Lets Get This 1945 ONAN Generator Running Pt.2

[@garrylearmonth9313]

Yep lock us in for a governor update ............................... great work as always

[@CrazyPetez]

The look of total surprise on your face when it started was great. Yes please, a follow up on the governor calibration.

[@hiscifi2986]

When you said to break the generator down to clean the commutator, it reminded me of the time we used to clean a motor/generator set, whilst it was still running. We had what could be described as a short length of fibreglass fishing rod, that we pressed end on into the commutators. The glass strands cleaned up the copper to a shine, and we could reduce the sparking at the brushes to zero, without taking the machine out of service. The fibreglass acted as an insulator so we didn't get a belt from the 440 volts ac. . . . . .

[@busterdee8228]

I had a LCpl in the Middle East who thought he could check something on his running, diesel generator. The fan belt grabbed his hand and took off his thumb. Two days earlier, Special Forces surgeons had showed up and liasoned with our IC. All 3 were very professional and, a chopper ride later, the thumb was saved. I guess you can say that it takes experience to do the kind of thing you described.

[@ericgabriel4190]

Absolutely amazing how well built those old machines were. I would love to get my hands on one!

[@beboboymann3823]

It’s quieter than my Briggs and Stratton 10 HP 7500 W generator. I love generators. A few years back, I worked for a disaster response company. I towed generators to storm disabled AT&T and Verizon cell towers and powered up the towers and baby sat them until the grid was restored. I retired after Hurricane Sandy where we deployed 1300 gensets. They were all John Deere diesel powered and I easily grabbed much needed naps in the seat of my pickup truck recovering from exhaustion alongside those machines that lulled me into a deep sleep. This generator? Yeah....listening to that engine gives me peace. Thanks for posting this wonderful generator.

[@tommyhanlon8012]

Of course we want to see a follow-up, Where have you been Michael ?

[@robertgad3269]

Concur!

[@waynecollin6888]

i realize it is kind of off topic but do anybody know a good place to stream newly released tv shows online ?

[@marcelluseli4630]

@Wayne Collin Flixportal :D

[@waynecollin6888]

@Marcellus Eli thank you, I signed up and it seems like a nice service :D I really appreciate it!

[@marcelluseli4630]

@Wayne Collin happy to help xD

[@navalinfidel3003]

Amazing piece of machinery! It starts up so quick wow.

[@MichaelPrucey]

Love to see how you correct the governor issue...

[@FOOKYOUTUBENUMBERS]

He's got a vid on that

[@bobbyk6761]

electric governor!! :)

[@FlatBroke612]

@@bobbyk6761 nah, it’s vintage machine and is what it is. Doesn’t need any China electrics or a giant Woodward hanging off the side. This thing was designed to run light bulbs, not critical electronics. I’ve used one as back up power and it runs my fridge, sump and well pump no problem. They’re tanks, not precision power supplies but will damn get you through when you need them.

[@Jim81501]

@@FOOKKZbinNUMBERS Would you post the link?

[@rudysaldivar4228]

Neighbor: “I’ve got my neighbor starting engines next door, that’s what you hear in the background” while he films pressure washing tutorial.

[@SmallEngineMechanic]

Ha! That gave me a good laugh! Could very well be the case... Thanks for checking out the video!

[@MrSrPelo]

ya exactly what i wanted to say :-) especially with that nat gas open exhaust genset he tested...:-)

[@europeanisraelite8913]

And shining these damn lights in my window!!!

[@Volcker1929]

Great to see you posting again, this is going to be great. Thank you for taking the time to make videos for us.

[@Shane-Singleton]

She runs like a sewing machine! Can't believe how smooth and quiet it is! What a fantastic little gem you found! And if there is an opportunity for a follow up of course we'd like to see it :)

[@jonroth7342]

Welcome back. Missed your posts.

[@glumpy10]

I am jealous of you skills, talent and knowledge. Thanks for another very interesting and entertaining Video. You educate a lot of people and I thank you for helping educate me.

[@Turbo496Vette]

Back when things were made to last 90 years and not fall apart.

[@gregorythomas333]

Awesome video...I love seeing these old machines being brought back to life!

[@RayBenson45]

Welcome back I sure did miss your videos

[@phooesnax]

Unit sounds great. Thank You Mike.

[@RC-fu6hg]

Great job sharing generator history. I love to watch your videos. I think it’s an awesome example of an old farm generator. The thing probably ran at minimum 6 hours a day everyday till they took it out if service. That’s a ton of hours on that unit. It’s just great how they built things to just work and last. Not like today’s units.

[@anthonysimonhough9691]

I just love watching you clean and repair master full old engineering thanks for another great movie.

