Onan Generator

Anonymous-0 · Aug 17, 2011

I have 3000W generator that came out of a motor home. Finally got it running today, it can be electric start or rope start. I am wondering if it charge a battery while it is running. I don,t know anymore imformation on it. I bought at an auction.

Thanks.
Donald

BCnT · Aug 17, 2011

it should charge the starting battery...hook a voltmeter to battery posts and check voltage before starting and while running...any increase means its charging...been awhile since i worked on one of the Onan units but they usually charge or not.

Billy Shafer · Aug 17, 2011

Sounds like you have the AJ model Onan. It will charge the battery while running. But it is only a two amp charge system. It will only charge the battery it is running off of. It can charge others but it will take a long time.

john *.?-!.* cub owner · Aug 17, 2011

would be faster to connect the charger of your choice to the ac output.

Bob · Aug 18, 2011

Did it ever occur to you to post the model # to see if anyone could send you a couple of manual pages, or to search the 'web for a manual or to post over @ www.perr.com, where the Onan GURUS hang out???

I'm guessing No, as an answer to ALL those questions!

willie in mn · Aug 18, 2011

Based on my experience, probably not directly. Checked with my brother, his MH is set up the same as mine, suppose they are typical set-ups.
Generator starter circuit feeds from "house" battery. No seperate starter as such, uses windings in the alternator as starter. Starter circuit & fuel pump are only connections to battery.
Most circuits in the "house" such as lights, water pump, furnace, vent fans etc are 12 volt. Alternator output and/or "shore power" keep the "house batt" charged through an inverter. The 110/220 also powers rooftop A C & convenience outlets for frig, microwave etc. Inverter on my MH can put out 40 amps at 12 volts.
Best way to charge a batt would be with a regular charger.
HTH
WJ

Billy Shafer · Aug 18, 2011

Onan tech since 1980.Yes it would help to know what he has. Full model and serial number would help.

sotxbill · Aug 18, 2011

most have a very very small trickle charge while running... as said, about two amps give or take.

Nancy Howell · Aug 18, 2011

There should be a small, trickle charge back to the battery, but if the battery is down, it will take a very long time to charge if the battery is any good.

If you want to use the battery start, I would suggest purchasing a new battery, they're not expensive.

If you're not going to be using the generator enough to keep the new battery charged, Schumacher makes a small charger for those batteries. I paid $20 for mine. I use it to keep the battery that powers the emergency break-away system for the electric brakes on my horse trailer charged up.

Oldmax · Aug 18, 2011

Most of the GEN SETs in Motorhomes will recharge the battery that is hookes to them. I have a Kohler the charge rate on it is from 2 up to 10 amps. Is regulated by a regulater relay through two resisters. Would take a long time to charge a disgharged battery at 10 amps.

DH in Carolina · Aug 18, 2011

Manual on BF, BGA, NH model specifications says 1.o to 1.5 amps. Not very much.

Oldmax · Aug 19, 2011

The same windings that start the GEN SET Charge the battery when running. If you want manuels try "smokestack" site ( http://www.smokstak.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=1 ) there aer people on that site that can help you and also scorce for Manuels. sometimes thay have PDF for free.

Onan Generator

Anonymous-0

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BCnT

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Billy Shafer

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john .?-!. cub owner

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Bob

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