Onan points (reply)

[mark grady]

Not really a tip, but I converted my 6K Onan to electronic ignition years
ago, and got out of the circus bizness completely.

I don't have the part numbers at work, but I'm sure someone on the 'net will
post them.

It starts great, runs great, works great and has to be cheaper in the long
run.

.02 posted

Mark Grady

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-gmcmotorhome
> [mailtowner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of Les & Des
> Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 1998 4:12 PM
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Subject: GMC: Onan points
>
>
> Any tips on how to set the points on the Onan generator? I know the
> settings they should be at, but because of the housing it seems that
> you would have to be a contortionist.
> Les & Des
> Living Praise Ministries

 

[mark grady]

I'll dig out the genuine Onan part numbers. Its a simple conversion, as easy
as replacing the mechanical points.

The Capacitor Discharge ignition module that Onan makes completely replaces
the points. It uses a Hall effect sensor on the point base, no flywheel
machining is needed.

I don't remember exactly what I did, it's been at least 5 years ago, but I
think I used a timing light and just set the points to get the right
advance. I then put a spot of 'glypto' on to lock the point screw, but you
could easily use locktite.

I thought someone else might chime in with the Onan P/N, but I'll look it up
and post it. Always happy to help, and sorry to stop short of the full
answer. I'll fix that over the weekend.

Mark

mgrady

V: 219-831-7133
F: 219-831-7125

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-gmcmotorhome
> [mailtowner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of Dick Kennedy
> Sent: Friday, August 21, 1998 7:07 AM
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Subject: Re: GMC: Onan points
>
>
> When I recently did mine I didn't have any luck at all in trying to use a
> feeler guage upside down and backward. So I disconnected the
> points from the
> coil and used an ohmmeter to find the point where they open. Then
> with some
> trial and error I managed to get that point lined up with the hole in the
> sheetmetal. I then used a timing light for a sanity check when I
> was all done.
>
> I had mine torn down to replace the starter bracket so I decided
> to decarbon
> the heads while I was at it. They need it badly and I also found
> the cooling
> fins were crudy to the point of restricting air flow, so check yours
> carefully while you"re in there.
>
> When all the sheetmetal is off there are timing marks visible on
> the end of
> the casting. After much consternation I found that the hole in the
> sheetmetal is the only correct reference and that the cast marks don't
> correlate to the timing marks on the flywheel.
>
> I changed my points just to be complete and the old ones weren't
> too burned.
> Can someone jump in here and tell me how often these need to be changed?
> Mark Grady made another post about converting his to solid state.
> Is this a
> conversion using standard onan parts or is it salvage or
> aftermarket parts?
> Let us know the details Mark. This may be an upgeade that the
> gang wants to
> consider as their points need replaced. Good Tech page project!
>
> FWIW a friend of mine presently has the flywheel off a renault chucked in
> his lathe. He's drilling a series holes for the sensor to convert it to
> solid state. I don't know any of the details but once he's done
> he's through
> messing with points. The Onan flywheel is easily accessible enough so even
> flywheel mods are necessary this approach would be within reason.
>
> Dick
>
>
{snip}