Buying a used generator-What to do so you don't get burned!?

[rocktot]

Ok, just looked at an Onan today (thanks here to whomever, Onan is what I want!!). Brother is buying it but I'm in charge because I 'know more about this stuff' which is basicly very little.
Looked at one that I knew I shouldn't have but did anyway, and I shouldn't have even looked. But here is what I gather:

-Compression check absolutely, no purchase without it. Check the plugs also (Greyish?)
-Load test if possible? (but these are not always ready for that, just have the 3 wires- how to hook them up quickly???)
-Make sure the thing is stored indoors (This one was outside, no cover that I could see, not kidding)
-Make sure the seller is not a complete idiot, this one sounded 'good' over the phone, but a complete.....you know.
-The oil/fluid catch pan had some old oil, is this normal? It was completely covered in crap.

That seems like minimum without freaking out the seller, anything else? Compression check, load test. What size plug on the compression checker?

The guy I went to was a complete moron, the thing was outside,(now its snowing) he kept whinning about how he had to sell it, yet it was all covered in backroad dust, years worth, and it didn't start when I looked at it today, (he thought it was a fuel-pump) I was pretty pissed off about wasting time and gas. But learned a bit.

[Wulf202]

gas? plugs should be cardboard brown

load test with known wattage, like a combination of space heaters or power tools.

Bring a multi meter and check all the plugs. 220 and 110.

oil could have leaked from topping it off, look for trails running down. Trace backwards from the pan/drips

maintenance records would be nice, along with it having an hr meter.

Cycle the breakers and make sure they work.

[rocktot]

Yea, I need to figure out how to split the 220, I guess its straight electrical stuff, just in case the next one isnt set up as a home generator. Some people may buy them to put back in their RV. Most of them are not set up for home use I've seen.

[rocktot]

Ok,this was just pulled out of the camper. It was a clown show. Just 3 wires sticking out.

So, what do I need to bring to hook up the electrical. On this model (Onan 6.5) it was straight 220. How/what do I need to bring with to split it down to 2x 120? How to I set this test outlet up so I can tote it around? What components? Aligator clips or should I really wire it up and tape it for safety? (if it happens again.)

[SideShow Bob]

Ok,this was just pulled out of the camper. It was a clown show. Just 3 wires sticking out.

So, what do I need to bring to hook up the electrical. On this model (Onan 6.5) it was straight 220. How/what do I need to bring with to split it down to 2x 120? How to I set this test outlet up so I can tote it around? What components? Aligator clips or should I really wire it up and tape it for safety? (if it happens again.)

Don't walk away from something like this one, RUN ! Look for something to fit your needs, not something you will need to work on to get what you want.

Most generators made within the last 15 - 20 years will have GFI outlets on the 120 V side and a GFI breaker on the 240 V side. Go to Home Despot and pick up a GFI outlet tester ($15 - $20) cheap insurance when looking at used generators.
If a generator has been modified or Afro-engineered keep looking.

[rocktot]

Ok, thanks- Not sure if you know about Onan, you have to add the outlets yourself because they are installed in RV's and such, so you get 3 wires or so. There are a few youtubes on how to do this. Yea, I would love to ad a GFI to this, I keep calling the place in Denver but cant get a call back or a pick up. The good American ones are made in USA and are from the 80's. They can last a long time if taken care of.

The RV this came out of had a blown something in the engine indicating probably did NOT keep up with the oil, which was a red-alert for me in the first place, but I ignored my own good advice. The guy turned out to be a real idiot, but it would have been great to get this on Youtube, on how NOT to buy and Onan generator. Pay me some $$ and I'll tell you the story, its worth a few bucks. If you can hear the 'flop flop flop' of giant clown shoes, run run run away.- Afro-engineered? Pagan-engineered on this one. Total goof. He was literally sucking on the fuel line, like he was giving it head when it wouldn't start. Should be on Youtube. He actually called back and said he was going to get a fuel pump for it. Flop flop flop...LoL I guess it was almost worth the drive.

Here is some redneck engineering. Sometimes the best kind!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ0QybxOAaQ

I need to run about 20 amps minimum, so I need a 6.5 Owens, -I am calling around I need to speak to their service dept or something. The one I looked at only had 3 wires on it, he said it was 240, so Im not sure what it was, or what is going on with these models, or if you can even spit the 240 on them to 2x 120. I think I need an electrician for this because it may need a new circut breaker etc, I don't need any more big ugly surprises in my life.

[Wulf202]

Find a better setup for slightly more. My onan is 110. 220 single and 3 phase diesel mil surplus 3kw. You can find em for under $1k

Had a 110/220 single Honda 5kw gas for $650 before the onan

[brianakell]

Find a better setup for slightly more. My onan is 110. 220 single and 3 phase diesel mil surplus 3kw. You can find em for under $1k

Had a 110/220 single Honda 5kw gas for $650 before the onan

Correct me if Im wrong.

3kw, in 220/3phase, and typical electric motor, say 3hp, wouldnt this only yield about 12 amps to the motor?

[electronman1729]

Correct me if Im wrong.

3kw, in 220/3phase, and typical electric motor, say 3hp, wouldnt this only yield about 12 amps to the motor?

a 3hp motor rated a 230VAC will yield about 9.6 amps. since you are talking 3phase you will need to divide by square root of 3 and divide by .8 for power factor and .8 for efficiency

[rocktot]

How about using oxygen in the carb at high altitude 9500ft to get a 4.0 to be able to run a 16 amp motor?