Onan Replacement?

[elshiv]

Hey Guys, long time since I last posted. I wanted to give an update. I took the Onan to an engine shop. I can admit I don't have enough know how to get this done without a lot of help which I don't really have. They were able to finally tear open the engine. looks like the crank is shot so I need to replace the pistons, crank and rods. It's more or less what I expected. he wants $600 for the work plus I need to get all the engine parts. Done that sound reasonable?

As I started to do my research I found someone selling an Onan Genset 6.5 and found a video on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lym4RsUtnwk Would this be an acceptable replacement? Would it be an easy replacement?

Any guidance would be appreciated!

[DeltaCub]

Usually gen sets have tapered PTO side crankshafts.

[J-Mech]

That price to rebuild sounds legit. The Onan's are expensive to rebuild. Unless you can do it yourself, they aren't worth it. Even then it's just about as cheap to replace.

Go find a Kohler replacement. Lots of choices with the Kohler engines. You don't have to go back with an Onan. If you are dead set on the Onan, fix the one you have.

[john hall]

Just remember the engine you have is worth a little bit of $$. Probably not a whole lot but certainly more than scrap metal. You could sell it as is or sell it bits and pieces on ebay.

[Oak]

I'm the only fool on here rebuilding an Onan. How bad is the crank? I had to have mine turned 20 under and I think that was $150 plus there are used cranks all over ebay if yours can't be turned. New pistons and rods will run you about $150 a hole + you'll probably need bearings, gaskets and mo money.

If this machine is going to be a worker J-Mech is correct, repower it. I thought about using on of these.
http://www.harborfreight.com/engines...epa-61614.html
You will need some parts made and some know how to get it in just like if you install a Command or Vanguard.

[Terry C]

Originally Posted by Oak

I'm the only fool on here rebuilding an Onan. How bad is the crank? I had to have mine turned 20 under and I think that was $150 plus there are used cranks all over ebay if yours can't be turned. New pistons and rods will run you about $150 a hole + you'll probably need bearings, gaskets and mo money.

If this machine is going to be a worker J-Mech is correct, repower it. I thought about using on of these.
http://www.harborfreight.com/engines...epa-61614.html
You will need some parts made and some know how to get it in just like if you install a Command or Vanguard.

There might be one other fool
As stated earlier if you can't do a lot of the work yourself Onans get expensive
I'm doing it because I want my 982 restored.
Look for a command or a vanguard if you want a replacement

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by Oak

I'm the only fool on here rebuilding an Onan.

You're one of the few who can afford it Todd!


LOL

[Oak]

Well here was my thinking on it. If I repowered with the 23HP Vanguard the 982 was no longer "Original" + speaking with another member that did the Vanguard repower(with a new engine) he had about $1700 in everything when he was done. If you can find a Onan B48G in decent condition and rebuild it you should be under that. You will then have 35 year old technology under the hood that gulps fuel.
I wouldn't do that for any other machine except for a 982 or the 19xx machines. My 982's won't get run much except for a plow day or 2 a year and playing around the house.

[elshiv]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm going to see the process through. I felt it run on just one cylinder and it was impressive. My little craftsman doesn't hold a candle to the 982.
It will be a worker but not a heavy worker, mostly mowing the lawn and moving wood around the property from time to time. If it fails after the rebuild I may consider doing an electric conversion if I can figure out the batteries. I figure it's the only thing that can match the torque these things produce.

[Oak]

Onan's are awesome! I have a Steiner 410 with a little P216 (16HP) engine that will push a 60" front mounted deck...let me see your 16 HP Vanguard or Command do that.

Keep us posted on the progress and take lots of pictures please.