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Topic: Onan 6.5 Propane generator "NO JUICE" (Read 378 times) previous topic - next topic

Onan 6.5 Propane generator "NO JUICE"

Well well, the ole Onan has 454 hours on it, and has been producing electricity flawlessly on demand.

We came in a couple weeks ago from a trip, shut everything down as normal.

The other day we began checking things out for an upcoming adventure, fired up the ole Onan and "Whoops nothing there" started it several more times and still nothing.

Any ideas out there???????
1995 U-240, her name is Clarabell, "The Lady's Got Class"
Traveling with my lovely wife "Precious", two Australian Shepherds, Ko Ko and Molly momma's baby Scooter, a Sweet Yorkie and a 14 pound cat.
Full timing since November 1, 2019, seeing this great country of ours and visiting the people that have made it that way.

Facebook member of GRAN VILLA Motor Homes Showing These Great Ole Gals in All Their Splendor.

GOD BLESS and SAFE TRAVELS

Re: Onan 6.5 Propane generator "NO JUICE"

Reply #1 –
Do you have a breaker switch on the unit?
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Onan 6.5 Propane generator "NO JUICE"

Reply #2 –
Yes there is and I tripped it several times and reset it and still nothing. There is a 10 am fuse that I checked also and replaced it still nothing.
1995 U-240, her name is Clarabell, "The Lady's Got Class"
Traveling with my lovely wife "Precious", two Australian Shepherds, Ko Ko and Molly momma's baby Scooter, a Sweet Yorkie and a 14 pound cat.
Full timing since November 1, 2019, seeing this great country of ours and visiting the people that have made it that way.

Facebook member of GRAN VILLA Motor Homes Showing These Great Ole Gals in All Their Splendor.

GOD BLESS and SAFE TRAVELS

Re: Onan 6.5 Propane generator "NO JUICE"

Reply #3 –
Several of the guys have propane units just like yours and they will be bringing help.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Onan 6.5 Propane generator "NO JUICE"

Reply #4 –
Assume you mean it runs (normal speed, no surging) BUT you don't have 120 VAC to the coach.

If so, after checking/resetting the 2 on-generator breakers, I would pop the lid on the ATS (under foot of bed) and check for power IN as well as power out (assuming you are safe working around 120 VAC).
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: Onan 6.5 Propane generator "NO JUICE"

Reply #5 –
Hi Poppa..
  I have a 95 U-240 same  color too.  My 6.5 Onan is propane also.  Propane is not the issue here, you say it will start and run.  So there are two pc boards to think about.  One is the voltage regulator and the other is motor control.  If the engine is running steady RPM, smoothly, shortly after starting there will be a slight load/change in the sound/rpm when then genset starts producing usable 110vac.  You need to listen for this change, you probably will not here it in your case.  The genset is like other generators and after starting must be energized/excited to start producing 110vac.  This is part of the voltage regulator board.  The genset does have slip ring brushes that are serviceable thru small plate on vented end(right side) of the generator.  They do wear with use.
Pat/Blue Angel
1995 U240 36ft
MC# 16511
Build# 4653

Re: Onan 6.5 Propane generator "NO JUICE"

Reply #6 –
I had to have my gen-set fixed for a similar situation.  The control board is probably shot and you will probably have to take it to a repair facility.  You may be able to obtain a control board and fix it yourself, but that unit (if like mine)  is not very easy to rack out.  If you do rack it out, replace the spark plugs also.  (that inside one is not other wise reachable).  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'