Gene, Duane, All:
Thanks so much for the suggestions on "tuning up" the Onan.
I started by installing the Onan Primer Switch as shown in
the "California eagle" source book! It was very convenient
to pick up power for the primer switch modification from the
same place you did, Gene. I tapped into the hot side of the
switch for the porch light! Fortunately, most all my
switches are on the same panel with the generator controls
and even the monitor panel. Clasco (read, Jim Bounds and
company) used a very nice custom panel for all the lights,
the Generator controls, and the monitor. It's located in the
left hand cabinet over the galley area, to the left as you
come in the door. I went ahead and used the diode, as
suggested, although I couldn't imagine how I would get a
back-circuit unless the momentary push-button was pressed.
Just as soon as you release the button, there is no circuit
continuity anyway, but I dutifully followed the wiring
instructions as presented.
The Onan was running just a little slow, showing about 120v
unloaded, so I brought it up to where it is showing 124.6 to
126.2 on a high quality digital multimeter. I also backed
out the main jet about a half-turn, even though it made the
Onan lope just the slightest amount. It was apparently
adjusted for smoothest running either unloaded or lightly
loaded, and needed a bit of enrichment under maximum load.
With that enrichment, and at the 125volt unloaded speed
setting, it will now carry both roof airs (13,500 Btu's
each), the refrigerator, the microwave oven, the water
heater (Don't know whether it's 1000w or 1500w), and the
magnetek converter/charger, all at the same time, and still
measure 115.5volts at an outlet! Anybody who wants to throw
one of these Onans away and replace it with a Generac or a
Honda may not appreciate what a work-horse the Onan is, when
it's set up right!
Thanks again for the help.
Olin Boyer
77GMCPB
Tulsa, OK
Thanks so much for the suggestions on "tuning up" the Onan.
I started by installing the Onan Primer Switch as shown in
the "California eagle" source book! It was very convenient
to pick up power for the primer switch modification from the
same place you did, Gene. I tapped into the hot side of the
switch for the porch light! Fortunately, most all my
switches are on the same panel with the generator controls
and even the monitor panel. Clasco (read, Jim Bounds and
company) used a very nice custom panel for all the lights,
the Generator controls, and the monitor. It's located in the
left hand cabinet over the galley area, to the left as you
come in the door. I went ahead and used the diode, as
suggested, although I couldn't imagine how I would get a
back-circuit unless the momentary push-button was pressed.
Just as soon as you release the button, there is no circuit
continuity anyway, but I dutifully followed the wiring
instructions as presented.
The Onan was running just a little slow, showing about 120v
unloaded, so I brought it up to where it is showing 124.6 to
126.2 on a high quality digital multimeter. I also backed
out the main jet about a half-turn, even though it made the
Onan lope just the slightest amount. It was apparently
adjusted for smoothest running either unloaded or lightly
loaded, and needed a bit of enrichment under maximum load.
With that enrichment, and at the 125volt unloaded speed
setting, it will now carry both roof airs (13,500 Btu's
each), the refrigerator, the microwave oven, the water
heater (Don't know whether it's 1000w or 1500w), and the
magnetek converter/charger, all at the same time, and still
measure 115.5volts at an outlet! Anybody who wants to throw
one of these Onans away and replace it with a Generac or a
Honda may not appreciate what a work-horse the Onan is, when
it's set up right!
Thanks again for the help.
Olin Boyer
77GMCPB
Tulsa, OK
