Gensets

Dieseltech · Apr 18, 2015

Have two portable gensets, first one I've had for years, 8HP single cylinder Tecumseh 3600 RPM, has both 110 and one 220 outlet. Works well but is noisy. Second one is an Onan twin salvaged from an RV, REALLY runs well and is much quieter, has a home made 110 box. Question I have is this, does it have 220 capability also? Has just over 200 hours and really runs smooth!!

Bob M · Apr 18, 2015

Post your model number and questions on the SmokStak Onan forum. You will find many of knowledgeable people there who can help you out.

I too own an 8 HP Tecumseh-powered generator. Works great, but it's VERY noisy!
SmokStak Onan board

jeffcat · Apr 18, 2015

I have seen some of those with 120vo;t and another 120 on the other side. It is a 240 unit but is split. I have no clue how to check it out but a camper joint would know. Now how to fix the comesee. I installed a much better muffler on my 5200w. I think it is a nelson or something like that. Black muffle about 9 inch long and maybe 4+ inches across. Not cheap being around $70.oo each. BOY do they run a whole lot quieter! Your local mower parts house should have them.

notjustair · Apr 18, 2015

If it is like the one I had it was set to be wired into a fuse panel. Depending on how it was wired it had that capability. Those Onan units are slick. They know how to build a generator/engine.

John B. · Apr 19, 2015

I have two portable units each 4500 watts and both with a 10hp Briggs on them. I put a bigger muffler on one but left the other factory. Years ago they built them for the electrical power and not for being quiet is the way I see it. I paid $100 for the one and the neighbor gave me the other one for keeping his driveway cleared of snow.

JF in MI · Apr 19, 2015

<I too own an 8 HP Tecumseh-powered generator. Works great, but it's VERY noisy!>
Me too. I bought the 'special' quiet muffler for it but it doesn't help that much. I think most of the racket comes straight through the case.

John T · Apr 19, 2015

If you do like Bob said, you can find everything you ever wanted to know about your genset. I hope what you have is an older RV Onan as they were 2 cylinder which operated at 1800 RPM and were MUCH MUCH QUIETER then the later screaming 3600 RPM single cylinder so called Micro Quiet (Yeah Right). The smaller older Onans (say 4000 watts max) were often 120 volt while the larger units (say 5000 to 6500 watt range) could be 120/240. Looking at the wiring inside that electrical box may give you a clue. If its ONLY 3 wires (Hot Neutral Ground) its probably only a 120 volt but if there are more like 4 (Hot Hot Neutral Ground) wires it may be a 120/240. NOTE I would configure (if not already which it likely is if in an RV) the genset with a grounded to case/frame Neutral instead of a floating Neutral. Its permissible to power plug and cord connected tools and appliances via on board receptacles from a portable genset without any connection to a grounding electrode (ground rod).

John T

Billy Shafer · Apr 19, 2015

Depends on which Onan you have. Some like the BFA are 120 only. The NH can do 120/240. If you look on the model tag it will say what the voltage output is. Of course there are many RV Onans out there. So it depends on what you have.

Onan tech since 1980

Billy Shafer · Apr 19, 2015

Forgot to add. Come on over to the stak. Post the full model and serial number and an email address. My guys will send you all the manuals you need for free.

Bob M · Apr 19, 2015

Same with mine - it makes all sorts of mechanical clatter in addition to the loud exhaust.

Incidentally my snow blower with same 8 HP Tecumseh engine is equally noisy. Nature of the engine I guess....

Gensets

Dieseltech

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Bob M

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jeffcat

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notjustair

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John B.

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JF in MI

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John T

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Billy Shafer

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Billy Shafer

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Bob M

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