Proper Starting Procedure for Onan MDL4 20KW

[pmurphy]

I just purchased a new boat, 1987 63' CPMY, with an original Onan generator, MDL4. Unfortunately the seller is deceased so I have no information source from him. I'm wanting to make sure I'm starting the generator properly. The start / stop rocker switch on the generator itself appears to be the only mechanism for start up. I was expecting a preheat procedure but don't seem to find one in the operators manual. Is perhaps holding the rocker switch in the stop position a preheat?

 

[Pascal]

No familiar with older Ohnos but the 2005 or 2009 ohnos I ve used only had a start switch that you pressed. No preheat. Since there are no preheat label I m Guessing this one doesn’t have preheat either

 

[Captain Ralph]

Press and hold the start switch for 5 to 8 seconds at a time if recently (1 or 2 weeks) run.
Follow the user guide of priming the fuel pump if this does not get you going.
There should be a start/stop switch on the top of your power selector / breaker panel also.

 

[doc g]

If it’s like mine you hold the stop side of the start stop switch down . That runs the electric fuel pump and energizes the glow plugs …..Pat

 

[jim rosenthal]

Is there an automated delay in the starting circuit? MY NL home generator has that- you turn the switch on, it heats the flow plugs for about 10-15 secs, and then cranks the engine.

 

[northshoreone]

I have two of them on my Bertram. On mine you hold the toggle start/stop switch to stop for about 10 sec. and then start it. If in a colder climate you may need to do it twice.

 

[pmurphy]

Thanks! Holding the rocker switch in the stop position as recommended for a preheat seemed to do the trick. Started right up.

 

[dottieshusband]

I just purchased a new boat, 1987 63' CPMY, with an original Onan generator, MDL4. Unfortunately the seller is deceased so I have no information source from him.
I'm wanting to make sure I'm starting the generator properly. The start / stop rocker switch on the generator itself appears to be the only mechanism for start up. I was expecting a preheat procedure but don't seem to find one in the operators manual. Is perhaps holding the rocker switch in the stop position a preheat?

I have the same boat. 1987 63' MY. Inside your electric panel, to the left of the wheel. On the left side at the very top, you'll see a Start/Stop toggle switch. On mine, the Onan is Generator 1, so I set the bottom rotary switches both to 1. Flip both breakers to Generator power. I deenergise all panel breakers before starting.

1. Flip the breakers from shore to Generator
2. Insure both bottom rotary switches are on one
3. Turn off the panel breakers
4. Toggle the Generator panel switch to start and hold til it starts
5. Flip the panel breakers you need to on

 

[Captain Ralph]

Thanks! Holding the rocker switch in the stop position as recommended for a preheat seemed to do the trick. Started right up.

Sorry I typed wrong. I thought you had the ole mechanical fuel pump and heaters when you started.
Glad you got it figured out.

 

[dottieshusband]

Pat, I've had my 63 about 12 years now. If you need any help, PM me. Paul.

 

[pmurphy]

Pat, I've had my 63 about 12 years now. If you need any help, PM me. Paul.

Thanks Paul. I appreciate the offer.