Classic Winnebagos & Vintage RVs

Topic Boards => Generators => Topic started by: Thenoob on March 29, 2017, 09:53 AM

Title: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Thenoob on March 29, 2017, 09:53 AM
Heading out to go see a newer onan Cmm 5500 today.  I have a dodge d19 1973 empty gen bay.


Will the newer body style fit into our bays ok? Any issue to be concerned about?  I'm headed to go do measurements just curious if anybody's ran into any headaches trying to do this. Or even hooking them up? Thanks!!
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 29, 2017, 10:04 AM
Hooking it up is just a matter of electrical wiring so that would be the easy part. As far as whether it will fit, A tape measure will tell the tale but the one major thing to watch for is how the exhaust is going to exit the bay. Make sure you are going to be able to accommodate that.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Thenoob on March 29, 2017, 10:07 AM
Yup that was my major concern,
Measuring is no problem it's overall clearance positioning etc.  These newer styles don't come with an exhaust correct?


Is there a rule for bay clearance for these things so they don't sit too tight to breathe?
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 29, 2017, 10:25 AM
Generally I would think common sense would do here. You are going to need enough room around the unit for some airflow. There is going to be an air intake and outflow on the genset for the cooling, you will need to accommodate those opening on the set with openings in the compartment. Mostly the outflow will have to have direct access to the outside. If the inlet airflow is on the side of the unit then you will have to have enough louvers in the door to let in air. Most of the more modern units are much smaller than the older ones so you probably will have plenty of room if this was set up for an older generator. And as far as whether it has exhaust? I has to have exhaust, if it is included I don't know but if it isn't keep in mind it can be pricey.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 29, 2017, 10:29 AM
Now I said louvers in the door for air inlet, On mine the whole bottom area is opened up so air can come in all around the try to supply the inlet which is on the generator side and between the generator and engine. It blows out the bottom through a wide open hole and a grate to keep larger critters out. On mine I have enough space to get my arm around the set. Not a lot but enough for some air circulation.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Thenoob on March 29, 2017, 10:58 AM
Gotcha
Yup mine has the Louvre swing door.


Thank you for the insight, if she fits good, I'm hoping the genset is in good condition.


It was a former internet company's backup mobile power, told not used a lot, but (Telus) had it maintained regularly


Time will tell!
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Thenoob on March 29, 2017, 11:00 AM
What I meant by exhaust, I have a Honda 3000is for my food trucks, and it just vents out through top louvres, no piping.  Piping is what I meant, ie having to route it under the coach etc.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 29, 2017, 11:04 AM
Found this online, looks like muffler is enclosed. Thing that bothers me is that it is fuel injected which means factory service only unless you have some way to access the computer.

http://westgenerator.com/index.cfm/linkservid/CA669C91-5056-B35E-2C2F25D1C28E7EEE/showMeta/0/
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 29, 2017, 11:15 AM
Read down at the bottom of those specs and it says "
Will not copy and paste, It needs a chassis specific fuel system for the efi.


+EFI Gensets require a chassis-specific fuel system kit. See F-1106, Onan Commecial Mobile Accessories and Service Support Catalog."
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: M & J on March 29, 2017, 12:44 PM
Fuel delivery was a thought I had.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Thenoob on March 29, 2017, 05:33 PM
Well I rolled the dice for 100 bucks
Former service generator for Telus Communications
Dropped it off for a full inspection. And cleanup
Hoping for good news.

