[themidniteryder]

Wasn't sure where to put this, so it wound up here, as I am sure the engine will be the most worked on part. This was given to me today, carb is off but all parts are here. What the heck did I get? Is the starter built in to or behind the generator head? Heres what I know from the Data plate:
D.W. Onan and Son Model: 10CW3R Spec: 1A SN: 83B486642 115/230V 10KVA 10,000 Watt 87/43.5 amp. Couple other things on the plate I couldn't quite read yet. Haven't even google'd it yet, wanted to get it up here first. Any insight out there?

 

[AMCJavelin74]

I am jealous... I don't know any more about it than what you posted, but if google doesn't tell you what you need to know, I'd contact Onan directly.

All I know is that 1) chances are, every part on that thing was produced right here in the USA. Pretty neat thinking there was a time when things were made that way.
2) it's pretty much bulletproof. Old stuff is normally simpler, with fewer parts to break. 3)It's an Onan. Sure they can be difficult to get parts for sometimes, but they build a heck of a good engine!

 

[themidniteryder]

Found some info over at smokstak. vintage 1955. Yep, pretty much bullet proof. Turned it over with a socket wrench on the crankshaft and it had spark from the magneto. Of course it concerns me that I could turn it over with a socket! looks lie a neat project. How come every time somebody gives me something for free it ends up costing me money though?

 

[Tractor-Holic]

Most of the generators I have seen that were Onan powered in RV's and the one on my "Lincwelder" have the generator wired up to act as a starter to get it fired up,no external starter...most Onans on tractors had typical auto style starters with geared flywheels..

 

[AMCJavelin74]

It's great you found some information on it! I'd see if it'll run on some ez-start/gasoline spoon fed/other stuff used as 'ez start' (I've used silicone spray, carb cleaner...)

Maybe some 'restore' will band-aid the thing for a bit, but by the sounds of it you don't have much compression at all. It's probably due for rings anyway, and maybe check up on the bearings.

Well, I'd chatter more, but I have to go to work.

 

[themidniteryder]

Most of the generators I have seen that were Onan powered in RV's and the one on my "Lincwelder" have the generator wired up to act as a starter to get it fired up,no external starter...most Onans on tractors had typical auto style starters with geared flywheels..

You are correct. I have learned it is started by the head, not a typical starter. The other forum where I found a treasure trove of info, someone said that it was head started just like my 5K cca....only my cck, which is out of a MH has a real starter! Having never been around the onan ginny's much, i can see I have a lot to learn about them. I know I love them already. That 5K will out perform and 5500 or 6K I have ever used, but it comes with a price....$3.80 a gallon gas!!