I feel your pain! My genset had a stuck intake valve, bent pushrod. Fixed that then the starter gave out and a piece entered the squirrel cage and shorted out the rotor! Had that thing in and out, assembled and disassembled so many times I’m an expert onan mechanic now lol. Good job!
Hey krewe! Thanks for tuning in this week as we repair our generator. This video is a more in depth look as to how Eli replaced the end bearing on our Onan generator at the swarm
hey hippie I just think it's a year later and I'm wondering if you're still dealing with the 0nan ❓ wandering also if you checked the brushes in there when you had it apart ❓ they are what would be picking up the juice off the stator
@@TOTMGreenish-Top-Of-The-Morrin we did check the brushes. They looked good. But the Onan was still having a voltage issue so we took it out because we were worried it would harm our newer components 😢
There is a voltage regulator circuit board behind the panel where the start button is on the generator they are bad about loose solder connections the circuitboard is fairly cheap
@@parishskoolieThis generators are a pain in the ass to work on. The one I'm fixing you have to totally disassembled to get to the belt underneath. Your generator and this generator I am currently working on is a 5.5 KW and has a computer that controls the voltage and the RPM
THIS IS HOW I FIXED MINE, IN THE CASE OF.... "I CAN'T START MY GENERATOR" It's has been two years since last time it was running, so I started by checking oil level full at gen dipstick (it won't start if low oil because of sensors) then I checked gasoline more than 1\4 tank in the RV (also safety sensors), sparkplug checked for good spark, also checked the manual reset circuit braker ( to be ON) at front motorhome engine compartment for 12v current to the generator to be able to start it, also cleaned the carburetor and even installed new one but same situation, then checked wires and found some has been chewed like gum by rats at the back of starting switch generator panel so I replaced them, at this time the generator started but stay running only by keep pushing the switch on all the time, so then finally I knew it was internal electrical problem from the engine itself, so I took the generator out from my RV to work in my garage, (I did this by myself with some tools and old Mayan tricks ) lol, it's really heavy for one person. I disassemble the unit at my garage and started by removing the cover, then the air cooling assembly, next was the aluminium fan or flywheel unit (it's 2 items in one) for this one I used a wheel pulling tool, finally I was at the gen rotor and brushes assembly area and this is what I found: one more wire chewed by filthy rats plus the stinky rat nest in the middle of the generator motor coil, I fixed the wire and sanded the commutator copper contacts where the brushes are sitting becouse they were real duty with old urine from the rats, and of course I got rid off the stinky nest, lol!!! Then I assembled everything back together and... bingo it's runing like a champion!!! For this project materials involved was about $60.00 including an aftermarket new carburetor and an harmonic balancer/steering wheel puller (available at any auto parts for $25.00) to pull the aluminum fan out and (flywheel). Just picture this: (Any gasoline engine run smooth if gasoline and DC current aren't interrupted) so following this important principle you'll always find the problem to be fixed. Also if you have a onan microlite 4000 like mine, don't run it for more than a minute without the cover because you'll cook the engine real fast, also keep the eye on the aluminium fan and also at your fingers after cranking it in case you missing one or two...just kidding, lol!!! After testing the gen with the help of a gasoline container, a piece of hose and 12v battery, I did put the air cooling assembly back and the rest of components including the cover, then it was ready to be installed at my RV. Once the gen was installed back at my motorhome I started it to be tested for 120v electricity but not before flipping the AC circuit switch (on) at the gen starting control panel (sometimes hiding under or around the panel) to be able to transfer power to my RV GFCI main outlet and electric panel as well, my motorhome it's equipped with GFCI so I reset it and tested for green led light indicating power is ready at my main breakers panel, so I turned my main breaker (on) along the others ones but no power was present at my breaker main switch (faulty main braker) so I flipped it many times, sometimes you can make it work again, mine did work, lol!!! I'm happy because everything works now including the refrigerator for cold drinks and AC for this crazy summer, lol! Later I'll buy me a new main braker, for now this is a resurrected generator story that needed to be shared to the RV community.
