Lincoln with Onan engine (2023 Update)

I have an Onan too (DJE generator) and I am discouraged by very high spare part prices. Onan has a planned obsolescence. I was fortunate that for the part I wanted (a fuel shutoff solenoid) I could use a $45 F.W.Murphy solenoid, instead of a $280 (IIRC) Onan part. I am hoping that nothing major will break in my generator. When it does, I will part it out.

I sold military surplus onan heads for this generator (DJ series) for $450 apiece. Amusingly, they were sold to a contractor company that repairs military equipment. They attracted a lot of bids due to their extreme scarcity.

Well personally I'll never own another welder with a Onan on it.

As for your question. Well I've seen or heard of Onan's failing anywhere from 300 hours to well over 3600 hours. As far as I'm concerned it's a crap shoot.

Wayne, what would you buy that is not Onan, it is interesting.

Well I've got a Honda engine on my welder right now that has twice the hours of the Onan that came off it. If that's not a option then I'd go with a Kohler though now days I consider them a distant second (compared to what they used to build).

I had that exact model. I couldn't kill it. I changed oil, replaced batteries, and spark plugs. I guess I got a good one. When I went to get oil filters, I would shop for off brands, and IIRC, used Wix instead of Onan.

I'm in the market for a new portable, but it won't be Onan. They are quality, and run good, but when you got a problem, they're spendy. You have to balance what you spend with what the machine will make in return. Like the fellow said, ya pays ya money and ya takes ya chances. Might last longer than you do and might throw a rod the day after you get it home.

Steve

I bought a 'used' Miller Bobcat 250 last fall. Used because the dealer had repaired some fencing around their facility. A total of 3hrs on the machine.

The welder came with full warranty for a substantially reduced price. It's powered by a 22hp Robin Subaru engine. According to the dealer Miller has stopped selling their welders with Onan engines; Kholer or Robin - buyer choice.

Anybody have experience with the Robin as to problems, longevity, etc?

The dealer told me that there was a slight amount of oil seepage and to watch it. I cleaned it up and ran it for awhile, more oil. It was returned for checkout by an authorized Robin service center,. they found that the front main seal had been installed wrong (no explanation). replaced it. I've had no problems since. The repaired was $106, covered by warranty.

John Miller

Robin used to be associated with Wisconsin and may still be. The place where I bought my Wisconsin parts said they were excellent engines. I have an old (at least 30 years) generator with a Robin industrial two stroke engine on it. It came from a rental place and went through a couple people before I bought it. I have put tons of hours on it. It still runs great and I have never had any problems with it. I would be happy with having equipment powered by a Robin engine. ERS

Do not pay so much that, if it does die on you, you feel bad about shooting it and walking away. Onans are a good motor but spendy.

Steve

How difficult was the transplant?

The Honda came out of a Thermal Arc welder (it was made in Italy) thus had a tapered shaft. However it was different from the tapered shaft on the Miller. I wouldn't of been able to do it without a full machine shop and I'd say it took a good 16-24 hours of work to do it then. Not something I'd recommend to someone without a fairly large lathe and some machining experience.

While on this subject I suppose I should offer up the old engine to someone. It's a Onan 216 and has a new piston, rod, rings, bearings, and the crank has been turned undersize (cost me $500 for the parts). Problems are it won't hold oil pressure during idle (I'm guessing either oil pump and/or cam bearings, plus the main bearing holes in the block aren't exactly round) and it burns oil (not sure why I never managed to get the rings to seat).

Anyway the engine is free to anyone who wants to come and pick it up.

A while back I sold a clean 225A Hobart with the same engine for $1200. Worst case for you, a new engine is $1200

Wayne

In looking for a coil for an onan motor

would a kohler 12 hp run these welders?