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Curtis-79MH · 05-20-2005, 02:59 AM

I have decided to put an original replacement generator in my 1989 model 345. Which type was originally used? I know it was a 6.5 Onan, but I don't know if it was a Marquis or Emerald or what....
Thanks!
BTW, the former owner took the generator before selling the coach, and that is the reason I don't know what was originally in there.

87MH · 05-20-2005, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curtis-79MH

...generator in my 1989 model 345. Which type was originally used? I know it was a 6.5 Onan, but I don't know if it was a Marquis or Emerald or what.....

Original equip in the '87 345...

Onan Generator

1986 6.5 McGraw Edison Onan

Model 6.5NH-3CR/1600 4P

swebster · 05-20-2005, 07:03 AM

Curtis - Just out of curiosity, is there a reason you want to stick with the original OEM Genset? I think if I was in your position I'd look at a new Onan or more likely install a Honda RV liquid cooled generator as a replacement.

74Argosy24MH · 05-20-2005, 07:43 AM

I wonder along with Steve. Generators are probably the most problematic system in these. When you find one it will probably have an unknown history and problems. They need to be run regularly and the hour meter is not part of the unit. You won't know if it has 600 hours or 6000 hours. Externally they all look similar but there were a lot of changes made thru the years; parts can sometimes be hard to find and expensive.

John

Curtis-79MH · 05-23-2005, 09:44 AM

I remember talking to Peter after the Honda installation and he said it was a difficult installation, but that was in a 1979 28'. Do you know if the generator compartment is larger in the 345? Remarkably, the price difference between a NEW Honda, and a used Onan from Colaw's, isn't but about $300. Any idea what an installation of a new Honda might cost?
Thanks again!

markdoane · 05-23-2005, 10:17 AM

Another thing to consider is the engine speed. Onans run at 1800 rpm and Hondas at 3600 rpm. I would choose the slower one. Personal preference.

more info: On further investigation, I found the Onans run at various speeds. I may have been referencing an earlier model. Speed varies by size and type. Onans run at 1800, 2400, and some as high as 3600, like the Hondas.

swebster · 05-23-2005, 10:59 AM

I'm not sure about the dimensional differences of the compartment itself (280 vs. 345) but I'm pretty sure that access to the compartment is better on the 345. If yours is like mine then you basically have a big access door on the drivers side. The door opening is 36" x 18". The GenSet on mine is 33.5" x 19" with the carb and air cleaner bolted on and 17" with it removed (measured to top of the control box).

The GenSet is bolted to a metal pan which is attached to the floor of the genset compartment with four bolts. Once disconnected it should come straight out the door? Lifting the weight of the GenSet while it's still in the "hole" is your biggest problem.

87MH has removed the Onan from his 345. I think he had to use a forklift to lift it out. Perhaps you might send him a PM for some information from someone who has "been there done that" on a 345.

You might call around to your local RV Dealerships for a book rate on an R&R for a GenSet. It might be a little different for you if you switch to Honda in that the 12V, 115V and fuel connection locations may change or require modification to work with the Honda.

As far as getting a new Honda in there; I found this on the NorthernTool website for the Honda 6000 Watt RV GenSet:

Dimensions: 25.59in.L X 19.09in.W X 14.17in.H
REQUIRED COMPARTMENTAL DIMENSIONS: 28.11in.L X 21.49in.W X 15.23in.H
AC OUTPUT IS 120V: 6,000W (50A) CONTINUOUS & SURGE
Engine: Honda
HP: 12
Fuel Type: Gasoline

Looks like it's considerably smaller than the Onan....so it should "slip right in" - right?????

Please continue to post your findings on this thread. We're all facing Generator replacement at some point and I for one have considered the Honda as the logical choice for me when the time comes.

ViewRVs · 05-23-2005, 04:10 PM

One thing for sure, my 345 had a LOUD Kohler gen set. It was air cooled and shoook the whole coach at start-up and shut-down. I love Honda and would think it would add to (1) enjoyment and (2) value.

I forgot to mention that the Kohler would almost kill any grass under it with super hot dry air.

PeterH-350LE · 05-23-2005, 09:21 PM

I very much enjoy the Honda4010 and its performance has been 100%.
The size of the compartment required very precise placement of the Honda, but that was not the big issue. Cutting the various new holes in the 5 gauge steel was a difficult job.
I wrote an article about my "weekend" here:

Installing a Honda EV4010/6010

mcneon · 05-23-2005, 09:46 PM

Check out this GMC Co-op link. These guys mostly work on GMC motorhomes, but they are branching out into Airstreams, too.

In the "79 Shiny one" story, they're replacing the Onan with a Honda. The report isn't finished yet, but it could be helpful once it is.

I replaced the old Onan Power Drawer unit in my '74 Argosy with a 6KW Honda. Quite the shoehorn fit, but it works great. A 4KW would've fit much more easily, but where's the challenge in that?

Bob