Pics


(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi46.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff117%2Fbigruudz%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2FA18B0063-A859-4E53-B2DD-6AEF20CA36F8.jpg&hash=9665659536ce573caaa4bfd476f9d8b23a51ceaa)


(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi46.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff117%2Fbigruudz%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2FB2518CDD-BD05-4B8A-B6CF-817A4732FE43.jpg&hash=729f2882671eb8526883835a1ff9a0dd6462009a)


(https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi46.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff117%2Fbigruudz%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F5959121E-6942-4809-AECB-178FECC7440A.jpg&hash=2b35809f72e73bf3ae681b83ccf6ee7a1c634228)


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Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: stanDman111 on March 29, 2017, 08:12 PM
nice genny, wish I could find one for 100.00=great deal
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 29, 2017, 08:18 PM
Well, for 100 bucks you cannot go wrong if it runs. I see it is, or was, a leaker. Looks like the oil pressure safety switch was leaking but it also looks like that may be a newer one. It does not look like it was particularly well maintained though. But 100 bucks for a mobile genny is outrageous, as long as it runs and powers.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Thenoob on March 29, 2017, 09:10 PM
I'll find out on tues what the deal is
I agree That it wasn't maintained well, but if she will turn over and produce power, a solid service on the rig (plug/oil/valves/filters) should do pretty well?


I'm hopeful for a 80% diagnosis??!?
Was even able to pull the interior start switch.
Found out it's not efi, it's carbourated which is good as well.


I'll update the thread with the results
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Thenoob on March 29, 2017, 09:15 PM
KInd of lame that I will have to cut holes in the gen bay to compensate for the oil fitler as she hangs down an inch or so beneath the bottom frame, plus the oil drainage
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: stanDman111 on March 30, 2017, 06:29 AM
well for a 100.00/ I guess a couple extra of holes in the genny bay ant to bad
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 30, 2017, 08:10 PM
Build a slide out tray and raise it up enough to clear the low hanging parts.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: stanDman111 on March 30, 2017, 09:03 PM
even a better idea
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 31, 2017, 09:47 AM
Quote from: Thenoob on March 29, 2017, 09:10 PM

Found out it's not efi, it's carbourated which is good as well.


I'll update the thread with the results

I looked through the manual and that model does not come with a carburetor, I think you are looking at the throttle body and thinking it is a carburetor maybe?
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: bluebird on March 31, 2017, 09:01 PM
Naw, that's a carburetor. You can see the electric choke and fuel cut off solenoid in the bottom of the main jet also altitude compensator. If it runs he stole it.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Rickf1985 on March 31, 2017, 09:52 PM
Here is what the manual says, and it goes for all of the models. Maybe someone modified it for a carb?

Commercial
GenSet

•
First EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) GenSet in its Class
•
EFI Provides Improved Hot and Cold Start Capability
•
Integrated Hydraulic Pump Option (pictured)
•
Quietest and Lowest Vibration GenSet in Its C
lass
•
Integrated Housing Design
•
Enclosed Muffler for Ease of Installation
•
Self-Diagnostic Capability to
Simplify Troubleshooting
•
Runs Two ACs
•
Digital Regulation for Voltage Stability as Loads Change
•
Electronic Governor for Voltage Stability and Frequency
Control
•
2-Year Limited Warranty,
5-Year Drive Warranty

Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: DaveVA78Chieftain on April 01, 2017, 12:25 AM
From the Onan 983-0501D Service manaual, you have the:

Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SMFI) 5.5KW HGJAD model (https://powersuite.cummins.com/PS5/PS5Content/SiteContent/en/Binary_Asset/pdf/Consumer/specsheets/a-1442.pdf)

and the

Cabureted 5.5KW HGJAE model (https://powersuite.cummins.com/PS5/PS5Content/SiteContent/en/Binary_Asset/pdf/Consumer/specsheets/a-1440.pdf)

There are several different variations of the HGJxx series generator:

5.5KW or 7.0KW
EFI (SFI) and Carburetor
Gas and LPG

ANY TIME you deal with Onan Generators you have to know the exact model and serial number in order to discuss them properly.  There are literately hundreds of different model variations.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 01, 2017, 09:50 AM
Interesting, The manual I found made no mention at all of the AE series as you can see from the link I posted. It only mentions the AD models.

