Generator Questions

[FLGASUNRADER]

I don't know if anyone is in the southeast but a couple days ago we had a good storm and lost power a couple times. With the 6 week old baby and no electricity it was the perfect time to remind my wife about a generator I wanted to purchase earlier in the year! Without hesitation she agreed and I purchased a generator I had been eyeing. Unable to spend the $2,000 on parallel twin Hondas I purchased a Champion 3500 / 4000 starting with remote start shipped to my door for $452!

I know it's going to be loud but I'm not exactly sure what to expect. Does anyone have experience with the loud clunkers?

Has anyone built a sound deadening box for one? I saw one on YouTube and it seemed to work well.

Also I was thinking about welding a frame together on a receiver extension to mount the generator and still be able to pull something small (Toyota Yaris, 5x8 trailer) or use the 2x5 storage rack. I'm assuming others have done this as well...

[WME]

Generic comments for your generic genset.

Make dammed sure you keep it away from the house, a slope away from the house is best.

Use a ground stake on the genset.

I installed a car muffler on my industrial generator it made a big difference, BUT the engine is still mechincally noisy.

A simple sound deflector setup works at home, 3 sides and a sloped roof.

I went to a local sheet metal shop and had them make a box with a door, I lined it with a heavy sound proof rubber mat. I put a small 12v auto radiator cooling fan on the 12 output of the generator so when the generator was running the fan was blowing air across the engine fan inlet.

[zero]

I know it's going to be loud but I'm not exactly sure what to expect. Does anyone have experience with the loud clunkers?

I wouldn't call the Champion a 'loud clunker." I've got two of the 3500/4000 sets. They are $399 at Tractor Supply with pull-start (not electric start). I've found Champions to be one of the better Chinese generators and they are MUCH quieter then something like a Homelite or Coleman 4000 watt genset (with a Briggs & Stratton or Tecumseh engine). I also have a King Kraft 3200/4000 that was $199 brand new at ALDIs and looked pretty much the same as the Champion. Might come from the same Chinese company. A lot of the noise is air travel and not just exhaust. You'd probably have to build an insulated box to make it much quieter. I'm fine with Champions just as they are. Since they are AC generators and NOT DC to AC Inverter generators - they MUST run full engine speed ALL the time. There is no getting away from that. An engine running at 3600 RPM has to make some noise. A DC based inverter generator only has to rev fast enough to meet power demand. So with a small load - an AC genset like a Champion has to run 3600 RPM whereas an inverter DC to AC generator can do the same job running at 900-1000 RPM.

Good luck. Champions are good sets for the bucks. Just not a lot of power with a 3500/4000 unit. Just enough to run a 1/2 horse, 220 volt deep well pump, or a furnace and lights -but not both at the same time.

[FLGASUNRADER]

I read a lot of reviews and this was told to be the best value for the money. The only reason I got the remote electric start model was so my wife can start it if something happens when I'm underway. I'm looking to power the refrigerator with a few lights in the house and my AC & refrigerator in the RV while we are driving during the summer. I am going to put an additional muffler on it but would also like to build a sound dampening box while maintaining my ability to travel with it. This link is the best one I've seen yet with the identical generator.

[FLGASUNRADER]

This is the storage rack I have to work with.

[zero]

For what you want - the Champion is a good deal. One of the best bangs for the buck around when it comes to a portable generator. I have one slight general complaint about every Chinese generator I've had (I have near a dozen right now in several places). They start very lean. That is - even with choke closed and use of a primer bulb (when equipped) they don't get a lot of gas for cold starting. Unlike USA built stuff that floods easy. Chinese gensets continuously trick me. Often after trying to start one after sitting for a year - I get fooled thinking I've flooded it with too much choke and/or priming. Yet -it's always been the opposite. Must be a Chinese thing. Seeing how you've got electric start - you'll probably never notice anyway. You'll have the engine cranking faster then with a pull-start and you'll get a better venturi effect with the carb with cold starting. I think the Asian engines are built to run more efficiently (then US stuff) and have finer jets and venturi nozzles in the carbs. I've also had to occasionally pull off the fuel bowls from the carbs and blow out with air to get running correctly after a few years of use. I suspect converting something like a Champion to run on propane would make a great setup with fewer fuel issues.

[FLGASUNRADER]

How do you set something like that up? There was a model for an extra $100 that was a dual fuel model but to be honest propane in an RV this old makes me nervous. The valve attached to my onboard tank leaks when opening and shutting. The packing on the valve is definitely no good. Unsure of how to resolve the issue I just stopped using the propane (mostly until we use it enough for my wife to understand me wanting to replace it) my grandfather has had the RV since 1995 so I've got every manual, receipt, you name it. I just got it in September and haven't had the time to go through them all yet. He had 3 Sunraders at one time so he's an alright resource, just a little old and can't remember most of the time.

[zero]

How do you set something like that up? There was a model for an extra $100 that was a dual fuel model but to be honest propane in an RV this old makes me nervous. The valve attached to my onboard tank leaks when opening and shutting. The packing on the valve is definitely no good. Unsure of how to resolve the issue I just stopped using the propane (mostly until we use it enough for my wife to understand me wanting to replace it) my grandfather has had the RV since 1995 so I've got every manual, receipt, you name it. I just got it in September and haven't had the time to go through them all yet. He had 3 Sunraders at one time so he's an alright resource, just a little old and can't remember most of the time.

