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Topic: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip (Read 672 times) previous topic - next topic

1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip

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

Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip

Reply #1 –
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.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip

Reply #2 –
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip

Reply #3 –
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.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip

Reply #4 –
Phil, is the friend any chance Mel Olsen as he has the same issue with his genset.
Johnh
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip

Reply #5 –
Yes it is Mel

Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip

Reply #6 –
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
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip

Reply #7 –
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

Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip

Reply #8 –
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
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.
 

Re: 1993 Grand villa Generator starter motor replacement tip

Reply #9 –
Hi John I will call him tomorrow and ask him about the whatsapp messages , Cheers Phil