As usual, Dave gets me again. Someday Dave, Someday you will slip going into turn four. :D :D :D
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 01, 2017, 09:56 AM
I noticed an interesting fact about that set in the manual Dave posted. The operating RPM is 2400 RPM. Most sets are 1800 or 3600 and that is to set the frequency at 60 Hz. This must be a strange stator arrangement in the genset? I have an idea what it is but I will wait till someone with more internal generator knowledge chimes in. Think multiple of 4.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: DaveVA78Chieftain on April 01, 2017, 01:56 PM
According to the Service manual:
The 5500KW V-Twin runs at 2400 RPM and the generator section is geared to 3600 RPM
The 7000KW V-Twin runs at 2880 RPM and the generator section is geared to 3600 RPM

The Generator portion is belt driven for both models.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 01, 2017, 08:48 PM
That explains it. Throws my theory out the window but it did not make sense anyway.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Thenoob on April 06, 2017, 04:21 PM
Well we have a runner and producing power @62hz.


Shop is doing a quick service with plugs oil air filter etc.  They want to do a generator service which could get up to 700 bucks, I'm not too keen on it...thoughts?


Hour meter at 2000hrs. Found the oil leak and that's dealt with.
It IS carbonated and not EFI, should make for a much easier install as existing lines are already in the bay.


Well that's good news!
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 06, 2017, 04:42 PM
My thoughts are this, you have 100.00 into it. If they will do the full service for 700.00 that puts you 800.00 into a 2500.00 minimum generator. And with 2000 hours on the clock that generator has seen a LOT of use, it would not hurt to have them go over it and replace and wear items. As long as that does not add to the 700 they quoted. If that is just the labor then you will have to think real hard because parts are expensive.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Thenoob on April 06, 2017, 04:57 PM
True..I'm going back and forth on it.
They are going to have a quick look at the generator endand see exactly what they would recommend....I'll have to wait to hear from them.  I won't be putting a lot of hours on the generator in the long run, but it's more of a peace of mind thing
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Rickf1985 on April 06, 2017, 06:28 PM
I don't know if this one has brushes or if it is a brushless design but if it does they will be due for replacement.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: DaveVA78Chieftain on April 06, 2017, 07:40 PM
Service Manual (http://www.twinslan.net/~n0nas/manuals/onan/983-0501D%20Onan%20HGJAA%20HGJAB%20HGJAC%20HGJAD%20HGJAE%20HGJAF%20Mobile%20Genset%20Service%20manual%20(01-2006).pdf) though you still need to decode the model number from the ID plate to know exactly which version you have.

An for those who like to know:
Field current passes through the brush block which has two spring-loaded carbon brushes that make contact with the rotor slip rings.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: Thenoob on April 06, 2017, 09:56 PM
Yup mine is the HGJAE
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: bluebird on April 08, 2017, 03:14 PM
Quote from: Thenoob on April 06, 2017, 09:56 PM
Yup mine is the HGJAE
No way would I pay that for service.


But I'm a cheap . That is one of onans best generators. 2000 hours is quite a few but it should run a while longer. If it were mine I'd do a compression test, change oil,filter, and plugs, put new brushes in and clean the slip rings before installing.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: CapnDirk on April 08, 2017, 03:28 PM
If it's out of the motorhome then doing a tune up on it would be a cakewalk.  Change the oil, filter, airfilter, plugs and points.  All readily available and the points would cost you the most.  Do a compression test with the plugs out.


If it quits for any reason beyond that you would be looking at more money than you would probably want to spend.


Don't look a gift horse in the mouth and buy braces  ;)
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: DaveVA78Chieftain on April 08, 2017, 03:43 PM
QuoteAll readily available and the points would cost you the most.

Sorry but a HGJAE generator is a magneto based ignition and no have a the points.  Only a magneto coil and z sparky plugs.
Title: Re: Will "Newer" onan 5500 fit in a 73 Brave generator bay?
Post by: CapnDirk on April 08, 2017, 03:59 PM
Well there you have it, cheaper yet!   :)   Thanks for the FYI