Is my onan generator worth messing with

[Mberg130]

Hi there. I have a 1972 overlander with a onan 300 watt generator that runs on lp. I'm looking for suggestions and info on this little puppy. Is it worth trying to get running or should I remove it? I've tried starting it and it turns over but I haven't got it to fire up yet. I think the generator is designed to recharge the battery? I can't find much info so anything anyone knows will help. Thanks

[drboyd]

Sounds like fun; I'd keep playing with it. Is there oil in it?

[SeeMore]

Are you sure it is a 300 watt generator? Or a 300 series Onan generator which are between 3K & 5K depending on model extension number.

Try this troubleshooting guide. Parts are available... check the net.

[Trnpk Crsr]

They were 12 volt only generators. I don't think that they sold well. I am assuming that Onsn no longer supports the product because of its age. I think that they used a Briggs & Stratton engine. I would service the engine first, and then see if you can get voltage out of it.

[ijustlee]

I've got one and it ran fine when I got my trailer years ago. It rattled the pans in my cupboards while taking 3 hours to charge the battery. It is better than nothing if boon docking in the winter. I took it out in favor of a portable generator that I can sit on the ground so I don't feel it run. After replacing the obnoxious blue converter with a modern electronic converter I can charge the battery in just over an hour and run the microwave or a variety of other things also. The Onan battery charger was cool in it's day but it only put out 30A at 13V and didn't seem too efficient. You can't beat a modern Honda or Yamaha.

[Lily&Me]

Might take it in and get it thoroughly serviced.


Maggie

[TomKirk]

Sounds like it needs a good old fashioned tune up; you know the drill.

Tom

[ijustlee]

It's possible that your unit doesn't have many hours on it if the previous owners didn't boon dock much. The one I had was powered by what looked to be a 3HP Tecumseh lawnmower engine that just loafed along about 1800RPM or so, and propane fuel would be easy on the engine. The motor mounts on mine got rotted/worn out and the sound deadening material was falling off the cabinet were factors why I took it out. If you've got spark, fuel and compression it should run! They might not be as bad as I think on fuel consumption because I used it in the winter and the furnace and water heater were always sucking propane. I used to wish that I could capture the heat from the generator to warm me!

[alantbird]

i love to tinker....GO FOR IT!

[Bill Lynch]

Rip it out and go solar !

[larryglarson]

Cummins bought Onan and they are "good" people. It probable has few hours on it and can be fixed, but you need a owners manual or you need to find some one who has knows about these generators. They were in a lot of RV's. I worked on one 5 years ago, they are a little odd, but once I found a manual I got it running very well.