Whoop whoop! I’m happy to hear you are running great again. I do not have the microlite but I do have the 4k series, it’s from 1990😳 I’ve actually given up on it, I’ve Un-mounted it again for the final time. Tired of chasing my tail with it, now that it’s running smooth voltage is still all over the place. Fluctuates 20v or more while pulling power. Voltage regulator is $300+ New carbs are now $100+ Getting a new inverter style generator will be the winner due to all of our sensitive electronics.
having chunks like that under the motor is NEVER a good thing the surging and having inconsistent power i think is probably a fine tuning or power regulator thing , it might be handy to mount an extra generator to the bus main motor to keep the house batteries topped up in case of an emergency , it be cheaper to do than solar maibe a (former / retired) conan mecanic is willing to help you through the process think you get it to work eventually as long as you dont start hitting it with a hammer
Yeah, we were kind of in denial haha. We really didn’t want it to be ours cause that meant a problem. I sure hope we don’t have to replace our genny 😢 I don’t think we’d mount a second lol and man, if you know someone who would fit that description, send them our way
@@parishskoolie i'm sorry i dont and if i did it wouldve been in europe somewhere , just see if you can get intoo the back of an onan store and talk to some of the techs they should know someone who's moonlighting a bit on the side
Im to the point of thinking about what generator I am going with. I am not to for sure I will even mess with a Onan. Seems they are kinda tough to repair and are heavy. The inverter type gens have come down in price I might think its an option.
We went with this generator because we yanked it from an RV demo, we thought it was the better option. We had a predator that we sold to a another nomad who keeps in contact and says it’s still working to this day. Onans are good generators, but yes difficult to work on.
This video will show how to fix your surging problem and other issues you may encounter in the future as well. th-cam.com/video/3ri2_bKiuMo/w-d-xo.html
Unfortunately the carburetor is sealed! Onan doesn't want you cleaning it apparently. They are around $140 last time I checked. I may replace it I've since been able to adjust the screw to stop the intensity of the surging, but it still does it under a heavy load & makes my voltage bounce from 90-120 usually staying somewhere in the middle when stable.
Having the woman with the uplifting comments made this video just the support she gives him.
I feel your pain! My genset had a stuck intake valve, bent pushrod. Fixed that then the starter gave out and a piece entered the squirrel cage and shorted out the rotor! Had that thing in and out, assembled and disassembled so many times I’m an expert onan mechanic now lol. Good job!
Hey krewe! Thanks for tuning in this week as we repair our generator. This video is a more in depth look as to how Eli replaced the end bearing on our Onan generator at the swarm
Also a huge thank you to everyone who helped us either with borrowed tools, knowledge, or a literal hand. Y’all are awesome 😎🥰
hey hippie I just think it's a year later and I'm wondering if you're still dealing with the 0nan ❓
wandering also if you checked the brushes in there when you had it apart ❓ they are what would be picking up the juice off the stator
@@TOTMGreenish-Top-Of-The-Morrin we did check the brushes. They looked good. But the Onan was still having a voltage issue so we took it out because we were worried it would harm our newer components 😢
There is a voltage regulator circuit board behind the panel where the start button is on the generator they are bad about loose solder connections the circuitboard is fairly cheap
Awesome info. My voltage is all over the place and fluctuates with the RPMs. Do you assume this could be my issue?
@@parishskoolieThis generators are a pain in the ass to work on. The one I'm fixing you have to totally disassembled to get to the belt underneath. Your generator and this generator I am currently working on is a 5.5 KW and has a computer that controls the voltage and the RPM
I need to change the ignition rotor in mine would you know the next step also next time use a piece of wood for the bearing but thanks for the info!!
This was my first & last disassembly. The newest the onan gets the more proprietary they make it. I removed this onan & added more solar to our bus!
Fuck yeah very helpful thank you! Check your grounds!
I’m glad you found this video useful; thanks for watching!
THIS IS HOW I FIXED MINE, IN THE CASE OF....
"I CAN'T START MY GENERATOR"
It's has been two years since last time it was running, so I started by checking oil level full at gen dipstick (it won't start if low oil because of sensors) then I checked gasoline more than 1\4 tank in the RV (also safety sensors), sparkplug checked for good spark, also checked the manual reset circuit braker ( to be ON) at front motorhome engine compartment for 12v current to the generator to be able to start it, also cleaned the carburetor and even installed new one but same situation, then checked wires and found some has been chewed like gum by rats at the back of starting switch generator panel so I replaced them, at this time the generator started but stay running only by keep pushing the switch on all the time, so then finally I knew it was internal electrical problem from the engine itself, so I took the generator out from my RV to work in my garage, (I did this by myself with some tools and old Mayan tricks ) lol, it's really heavy for one person.
I disassemble the unit at my garage and started by removing the cover, then the air cooling assembly, next was the aluminium fan or flywheel unit (it's 2 items in one) for this one I used a wheel pulling tool, finally I was at the gen rotor and brushes assembly area and this is what I found: one more wire chewed by filthy rats plus the stinky rat nest in the middle of the generator motor coil, I fixed the wire and sanded the commutator copper contacts where the brushes are sitting becouse they were real duty with old urine from the rats, and of course I got rid off the stinky nest, lol!!!
Then I assembled everything back together and... bingo it's runing like a champion!!!