[@CharlesSmith-zt7vt]

Nice sounding machine. With that 360 degree crank it sounds like a big lazy old Brit bike. Reminds me of a BSA pulling 55mph up a long hill. Good to see you back on KZbin, love your videos!

[@prevost8686]

I’ve been an automotive mechanic my whole adult life and it never ceases to amaze me how old American made equipment was built to last and built to be repairable. We had the capability to build the finest quality products in the world at one time. America hasn’t progressed. We’ve regressed.

[@silverbullet7434]

You've got a generator there that was built to work for a lifetime. DONT know how much it cost you but its real steal at any price. In my fifty plus years doing small engines , this is built like tank or The only draw back is the weight for portability.GREAT JOB

[@beautifulsmall]

Your wondering what machines the neighbors are using ? Great work, fascinating. I bought a mill once with a three phase motor wired in star , no six terminal link box. I found a motor repairer in the town the original 1960 motor was made and he (retired) used to work at the factory , he had a shed in his garden now, just a hobby, , put it in an oven ,pulled the star junction out, ring labeled the individual wires into a six terminal box..

[@nashguy207]

Good to see another video from you mike. Y our videos are always fun and educational buddy!

[@ramosel]

Nice find, nice go through. Of course I'd like to see you dial in that governor.

[@jameskretz4464]

Hi Mike - Your videos are so relaxing and interesting ... It does my heart good to know there's intelligent, kind and funny people like you out there ! Keep up the good work 👍

[@crasbee]

41:19 The exhaust smoke is probably related to the oil crud that was in the pan in the first part of the video. I suppose the piston rings are just gummed up with carbon. Fresh oil with detergents (so a modern-ish oil) might be able to clean that up. ... Let's hope I did not start a discussion about which oil to run :D

[@KenTarrant]

Great to see you back!

[@jenb7690]

Missed your 2 month absence. Greatly appreciate your 2 videos. I brought home my W2 3000 watt the same day you did! You have provided much needed instruction, especially cleaning the oil pan and purchasing the fuel pump kit. Thank you, Bob

[@giggiddy]

The smooth and solid way she runs is a testment to how they built things back in those days. It was built to be a quality piece of machinery to do what it was meant to do and to last for years providing lifelong satisfaction to the customer. These days most are meant to do the bare minimum as cheaply as possible, only for the term of the warranty, and the hell with customer satisfaction. And the majority of people are ok with that mindset, unfortunately.

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

rke chevy rke chevy 2 days ago The onan ball and cup governor assy in the camshaft drive gear,must be smooth almost to a Polish to ensure it moves the yoke on the shaft with very little friction,so that the governor arm can respond to that last few Hz , required for a minimum of 59 Hz, at full load,check for sludge or make sure yoke and shaft are clean. With very little friction, also the wrong governor spring can put you outside the adjustment limits of the adjustment linkage. This engine seems to have plenty of power and once working correctly should pull close to 3 kw. These were over built and often under rated,once frequency and voltage come into spec it will be a wonderful example of. The quality onan was once capable of . this channel is fantastic !!!!, I was a final inspector at onan. For many years, can't wait for the next video.

[@SmallEngineMechanic]

Thanks for checking it out John! Yes, these old Onan gens are impressive.

[@zrxer2]

I echo what the other guys have said--great to see you back! Really enjoy your videos. -Bruce

[@28YorkshireRose12]

That is one very nice generator you have there, and yes please, let's see how you get on with solving the governor. It will be interesting and entertaining if nothing else, if you're in for a penny, might as well be in for a pound, and make it as good as you possibly can. We're loving this little Onan. It makes our 2.2kVA Onan look a bit puny by comparison.

[@chrishartley1210]

Started first time, great work, and the noise of the pressure washer didn't bother me at all after that. A little bit bigger than my 2KW suitcase generator though.

[@jjock3239]

That is a very nice little unit. Keep going on this. I have had my share of nightmares relating to solving governor issues. The last problem I had, was on an engine swap, where the governor had to be installed on an engine that had never run with a governor. I had two separate issues, governor speed and sensitivity issues. The speed issue was the first problem that had to be addressed, and that required turning a pulley in the lathe to slow the governor down to the proper speed. Then there was the sensitivity issues, that required several spring changes before I got it right. I hope your changing the sensitivity will solve your problem.

[@mattdomenic6891]

Old iron is great! It will never be done like that again. Awesome video!

[@johnchildress6717]

Cool old gen set.Mike you find some very nice equipment I would never sell this.Like it alot

[@angrybill]

Just for the sake of discussion, when I am presented with a tightening sequence like the Onan fuel pump I always put the bolts into all of the diaphragm bolt holes. That certainly helps keep things aligned.

