Source for Onan Generator parts

[novusvita]

I am trying to locate a good source for Onan Generator parts. There used to be one in my area but it appears it is out of business. Looking on the web, I keep finding RV generator sources. I need a source that has an inventory of "older" generator parts. I have traced my problem to the Fuel cutoff solenoid. It as power to it (per the volt meter) but is not activating the plunger to allow fuel to the engine. If I hold the plunger up in place, the engine starts and runs fine. Does anyone out there have a good source for these older generators?

Novus Vita
1975 58' Yachtfish

 

[smoothmove]

Couple of suggestions

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?fo...building.htm&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13463233796762

http://www.smokstak.com/forum/search.php?searchid=3655238

I'm sure others will have better suggestions. Sadly, few will probably suggest Onan Factory support, or what's left of them.

Eric

 

[Fanfare]

I don't know if the lack of support started with the old Onan company or after the buyout by Cummins. The last time I needed an Onan part I was in a remote part of the Bahamas. First I used the Bahamas Yellow Pages to try the local dealer. No Onan listing in the phone book. Then I called Onan in Florida. "We will call you back." No calls. I called the factory, with the exact same result. Also no calls back. I finally had to get to the nearest airport, buy a ticket, fly to Ft. Lauderdale, go to the graveyard of old engines and generators, unbolt the piece I needed and fly back. When I returned to the US I replaced the generator as quickly as I could. With a Phasor. Would I buy another Onan? Not on your life. How about a new Cummins diesel? Well, I have learned never to say never. But Onan's parent company is not presently in my good book. Let me say I'll look around a lot first. What a way to treat people who have already purchased, installed and used your product.

Contrast this with the support I get from SAMS, Hatteras, Hynautic, Detroit Diesel, Phasor and so many others. There's a lot more to good business than just selling a product.

Just for the record, the generator I replaced was the THIRD Onan I had purchased new. Too bad.

 

[gbharrington]

I have had good luck with Cummins South in Atlanta and I'm working with a generator that is 35 years old. It is helpful if you have a part number.

 

[TopHattandTails]

Best method I have had in sourcing old legacy Onan parts is: 1) talk to the best/ longest lived diesel mechanic in town. If they have been in business for many years and have a "cult like" following, they will likely have a few running take outs at their disposal (if not in their shop). 2) keep posting to the HOF. There are several members that may have running takeouts from previous boats / know of one in their area. I too have a strong distaste for the Onan/ Cummins method of business.

These old legacy genny's parts were fabricated in house by Onan with the business desire to make them obsolete, causing required upgrades after several years of discontinuing manufacturing for that years genset. There are a few parts that are so hard to find that an otherwise operational Onan will become an anchor if a single part cannot be sourced. I haven't heard of that on several of the other manufacturers... If I ever get into the situation to needing a replacement genny, it will also not be an Onan as well, simply for this reason.

 

[captainwjm]

http://covingtondiesel.com/html/contact_us.html

 

[Bill Root]

Sadly, my experience has been the same as Fanfare's. Few or no parts being manufactured for the old Onan generators, so you have to find NOS stuff and there isn;t much of that left. I had to spend $250 on a work-around to a failed mechanical fuel pump on a 2500 hr. genset that should have been a $50 part I could have replaced myself. Fortunately I had a very good, older mechanic who knew how to do the work-around or I would have had to scrap the generator.

 

[novusvita]

Thanks for the leads. Will keep you posted as to my results. I am afraid that finding graveyard engines around this area would not be very successful. Very little large boat stuff.....but lots of tractors.... Unfortunately tractors don't usually have 32v stuff on them.

 

[Dustoff44]

http://www.gulfsoutharmature.com/

They have some parts that I was told don't exist anymore....

I keep their "Old and obsolete Onan parts list" on the boat

1971 15KW MDJF still running

 

[wmfels]

cummins in white bear lake, minnesota has been very helpful for me,except for the outrageous prices, the parts guys are good to work with, just make sure you have your model number. they also have a number for a local guy around here for used parts.

 

[rjwilliams11741]

onanparts.com is a good source. They are located in Lacey, Washington but ship all over the US as well as some foreign location.

 

[gbharrington]

Also S&R Sales. Many NOS parts. 262-522-6644

 

[novusvita]

I called one of the above contacts that said they only deal with RV generators. Then Cummins South in Atl found the part based on my description but would have to order from the factory. They had 12v and 24v but not 32v When they took my shipping address they could not ship to that area so I had to call another Cummins place in Birmingham, Ala. The part is now on order...hope it is the right on.....$417.....ouch.

 

[novusvita]

I received the part from Cummins after the factory shipped to Birmingham, Ala source. They then shipped it to me (extra shipping charges incurred but that was the only way they would do it). I opened the part and it looked completely different from the part I thought was failing. I replaced it as the directions stated (I was surprised they sent some installation directions) and the generator started right up. Wouldn't shut down though so had to play with the adjustment screw. Then everything worked great.

Wanted to let everyone know that Cummins did come thru for the old Onan generators.

Thanks for everyone's input.