For this project materials involved was about $60.00 including an aftermarket new carburetor and an harmonic balancer/steering wheel puller (available at any auto parts for $25.00) to pull the aluminum fan out and (flywheel).
Just picture this: (Any gasoline engine run smooth if gasoline and DC current aren't interrupted) so following this important principle you'll always find the problem to be fixed.
Also if you have a onan microlite 4000 like mine, don't run it for more than a minute without the cover because you'll cook the engine real fast, also keep the eye on the aluminium fan and also at your fingers after cranking it in case you missing one or two...just kidding, lol!!!
After testing the gen with the help of a gasoline container, a piece of hose and 12v battery, I did put the air cooling assembly back and the rest of components including the cover, then it was ready to be installed at my RV.
Once the gen was installed back at my motorhome I started it to be tested for 120v electricity but not before flipping the AC circuit switch (on) at the gen starting control panel (sometimes hiding under or around the panel) to be able to transfer power to my RV GFCI main outlet and electric panel as well, my motorhome it's equipped with GFCI so I reset it and tested for green led light indicating power is ready at my main breakers panel, so I turned my main breaker (on) along the others ones but no power was present at my breaker main switch (faulty main braker) so I flipped it many times, sometimes you can make it work again, mine did work, lol!!!
I'm happy because everything works now including the refrigerator for cold drinks and AC for this crazy summer, lol! Later I'll buy me a new main braker, for now this is a resurrected generator story that needed to be shared to the RV community.
Whoop whoop! I’m happy to hear you are running great again.
I do not have the microlite but I do have the 4k series, it’s from 1990😳
I’ve actually given up on it, I’ve Un-mounted it again for the final time. Tired of chasing my tail with it, now that it’s running smooth voltage is still all over the place. Fluctuates 20v or more while pulling power.
Voltage regulator is $300+
New carbs are now $100+
Getting a new inverter style generator will be the winner due to all of our sensitive electronics.
@@parishskoolie Mine it's from the late 90s or about, cheers!!!
You need to set voltage at the governor and do a cycle test. Stop pressing the start button!
I love the start button 😭
The voltage regulator one of the wires in your harness could be bad
Finally got rid of the poor girl. Still ran & made power but voltage would fluctuate 90v-120v.
Looks like you'll be doing that job over since you didn't replace that warped retainer bolt
Awe you didn’t like my straightening attempt?!
how did you install new bearing freeze and tap on with hammer? bearing part # ? thanks
The bearing slid on very easily once the old was removed slid it on by hand. Unfortunately don’t have the part # anymore:(
having chunks like that under the motor is NEVER a good thing
the surging and having inconsistent power i think is probably a fine tuning or power regulator thing , it might be handy to mount an extra generator to the bus main motor to keep the house batteries topped up in case of an emergency , it be cheaper to do than solar
maibe a (former / retired) conan mecanic is willing to help you through the process
think you get it to work eventually as long as you dont start hitting it with a hammer
Yeah, we were kind of in denial haha. We really didn’t want it to be ours cause that meant a problem. I sure hope we don’t have to replace our genny 😢 I don’t think we’d mount a second lol and man, if you know someone who would fit that description, send them our way
@@parishskoolie i'm sorry i dont and if i did it wouldve been in europe somewhere , just see if you can get intoo the back of an onan store and talk to some of the techs they should know someone who's moonlighting a bit on the side
Surging is caused from lean mixture in the main circuit.
You think Circuit board solder is possibly broken as someone else mentioned?
Im to the point of thinking about what generator I am going with. I am not to for sure I will even mess with a Onan. Seems they are kinda tough to repair and are heavy. The inverter type gens have come down in price I might think its an option.
We went with this generator because we yanked it from an RV demo, we thought it was the better option. We had a predator that we sold to a another nomad who keeps in contact and says it’s still working to this day. Onans are good generators, but yes difficult to work on.
@@parishskoolie I glad you were able to get it up and going. I do t have solar yet so a genset will probably be my goto for the time being.
Sorry yall had these problems. I "almost" :-D feel guilty for buying yall's Predator gen. That's cause it's working great still.
😂 lmao you’re too funny! I always tell Eli it was worth it to make such a good friend 🥰
This video will show how to fix your surging problem and other issues you may encounter in the future as well.
th-cam.com/video/3ri2_bKiuMo/w-d-xo.html
Unfortunately the carburetor is sealed! Onan doesn't want you cleaning it apparently. They are around $140 last time I checked. I may replace it
I've since been able to adjust the screw to stop the intensity of the surging, but it still does it under a heavy load & makes my voltage bounce from 90-120 usually staying somewhere in the middle when stable.