Genny flywheel flying loose

[AKBASSKING]

Talk about a bummer day. I was troubleshooting my genny a 4KW Onan MCCK. I was getting power out of the genny, but nothing up at the "shore/Gen" switch. Opened up the control box and prepared to see why I had power in, no power out.

I have been running the genny the past few days. Today hit the start switch, she fired right up then about 30 seconds later a big thud! I hit the kill switch. Looked down at the genny and the large flywheel was laying on the floor with oil all over the wall! I picked up the flywheel then looked for a bolt. The bolt looked undamaged and it does screw back into the crank. Looked at the the crank with a mirror. It looks like the PO had a new seal in. Forgot to tighen bolt or put loc-tight on the bolt.

The "key" appears to be flat. Need a new key. Problem, I will have to pull the genny out of her hole so I can get access to the crank.

Man this sucks......................:smt089

 

[AKBASSKING]

Thought I would add some pictures. You can see the "key" on the wheel.

 

[berth control]

Tom - I've got one thing that will solve all your problemz - HONDA EU 2000i

 

[AKBASSKING]

Tom - I've got one thing that will solve all your problemz - HONDA EU 2000i

I was thinking about that. Issue: How do you take care of the cooling of the unit? It is air cooled right?

If you notice my genny sits in the cabin under the dinet.

 

[speakrdude]

I have a Honda 2000Eu. I was planning on using with my Bayliner 2750. Major ice storm this year. Honda cvame through keeping my Central heat, LCD TV and lamps going in the house. Talk about a "happy" camper.

 

[AKBASSKING]

I see ventalation and cooling a major issues with a non-marine unit. I would like to go the Honda route if I have to replace the Genny.

 

[AKBASSKING]

Well here is an update:

Disconnected the genny and pulled it out of it's hole. something didn't look right and a closer inspection of the crank was needed. Didn't like what I found. The crank is broke. I found the broken peice rolling around in the splash pan. The key way on the crank was very worn and the key was almost worn out. It was slamming back and forth and I think this was the root cause of it snapping.

I have the expertise to rebuild the engine, as I have rebuild race engines. This is an older (1986) Onan 4.0K.

I know that a new Genny is very expensive and wish there was someway to install a Honda/Yamaha in the hole. But no way to cool the unit. It amazes me that I can pick up a RV generator for about $2400, but attach marine to it and the price doubles, if not more.

My other concern is the control box as it has relays instead of modern electronics.

So would you rebuild or something else?

 

[fc3]

Portable generators on a boat are a stupid idea. It's been discussed before ad nauseam. Therefore I'll not reiterate the arguments. You can search for them if you want.

That leaves three choices:
Go without a generator
Rebuild your current one
Replace yours with either a new or refurbished unit.

Those old Onans can be difficult to find engine parts. I've seen the engine shop sputter worn cranks, but never heard of welding broken ones. Don't know how much success you'll have in getting a replacement unless you can find a junk Onan for parts.

Best bet probably is a new or newer rebuilt unit. There are rebuilt gensets available. You have to look a little but you can save a few dollars. Don't install anything without being sure that the generator and the engine's systems are ignition protected.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[AKBASSKING]

Portable generators on a boat are a stupid idea. It's been discussed before ad nauseam. Therefore I'll not reiterate the arguments. You can search for them if you want.

That leaves three choices:
Go without a generator
Rebuild your current one
Replace yours with either a new or refurbished unit.

Those old Onans can be difficult to find engine parts. I've seen the engine shop sputter worn cranks, but never heard of welding broken ones. Don't know how much success you'll have in getting a replacement unless you can find a junk Onan for parts.

Best bet probably is a new or newer rebuilt unit. There are rebuilt gensets available. You have to look a little but you can save a few dollars. Don't install anything without being sure that the generator and the engine's systems are ignition protected.

Best regards,
Frank

Well said Frank.

So far I have been able to get parts, but internal parts maybe a challege, we will see.

I have never had a crank break like this..............

 

[BarryCF]

The old saying "anything can be fixed" applies here. The question is cost. A good crank shop should be able to fix the crank you have, for a price, if you can't get a new or used one.

 

[AKBASSKING]

The old saying "anything can be fixed" applies here. The question is cost. A good crank shop should be able to fix the crank you have, for a price, if you can't get a new or used one.

I have a parts manual, so we will see when I go down to the Onan dealer next week after I get back in town....I hope.