009 09:05 |
storm'n
Messages: 492
Registered: April 2007
Location: Ont. Can
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Ken, This might be what you're looking for.
http://www.jackssmallengines.com/oil_guard.cfm
Thanks, Matt. This is obviously a general purpose engine -- it has oil
check/fill caps on both sides, drain plugs at front and both sides, and
a top access hole, capped, which looks as if it goes straight down into
the sump. That hole could probably easily accept a vertical float
switch, which I suspect B&S has somewhere in their inventory. I'll
contact them when I figure out its identification.
I'll get back to you if that's unsuccessful.
Ken
Matt Colie wrote:
> Ken,
>
> I have worked on several splash lube engines with low oil level shut-downs. It was just a little float switch in the oil sump. B&S might well have the switch available.
>
> Unfortunately, I can't even lock a manufacturer. B&S we know, but then there is Tecumseh (are they still making little motors?), Kohler and Wisconsin. The last two built industrial small engines with splash lube.
>
> If they can't help, come back and tell me and I will try to find one of those I have seen and get you a supplier and part number.
>
> Matt
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] generator mods [message #61960 is a reply to message #61739] |
Tue, 27 October 2009 14:39 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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> Dan Gregg wrote:
> Karen, have you allowed Jim K. to look at it yet? He might just save you a lot of labor and future headaches.
No rear wheels on the beast currently, so, no. But I'm unlikely
to take the Onan to anyone -- as has been pointed out, at $95-100 per hour,
it's not worth it, even for a diagnostic visit.
I know this is a cheap Chinese knock-off generator, but man is it cheap:
http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=50197260
You can buy about 5 of them for the cost of a similar honda. And yes,
I realize you might have to over the life of the generator... :-/
Karen
1973 23' canyonlands
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1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] generator mods [message #62337 is a reply to message #61960] |
Thu, 29 October 2009 15:27 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
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| KB wrote on Tue, 27 October 2009 12:39 |
>
No rear wheels on the beast currently, so, no. But I'm unlikely
to take the Onan to anyone -- as has been pointed out, at $95-100 per hour,
it's not worth it, even for a diagnostic visit.
I know this is a cheap Chinese knock-off generator, but man is it cheap:
http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=50197260
You can buy about 5 of them for the cost of a similar honda. And yes,
I realize you might have to over the life of the generator... :-/
Karen
1973 23' canyonlands
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I am in the same boat, Karen. I have a generator that is too expensive to even begin getting repaired. This is what I bought to tide me over:
http://www.championpowerequipment.com/40051.php
I put a Hitch Haul on the back and run the shore power cable out to the generator. It has worked great (a little gasping for air at 9200') and the only downside so far is having to fuel it separately and the low oil switch is very sensitive (a few drops between full and shut-down). But they're available on Craigslist until JimK can set you up with a proper replacement. Then you sell it for about what you paid.
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] generator mods [message #62339 is a reply to message #61739] |
Thu, 29 October 2009 16:18 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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Randy wrote on 10/29/2009:
> I am in the same boat, Karen. I have a generator that is too expensive to even begin getting repaired. This is what I bought to tide me over:
>
> http://www.championpowerequipment.com/40051.php
>
> I put a Hitch Haul on the back and run the shore power cable out to the generator. It has worked great (a little gasping for
air at 9200') and the only downside so far is having to fuel it separately and the low oil switch is very sensitive (a few drops between full and shut-down). But they're available on Craigslist until JimK can set you up with a proper replacement. Then you sell it for about what you paid.
thanks! It's nice and small. Any thoughts on how loud
it is? I have an onan microlite on a different vehicle
and can simply not stand to run it because it's so loud.
Karen
1973 23' canyonlands
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1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] generator mods [message #62340 is a reply to message #62337] |
Thu, 29 October 2009 16:19 |
Jim Bounds
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
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Guys, I know it's hard to resist the price of that bottom feeder stuff but if you go up the food chain just a bit you can get a really nice, quiet offshore unit that really will do the job. Google Boliy generators also Kapor. Yes, they are also "knockoffs" but I think they might actually do what they say or at least come close. Those units under $400 are pretty noisy things.
Hey but one thing is right, you can sell it used for about what you pay for one new and brother, when you do need a generator someone will pay! It's also never bad to have a generator hanging around.
Jim Bounds
-------------------------
----- Original Message ----
From: Randy <Acrosport2@hotmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thu, October 29, 2009 4:27:41 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] generator mods
KB wrote on Tue, 27 October 2009 12:39
> >
> No rear wheels on the beast currently, so, no. But I'm unlikely
> to take the Onan to anyone -- as has been pointed out, at $95-100 per hour,
> it's not worth it, even for a diagnostic visit.
>
> I know this is a cheap Chinese knock-off generator, but man is it cheap:
> http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=50197260
>
> You can buy about 5 of them for the cost of a similar honda. And yes,
> I realize you might have to over the life of the generator... :-/
>
> Karen
> 1973 23' canyonlands
I am in the same boat, Karen. I have a generator that is too expensive to even begin getting repaired. This is what I bought to tide me over:
http://www.championpowerequipment.com/40051.php
I put a Hitch Haul on the back and run the shore power cable out to the generator. It has worked great (a little gasping for air at 9200') and the only downside so far is having to fuel it separately and the low oil switch is very sensitive (a few drops between full and shut-down). But they're available on Craigslist until JimK can set you up with a proper replacement. Then you sell it for about what you paid.
--
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] generator mods [message #62342 is a reply to message #62340] |
Thu, 29 October 2009 16:34 |
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I have to agree with Jim, those construction site generators are OK (on
a construction site....) but almost always WAY too loud!
What Jim was alluding to was Kipor generators. They are Honda knock-offs
(I hear RUMORS that they actually make
the Honda quiet generators).
Here is their web site: http://www.kipor.com/
Jim Bounds wrote:
> Guys, I know it's hard to resist the price of that bottom feeder stuff but if you go up the food chain just a bit you can get a really nice, quiet offshore unit that really will do the job. Google Boliy generators also Kapor. Yes, they are also "knockoffs" but I think they might actually do what they say or at least come close. Those units under $400 are pretty noisy things.
>
> Hey but one thing is right, you can sell it used for about what you pay for one new and brother, when you do need a generator someone will pay! It's also never bad to have a generator hanging around.
>
> Then you sell it for about what you paid.
>
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Terry Taylor
'74 ex-Eleganza SE
San Lorenzo, CA
http://www.n6mon.org
http://dldesignstore.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] generator mods [message #62407 is a reply to message #62388] |
Fri, 30 October 2009 10:05 |
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Randy,
Every 3 db is a DOUBLING (or halfing) of sound level, so a
generator that is 65 db is half as loud
as your 68 db genset.
Randy wrote:
> Yes it's noisy. But since I use it primarily for AC power while driving, I don't notice it.
>
> I have looked at the Inverter generators, but I'm skeptical of the dB ratings. Not so much of the little IG's but of what my generator is supposed to do. I look at an IG that runs at 60dB and mine says it's 68dB and I wonder if $1500 is too much for 8dB drop.
>
> Since mine was a Craigslist find, I am tempted to use a wire bar dog kennel lined on 4 sides with acoustical foam as an enclosure and run a genturi on it and see if there is any noticeable decrease in sound. The 2 ends will reamin open for intake and cooling air.
>
> My Kohler is very quiet since it's broken. :p
>
> Randy
>
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Terry Taylor
'74 ex-Eleganza SE
San Lorenzo, CA
http://www.n6mon.org
http://dldesignstore.com
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