[@EstorilEm]

I love absolutely everything about this generator - especially the way she fired up lol. Awesome work as always!

[@jcondon1]

Great video. Nice generator. Seems like the correct spring will do it or maybe changing the geometry a bit, moving the spring connection closer to the governor shaft.

[@TheFurriestOne]

I'm sure you must've greased that bearing in the generator-end, it just didn't get filmed or got edited out. Was a little surprised that the bearing wasn't shielded, but I imagine the end-bell acts as a kind of shield for it when assembled. Ha, that's a perfect outline of less-faded paint from where the needle shaded it for decades! Love that! I'd be curious in seeing what's wrong with that governor.

[@andrewmcfarland57]

Thank you doing these videos; i find them strangely soothing :-) Is it just me, or is that a beautiful machine? Love those old gauges; like the old Simpson meters.

[@joesinakandid528]

Hey there, Mike, Ad me to what almost everyone is saying - Emphatic Yes on the governor work, Excellent start up AND g Good to see you back again. Nicely done! - Joe -

[@Digital-Dan]

Sounds really sweet. Looks old, but pretty lightly used. I never hear the background noises presenters talk about. They're probably making a KZbin video about pressure washing, and will soon apologize for the loud engine noises next door. Oil meter shadow was in a way a crude photograph. In California, if our governor causes problems, we recall them.

[@roberthammond2637]

Great video! Yes, governor repair will be enjoyed! Your shop looks busy, I see some more videos.....!

[@glennford8844]

Quality plus when they made things then. Beautiful machines.

[@Continental1997]

Outstanding!

[@rl3898]

YUP me too follow up is necesary ! The old spring you took off is exactly like some I have from a metal sprung bed.

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

With additional throttle it is the spring overall tension over travel. The spring may not be long enough to maintain a certain pressure. Probably more tension over travel length is what I think. Back in the day they would run a tachometer for load leveling pretty sure. Fatter shorter thicker maybe. A farm would have had trouble affording what this cost. But fuel cost would mean just running it while milking and using cold spring water to cool the milk.

[@petes8849]

Would really like to see how that gov works and what you do to fix it. Great old machine! Thanks for videoing.

[@phooesnax]

Great to see ya. Just tuned in.

[@calvinhobbes7504]

I really enjoy your channel, sir, and I really appreciate your expertise!

[@Bajatrvlr]

Oh ye of little faith in the troops that follow you… Of course we want to see you tinkering on the governor, that’s what we’re paying you the big bucks for. When I saw that oil pan, I was hooked! I can just envision the grandfather buying that set in the ‘40s, taking care of it religiously, then the son getting it and pretty much doing the same, till finally the grandson taking over and saying why am I spending all this time on a boat anchor when I can do more with a Honda 2200 that uses 1/2 qt. Of oil and 1/10th the fuel… I’d love to have that in my garage.

[@not2fast4u2c]

I Like how the fuel pump is made withe the primer lever and the built in sediment bowel

[@LuminousBlueVariable]

Thanks for sharing this video with us! I really enjoyed it! Yes, please show us how you go about correcting the governor issue!

[@fjLh50go2wxP]

A beautiful example of vintage engineering. It deserves all the effort you have invested. It sounds fabulous. Yes to any follow ups. I wonder if it isn't a good candidate for possible primary backup service for residential or small business application or how about your take on what it would require. And thank you.

[@stevek.9041]

Nice Job! The perfectionist in me would replace the capacitors. Knowing that it was done right has its own rewards.

[@chrisbeck8182]

I think that governor would be “farmer approved” back in the day. As long as it kept the lights on they would be happy!😀

[@SmallEngineMechanic]

Got that right! Thanks for checking it out!

[@danielpassini2664]

Having a simple centrifugal governor means you mast admit minus plus 5 percent speed variation from no load to full load, that means about 63 hz no load, 57 hz full load, besides if you adjust AC voltage you will also vary accordingly DC voltage and charging rate. This gensets are battery killers

[@BigDaddy_MRI]

Let’s see the governor calibration. Great video. Thanks!!

[@quagmiredavis4117]

I use marvel mystery oil in fuel and delo 30 in crankcase on my older gen sets great video

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Your right Mike , Spring rates change over time of use . I thing on gensets they change faster from vibration of the engine . It's not a bad smoker , & by the looks of that oil pan it could be worse !! Sure ENJOYED.. Would like to see the gov vid , I love all your shares ! Thanks Mike ..

[@stevosauve]

I believe the capacitors are there to extend the life of the brushes and commutator on the DC side by preventing arcing.

