Onan - Anything special about type of wire ??

SteveW

Active member
Nov 3, 2012
567
44
28
Greetings -

I'm replacing some chaffed wires on my 4K Onan.

I notice that the original wiring isn't copper and that it has unique insulation.

Is there anything special about it - like heat resistance or something ??

Can I replace it with plain old stranded copper wire of a similar gauge??

Thanks for your comments and for the trove of information provided here.

Steve W
1973 23'
Southern California
 
I would suggest using "marine" grade wire of same (or larger) size. Marine cable has individually "tinned" conductors and is more resistant to corrosion.
D C "Mac" Macdonald
Amateur Radio K2GKK
Since 30 November '53
USAF and FAA, Retired
Member GMCMI & Classics
Oklahoma City, OK
"The Money Pit"
TZE166V101966
'76 ex-Palm Beach
k2gkk + hotmail dot com

________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Steve Weinstock
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2018 11:06
To: gmclist
Subject: [GMCnet] Onan - Anything special about type of wire ??

Greetings -
I'm replacing some chaffed wires on my 4K Onan.
I notice that the original wiring isn't copper and that it has unique insulation.
Is there anything special about it - like heat resistance or something ??
Can I replace it with plain old stranded copper wire of a similar gauge??
Thanks for your comments and for the trove of information provided here.
Steve W
1973 23'
Southern California

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> Greetings -
>
> I'm replacing some chaffed wires on my 4K Onan.
>
> I notice that the original wiring isn't copper and that it has unique insulation.
>
> Is there anything special about it - like heat resistance or something ??
>
> Can I replace it with plain old stranded copper wire of a similar gauge??
>
> Thanks for your comments and for the trove of information provided here.
>
> Steve W
> 1973 23'
> Southern California

Steve,

Mac got you most of an answer, but it was possibly less than clear.

The wire is copper, tinned copper. Marine wire is all tinned and fine stranded and is better for anything that moves.
The insulation is nothing special when compared to modern marine or automotive wire. It is strange because it is old.

Matt


--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit