20KW Onan generator not putting out any power

[finatic]

I have a 20KW Onan Gen. circa about 1984. It runs like a top but can't get any power out. I've tried to locate and check any breakers and fuses but no luck. It doesn't get used much and the last time I got power out of it was about a year ago. Anyone have any ideas I can try?

 

[Pascal]

Most generators have a dual pole breaker on it. It sure about the older Ohnos. ... on the newer ones it s on the side of the control box towards the back

 

[robson]

If your breakers are good, you may need to flash the generator field. Check your output voltage on the line side of the first breaker (make sure you do it safely). If voltage does not build up on startup, then flashing the field may solve your problem.

 

[dottieshusband]

On mine, there is a 20 amp,breaker on the side of the sound shield, in addition to the rocker bar and rotary switch in the main panel.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Instructions to flash the field are in the manual. I've been down this road. My 1985 Onan 20kw did the same thing. It ended up having a short in the windings. I thought about having them rewound, but decided to just replace the whole unit.

 

[JuiceClark]

I didn't want to start a new thread to ask this one little question. So, here it is:


What is this thing on my Onan Cummins 20kw genny? It's nestled next to the exhaust. The back wire is corroded at the connection to that cooler looking thingy - and it won't run unless I give it a tap with a screwdriver.

So, what is that thing and what's it called? I assume I can just removed that corroded screw, sand it a bit to get a good connection and everything will be peachy. However, if it breaks in the process I'll need to buy a new one.

Voltage regulator? Some kind of grounding?

 

[Captain Ralph]

Those are the resistors that absorb the over voltage to the 12V glow plugs. It may share a connection with the run relay to your injection pump.

I just realized my manuals are gone in a dead computer so I'm working from memory now on this.

I had the answer before New Years, then those slow (OhNo) brain cells were destroyed.

 

[JuiceClark]

Those are the resistors that absorb the over voltage to the 12V glow plugs. It may share a connection with the run relay to your injection pump.

I just realized my manuals are gone in a dead computer so I'm working from memory now on this.

I had the answer before New Years, then those slow (OhNo) brain cells were destroyed.

Thanks! Yeah, must share a connection to something because she won't run without. With a little luck, it'll clean up without a problem.

At least I'll know what to call it if the darn thing breaks off. I went through every page of the manual, all the illustrations, and there's not one reference to that part.