Onan DJE generator starting problem

Ignoramus4824 · 2004-12-04T00:31:49+00:00

I am a new proud owner of a used Onan DJE 1 phase 6 kw diesel 1800 rpmgenerator. It is a civilian version, even though it is militarysurplus. I bought it from the military and brought it home today(along with a truckload of other stuff).Today's pictures are at: is a cutie, and not big at all. Approximately 4 feet long. It doesnot have a fuel tank, however, I own a plastic 25 gallon moeller tankthat I will attach to the genny provided that I can see it run. Itweight approximately 500 lbs. (WAG) It looks like the perfect doomsdaysurvivalist generator.There is no hourmeter on it.I know the following about it:- The manual fuel pump lever pumps something- The crankshaft spins when I spin it manually, with varying degree ofdifficulty depending on the piston position, at times quite hard. Itmakes sounds like "ouch", which again I interpret as good thingsrelated to valves opening.- When I connect a battery to two reasonably placed contacts, and turnthe START switch, a loud click is heard and then nothing.- When I connect the battery to the starter directly, it spins, butdoes not engage the gear that should spin the crankshaft. I _suppose_that this is evidence of me incorrectly connecting the battery. Isthat right? It could also be evidence of solenoid not providing thecontact, but would be unlikely given that I do hear a loud click.So, it seems that things are not that bad. All I need to know iswhether I am on the right track with starting. I have some manuals,that I am going to consult now.Thanks!i

Dec 04, 2004 42 Replies

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Dale Eastman 21 years ago

If the tank has thick enough material, cut the hole and tap it to match the N.P.T. thread on the other end of the hose barb nipple.

Sometimes injection molded plastic has some good thick surfaces.

2 or more threads in the material would do the trick so long as the nipple/ barb was protected from physical stress like having that part of the tank hit the ground first if the tank is dropped.

Consider also, just going to an automotive bone yard and finding a tank from a newer wreck. Even if the tank was from a non injected motor, there will be a fitting that used to go to the charcoal cannister for gasoline vapor recovery. Presto, return connection.

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Dale Eastman 21 years ago

Every propane torch I've ever owned had holes in the base of the flame tube for drawing air into the flame. The "carburetor" IS the flame tube. Though the flame "might" consume some oxygen from the immediate area surrounding the flame, it won't be the sole or majority source of oxygen for the flame's combustion. More likely the most it would do is displace some of the oxygen with the propane flame exhaust gas.

My furnace and stove do the same thing, premixing air with gas before it gets to the burner holes.

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Steve Spence 21 years ago

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