Longen 10 Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 (edited) Hello Everyone, I have recently taken ownership of the 240v generator seen in the attached images. I'm looking for any information and ideally user and maintenance documentation. Thanks in advance for all assistance given. Edited February 1 by Longen Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richard Farrant 47 Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 A 3.5kva Onan, very good sets, the army used them for many years, I have worked on a good many, but only on the engine side, we had electricians who dealt with the electrickery. Most issues were down to lack of use and stuck valves, carburettor and fuel pump. Nice thing on these was the electric starter, working from the generator. Just realised that is the later one, the most common one were flat twin engines. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Longen 10 Posted February 1 Author Share Posted February 1 Thanks Richard for your prompt response. I was led to believe the electric start is 24v. Can you expand on your comment "electric starter, working from the generator" Dave. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richard Farrant 47 Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 22 minutes ago, Longen said: Thanks Richard for your prompt response. I was led to believe the electric start is 24v. Can you expand on your comment "electric starter, working from the generator" Dave. It is about 25 years ago since I last worked on one, but you maybe right about 24v starting, but please double check first otherwise you may cause damage, I cannot remember positively, but thought it was only 12v. The starting is done by part of the generator armature wired as an electric motor in effect. I cannot recollect the model designation of this particular type as they came in service later. It look like the makers plate is missing I think it was below the suppliers plate that you showed. regards, Richard Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Longen 10 Posted February 1 Author Share Posted February 1 Thanks Richard. Based on your identication I googled "3.5kva Onan generator" and have found a post on HMVF discussing exactly the voltage and that person found a fault on the starter brushes and once rectified the generator started ok on 12v. Im going to look closer to see if I have the same issue. The previous owner has used it with 24v (2x 12volt batteries) so I may have more to fix. Dave. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richard Farrant 47 Posted February 1 Share Posted February 1 Hi Dave, Onan was bought out by Cummins some time back. They have a helpline to identify Onan generators and I believe they can email you copy of manual. Try this link: https://www.cumminsonanstore.com/howto/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Longen 10 Posted February 1 Author Share Posted February 1 Richard, what can I say, many thanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Potless 12 Posted February 2 Share Posted February 2 I think this may be the larger 6,5 KVA with a normal starter motor. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Potless 12 Posted February 2 Share Posted February 2 onan 6jb 6.0 kva. probably 24v saarting. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Potless 12 Posted February 2 Share Posted February 2 starting Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richard Farrant 47 Posted February 2 Share Posted February 2 Hi Potless, I think you are right about it being a 6kva now I think about it. The army did have 3.5kva Onan sets, but these bigger ones replaced the Coventry Climax unit and they were usually mounted in trailer with jerricans and batteries. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ploughman 13 Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 I am fairly certain that we used 6kv generators in trailers towed by a Land Rover. This was for Airfield Damage repair and was used for powering 4 Kango drills on long extention leads at the same time. This was when we were bolting down the mat after filling the crater. There were 4 bins one in each corner inside the trailer to house the Kangos. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Longen 10 Posted February 4 Author Share Posted February 4 Thanks Richard, Potless and Bryan. the Onan 6.5Kva and 6jb has brought up some internet hits but until now none of the images has been a match for my generator. Richard's link appears to service the USA only. still looking. Dave. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Potless 12 Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 Hello, I have just searched for- onan 6.0 the xmod in google images first picture is one thy sold in a trailer. hope this helps. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fv1609 32 Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 6kVA Onan covered in EMER POWER C 420/5 - 429/5 3.5kVA Onan covered in EMER POWER C 460/4 - 469/4 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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