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Topic: 1986 Grand Villa generator problems (Read 314 times) previous topic - next topic

1986 Grand Villa generator problems

The other day our generator suddenly stopped running and wouldn't restart.  This is the Onan 6.5 NH with propane conversion.  I checked and added a little oil to get it to the full mark.  The points were a bit pitted so I sanded them down and set the gap.  Now it will start but stops as soon as I release the start button.  According to the Operator Manual, this symptom calls for checking the R1 resistor, the Run Ignition Relay K3, and/or the S3 low oil pressure switch.

I suppose that would be useful to someone trained on these engines but I have no idea where the R1 resistor is or what it would look like.  I can see it on the wiring diagram and schematic but my experience is automotive where wires can be traced by color--all these are white.  I can see 2 relays below the starter switch so assume K3 is one of them, but I don't see how to get to it without taking the entire control box apart.  Nor would I know what to do to check it.  I can probably find the oil pressure switch since there aren't too many wires going to the engine, but again would not know how to check it.

Any suggestions? or am I stuck until I can find a mechanic who can work on it?
1986 3600 Grand Villa ORED SBI

Re: 1986 Grand Villa generator problems

Reply #1 –
Look for a small  sender near the oil level.
This should be the low oil switch.
You may also have a low pressure switch.  Disconnect one and then the other one. 
One of these is the most likely culprit .

Re: 1986 Grand Villa generator problems

Reply #2 –
Thanks, Mike.  There are two wires going from the control box toward the engine.  One of them is taped off (definitely not "factory"), the other goes to a sensor just above the oil filter that looks like it is probably oil pressure.  The way I read the schematic and the troubleshooting guide, it should "close" when EOP reaches 10 PSI and "closed" looks like it goes to ground.  That is what I'm seeing.  The post on the sensor goes to ground shortly after cranking and remains that way for a few seconds after it stops.  I think it is good.

An online search got me in the right place for R1.  It is right under the ignition fuse and I didn't see it.  It does not have continuity.  Unfortunately, it is no longer available from Onan (P# 352-0161).  A search brings up some pretty "iffy" looking companies and I don't see it on Ebay.  I just got a replacement debit card for one used fraudulently, so I'm hesitant to order anything that looks the least bit suspicious.  Anyway, the resistor is 100 ohm 5 amp so I suppose I could try to fabricate something.  Any other ideas?
1986 3600 Grand Villa ORED SBI

Re: 1986 Grand Villa generator problems

Reply #3 –
I found a 100 ohm wire wound resistor from DigiKey.  Its size is quite a bit bigger than the old one so I had to drill a hole in the control box to mount it.  We're currently in a friend's backyard on shore power, but the generator will start now.  We'll see how well it holds up, but for now, this problem seems to be solved.  Thanks, all who responded.
1986 3600 Grand Villa ORED SBI