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Topic: Onan Emerald Plus Electronic Ignition (Read 1043 times) previous topic - next topic

Onan Emerald Plus Electronic Ignition

Finally took the rig to Cummins Power South for the generator issue.  They said I have power coming to the unit but no spark and therefore suspect electronic ignition failure.  I was trying to look it up on the internet to see if the price he was telling me was reasonable and read something about 90% of the time this is indicitive of a much worse problem than just an ignition.  Anyone ever have have this fail?
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Onan Emerald Plus Electronic Ignition

Reply #1 –
I am not aware of  other issues as long as you have good oil pressure during the cranking cycle.  No Oil pressure, yes. Have oil pressure and no spark, either bad wiring or bad module assuming the ignition trigger has not broken off.

A model and spec would help.

Re: Onan Emerald Plus Electronic Ignition

Reply #2 –
Turned out to be a bad ignition coil.  That, plus oil and filter was $413 at Cummins. 

Many may remember my weird electrical problem involving the generator that plagued me for a year.  Whenever I tried to bring the second A/C on line under generator power, the ATS would kick open and I'd have to shut everything down before the delay expired and it would try to close again.  Of course, it I didn't turn off all the load, it would chatter very bad when the power came back and disengage again. I replaced the transfer switch with no improvement.  I had Cummins check the generator twice and each time it checked out.  Prior to my trip out west last summer I replaced the A/C units as I discovered that they were pulling a lot more juice on compressor start than spec indicated but they were 18 years old. The problem resolved somewhat, never kicking out the ATS on 1 A/C and only occassionally on both.  Anyway...moral of the story: new ignition coil on generator and the generator doesn't even seem to notice when I crank up the A/C or both A/C units.  Clearly the weird behavior of the generator had something to do with the ignition coil.  I  don't have a clue as to why.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Onan Emerald Plus Electronic Ignition

Reply #3 –
Dwayne,

It could be that the engine was not getting enough spark and was losing some power.  Low power to the ATS coil might cause it to open.
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP
 

Re: Onan Emerald Plus Electronic Ignition

Reply #4 –
Yeah...we tested for voltage and amperage in the coach on generator and everything checked out.  The guy I bought the ATS from told me that the type I bought (and had originally) is just contactors and the latitude for voltage drop is minimal.  He suggested I go to the newer relay style as they are much more forgiving of it but I never did verify any voltage drop but it must have been there (and we're talking fractions of a second anyway probably).  I never did go that route because my wiring at the ATS would have had to been redone. They reached in the current configuration but not so the relay style as they are all along one side.  I didn't want to run new wire from the generator and possibly the batteries for a wild goose chase.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060