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Onan generator under my 1990 villa

June 12, 2020, 05:46:07 am

Hya all, I wish to fit new spark plugs and leads and change the contact breaker points and adjust the gap, its a relatively easy job to do, except I can't get in there to do the job, do I have to lower the generator completely to the floor to do this job, been having a look underneath, and it seems to be very awkward, I've even thought it may be easier to cut a large 12 inch square from inside under the couch behind the drivers seat to gain access to this and then when finished make up a 13 inch square section to place over top of it with a seal and screw it down, I was just wondering if there is a special access point already there anyway to do this job from inside, I have carpet underneath the couch and the water pump and jabsco cannister is there too, so looks like I would have to remove all of that before I can cut the carpet, anyone ever done this job, looking in the onan manual they are showing that you have to put a jack underneath undo the front bolts and lower it cause there is a large hinge on the other end near where the gas line enters, so that probably means I have to disconnect the gas supply also, but I've been underneath several times, but I cannot see any hinge like is showing in manual, any help would appreciate thanks kev

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Re: Onan generator under my 1990 villa

Reply #1 – June 12, 2020, 09:16:41 am

Well, if your generator is mounted like mine it slides out the side. There is a 1/2" threaded bolt accessible  in the wheel well that has to be backed out. the muffler should be taken off, the propane gas line disconnected, the wires in the junction box disconnected (LABEL EACH WIRE!!!). On our coach I had to remove the door.
Then, if I recall correctly, there are a couple bolts that have to be removed from underneath.
Then, depending on how much rust and grit has accumulated you can slide the generator assembly out.
The gen is mounted on its own base. Then this assembly is mounted on an angle frame base. Then this entire assembly slides in on an angle frame in the compartment.
CAUTION!! VERY HEAVY!!
While you have the gen out check the bearing on the right end (visible in the center photo) because if it is dry/brown/ burned you should replace it. If you do, pull the brushes back and fasten them out or you will break them when you reassemble.

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Re: Onan generator under my 1990 villa

Reply #2 – June 12, 2020, 09:36:49 am

In my previous rig, I had good luck using a piece of plywood and a floor jack to remove the Onan.  Also my Onan Emerald II had solid state ignition with the damnedest trigger set up I've ever seen.  I haven't had the pleasure my new Onan's acquaintance yet other than the start button and the dip stick.

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