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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: PhilFalcata on December 31, 2024, 08:38:05 pm

Title: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip
Post by: PhilFalcata on December 31, 2024, 08:38:05 pm
Happy New Year Everyone !!!!!

I was helping my friend with his 1993 Foretravel Grand Villa , he is getting ready to head down to Quartzsite , from B.C. Canada and his generator was dead no crank situation , if you don't know about the Onan 6500 Emerald Plus in this model of RV , it's imposible to even see the starter motor . 

So I came up with a plan to make an access hole in the bulkhead aft of the generator , ( you have to watchout for the frame in the bulkhead )it worked out very well it only took a few hours to complete . I will post some pics and some dimensions if anyone else has this issue .

So after installing the new starter , it cranks very well , but wont start , it has spark and oil level is right on , but doesn't have fuel , it on propane .
There is a solenoid  just before the low pressure regulator , Does it need 12 volts to open and where does the signal come from ?

Any help would be appreciated , thanks Phil
Title: Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on December 31, 2024, 09:03:25 pm
I don't know anything about the propane generators, so no help there.  On our '93 U280 (GV) the (diesel powered) generator is mounted on a rolling platform.  You just pull it out to perform service work.  Does your friend's generator not have that same mounting arrangement?  I would think they would be very similar.
Title: Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip
Post by: wolfe10 on January 01, 2025, 12:21:44 am
Look at the propane tank.  That will tell you where the propane tap is for the generator.

Most of them were LIQUID LP generators, so a separate tap with no solenoid. Verify that the valve on the tank is OPEN.

Even if vapor LP, it would be high pressure-- before the regulator/solenoid.

If you are VERY careful, you can supplement the "fuel" by taking a propane torch (UNLIT) and aim it carefully in the air intake. No, my attorney did not approve of this advice.

I don't have the schematic for the 6.5 propane, but remember that there is a solenoid on the generator itself.  And, that the on-generator are prone to clogging up with longer hydrocarbon contaminants in the fuel.  It is a common regulator, not RV or Onan specific. Not difficult to overhaul with the proper high temp/silicone rebuild kit.
Title: Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip
Post by: Dakota Slim on January 01, 2025, 12:51:54 am
I have the same generator in my 1993 U225. The problem could be the regulator. I replaced my regulator once and I also replaced the starter but I pulled the generator out to do the starter and it was a major PITA. If I ever have to do it again I'll see if a hole like this will work.
Title: Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip
Post by: John Haygarth on January 01, 2025, 11:54:35 am
Phil, is the friend any chance Mel Olsen as he has the same issue with his genset.
Johnh
Title: Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip
Post by: PhilFalcata on January 01, 2025, 12:08:34 pm
Yes it is Mel
Title: Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip
Post by: John Haygarth on January 01, 2025, 02:26:15 pm
Small world as I was talking to Mel yesterday and he mentioned having the starter out to replace. When he was up at our place in Keremeos a while back I took the propane valve off and found the bladder very week as original and once I put it back together it ran, but I did know it was now not cranking. Good friend of ours. We are in the UK right now so cannot help him.
Hope you get it running as he will need it on trip.
Thx for helping.
Johnh
Title: Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip
Post by: PhilFalcata on January 02, 2025, 04:03:45 pm
Hi everyone
I found the problem !!!!!! I was the vent hose was plugged on the regulator on the Generator , all happy now .
thanks to everyone that helped with input .
Cheers Phil
Title: Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip
Post by: John Haygarth on January 03, 2025, 11:59:18 am
Thx Phil , Mel I am sure is pleased. Can you tell Mel to look at the What's app messages I have sent him please.
Johnh
Title: Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip
Post by: PhilFalcata on January 04, 2025, 09:01:42 pm
Hi John I will call him tomorrow and ask him about the whatsapp messages , Cheers Phil