[@regunter6599]

Just think the USA was either still fighting in WW II when this was built or the war had just ended. To be about 76 it is in fine shape. I am impressed with the unit and I am sure you will find the solution to the governor issue.

[@wilco3588]

Thanks for making the video on the neat old generator I would run some seafoam either in the gas or a little bit down the intake while it's running that does a great job of DE carbonizing old flatheads.

[@SmallEngineMechanic]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@AE-lk3uc]

Sounds exactly like my Onan BFA. Wishing i had a small diesel though to run a veggie blend.

[@barrb6134]

Mike glad to see your back with the videos.

[@novanut1964]

great fuel pump rebuild, sounded good running, thanks

[@georgerockwell-z3c]

Loved watching the series, thank you for sharing

[@shanesdiy]

Please do a follow up. I have recently acquired an old Onan OFA-42 that my father has had for many years that I am preparing to restore. Searching the web for info and came across this video, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

You've gotten a lot more confident in front of the camera!

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!! That's a lot of generator for 2000 watts... :-) For sure make a video about the governor issue.... :-)

[@CEverett55]

Wow, that unit just roared to life!

[@robertfountain4856]

Nice little unit Mike. They don't make them like that anymore - shame. Like all the rest that post here I will also be hanging out for your Part 3 where you have a go at the governor issue. Another nice piece added to your collection.

[@giggiddy]

I would imagine if cooling became insufficient at some point. You could easily plumb an inline electric recirculating pump to push the coolant through the system with a little more purpose.

[@Bob.W.]

That start was almost unbelievable. Thx.

[@chriholt]

Sweet sounding gennie! And of course I want to see how you resolve the governor issue!

[@bobbarnes1898]

I loved this video! And, I just subscribed to your channel.

[@mbtjr]

Absolutely we want to see the governor fix. Great videos!

[@phillipdean9879]

Good to see your back! Was missing your videos..🇦🇺🍺🍺

[@ElTelBaby]

@ 50:48 I would check the slack in the link;... Just 2 the right of your knuckle... U will B surprised how much of a difference that makes...

[@Fatamus]

Sweet.. 1945 Onan Generator .... Onan they run almost forever if ya keep oil in them.

[@butler386]

Wow. The machine runs great. Now just have to fix that governor. Thanks for the video

[@sixtoes2313]

That governor spring looks like a brake shoe spring.

[@ElTelBaby]

@ 22:33 I'd lift the Brushes B4 taking the Housing off...

[@772tsweet77]

That is a machine of beauty.

[@pauljanssen2624]

I was going to say that's common for old-fashioned silver switches and relays contacts have to be cleaned up silver oxidizes that's why the butler's used to be in charge of buffing all the silver actually it's called wearing it down 😄 no what I learned working on small engines or any engine it's a spark is white red change the capacitor if it's a nice blue violet spark you have a good capacitor

[@adamvanostrand2664]

Beautiful Onan generator, definitely post a video of the governor fix

[@mcspikes1]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank You.

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

They will never make a genset as good as that ever again. Nice sounding unit!!

[@josephpegram1]

Awesome couple of videos! Thanks pls keep them coming. But time for some t-shirts and hats

[@SmallEngineMechanic]

Thanks for checking it out Big Joe!

[@RobertFay]

*- Gosh, I sure wish you had the needed capacitors, Mike, so when you had it apart it could have been fixed up to do the heavy work it is capable of just in case it was ever needed in an emergency somewhere.* *- It looks like a great piece of sturdy machinery that could be mounted on a sled frame that even two men alone could heft and put into a pickup bed and moved anywhere for use if need be.* *- Am I wrong?*

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I've seen Quaker State oil sludge an engine up like that. Packed FULL! Don't know if it was changed at all but they were running Quaker State. GBWYall!

[@regsparkes6507]

Nice, and getting better with a few more tweaks to the governor.

[@colint]

Def want to see the governor work, also how about trying an electronic governor just for the fun of it. You should replace those capacitors in the generator head, it will improve commutator life and also be more socially acceptable to radio spectrum users (even if you only run it at fairs).

[@jamesfearing9459]

Love to see a comparison of this Oman to a modern ‘portable’, like the Honda 2200. The engine on that Oman has to be 10 or more. The Honda is under 4. How does all that figure out? It’s hard to see the Honda around in 76 years, but I don’t know.

[@jerrykorman7770]

Mike, I just wanted to say I really respect your skill and knowledge. Excellent videos

[@bradbeasley7669]

glad ur back

[@davida1hiwaaynet]

Wow that is in amazing condition for its age! A little governor issue is to be expected every now and then LOL! Would love to see followup on it when you have a chance.

[@rickey5353]

What a great teaching tool.