There are many places that sell propane conversion kits for just about any engine made. Not saying you need one or even want one. There are two potential gains with propane. #1 is the fuel does not got bad. Since the most common problem with generators is fuel going bad or getting moisture in it from sitting too long - that one problem is eliminated with propane. #2 is ease of use with fueling IF you already have a good propane source like a large propane tank at a house or camp. No advantage I can see if just using the generator with an RV with a small propane tank. Downside to propane is it is less efficient the using gasoline. That may or may not matter depending on how much you pay for gasoline versus propane. Engines running on propane are approx 20% less efficient then when running on gasoline - when figuring electricity made per gallon. Note the following numbers vary. Propane is not a specific term - just a generic one for a blend of manufactured gases. BTUs can vary a bit with propane or gasoline, as do prices.

Propane has 21,500 BTUs to the pound

Propane has 91,500 BTUs to the gallon

If $2.30 per gallon you get 39,782 BTUs per each dollar

Gasoline has 20,400 BTUs to the pound

Gasoline has 114,000 BTUs to the gallon

If gas is $3.10 per gallon you get 36,774 BTUs per each dollar

So at these prices and BTU values (both can vary) -

adjusting for the 20% less efficiency with propane -

you get:

Propane - $1 buys 31,826 BTUs of useful energy to run an engine

Gasoline - $1 buys 36,774 BTUs of useful energy to run an engine

[Vanman]

JD , what do you think of this: http://www.costco.com/Smarter-Tools-7500W-Running--9500W-Peak-Portable-Generator-EPACARB.product.100002821.html ,
I just got a costco flier for this for gen @ 650$ inc shipping/delivery.
They had an equivalent Champion gen last time around for the same price. I was gonna grab one but waited too long.
Most reviews seem similar to the Champion, but it is gas only, which is ok by me.
vanman

[Vanman]

OOPS !! missed this in the reviews http://www.amazon.com/Smarter-Tools-ST-GP9500EB-Generator-9500-watt/product-reviews/B009453CWK/ref=cm_cr_dp_text/187-3402064-6417544?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=byRankDescending#RID4VM8R2FIP3 , this seems to be a deal killer, or is this just typical ???

vanman

[linda s]

OOPS !! missed this in the reviews http://www.amazon.com/Smarter-Tools-ST-GP9500EB-Generator-9500-watt/product-reviews/B009453CWK/ref=cm_cr_dp_text/187-3402064-6417544?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=byRankDescending#RID4VM8R2FIP3 , this seems to be a deal killer, or is this just typical ???

vanman

That is a huge generator weighing almost 200 lbs. Way bigger than you would ever need for one of our motorhomes. Maybe as back up for your house in a power outage.

Linda S

[Maineah]

Champion has proven it's self many RV outfits sell them. No it's not quiet no open frame generator is but doable. Champion all so was smart enough to provide an RV 120 volt 30 amp outlet on their RV modules. Yes you will need a 200# generator to run your house but not your RV! Champion has recently released an inverter unit I haven't seen any reviews yet i believe it's 2,600 watts.

[Vanman]

Yes, it's for the house. This thing would run several RV's I would guess.

My Dolphin has an Onan 2800.

Will check out the Champion 2.6K if it's too much to repair/update the Onan.

vanman

[zero]

Two things to keep in mind.

#1 is that no AC generator can run slower when under less demand. It has to run full speed (usually 3600 RPM) even to just power one little light bulb. To the converse - an Inverter AC generator can make good AC power at any speed so it can run much slower when there is low AC power demand. That because it is a DC generator running it's power through an inverter and creates the 60 Hertz sine-wave with electronics instead of one required speed.

#2 - watch out for advertised power ratings. AC generators often show huge differences between the "surge" rating and "continuous' rating. Inverter generators do not. A typical 2000 watt AC generator will often be sold as a 2800 watt model since it fan surge for a few moments to 2800 watts. An Inverter generator rated a 2000 watts full-time will usually only have a surge rating of 2100- 2200 watts. If that "surge" rating is important to you for motor starting in things like AC units - it's something to keep in mind.

About the 200 lb. things and RVs. Many older RVs had gensets weighing that much. Yes, it's a lot of bulk. But in the "old days" of RVs, often cast-iron engines twice the size for the job were used - and only run at half power and half speed for longevity reasons and to make them a little quieter. AC generators are typically lighter then Inverter AC generators.

The 3500/4000 watt AC Champion is 104 lbs.

The Subaru 3800/4300 watt Inverter generator is 163 lbs (and costs near $4000!)

I never owned a Champion Inverter generator but the specs show it's a little low on power.

I have a Honeywell 2000i Inverter generator that has been great and is rated 2000/2200 watts. Home Depot was selling them in parking lot "truck-load" sales for $300 each a few years back. I met many RV owners who were scooping them up and running their AC units with them.

Honda seems one of the worst when it comes to labeling. They advertise their EU2000i as a 2000 watt generator when it's only rated at 1600 watts for continuous use. I think Hyundai has one of the best deals in today's market. If you look around you can buy at near the same price as a Champion.

Champion Inverter 73536i - 1700 watt continuous and 2000 watt surge.

Honeywell Inverter 2000i - 2000 watt continuous and 2200 watt surge.

Hyundai Inverter 2000si - 2000 watt continuous and 2200 watt surge.

Honda Inverter EU2000i - 1600 watt continuous and 2000 watt surge.

[Maineah]

I would be inclined to repair the Onan. It is designed for an RV much easier than having to take some thing out, fill it with gas, run it, haul it back in, and you have the option of running the Onan while driving down the road.

[zero]

I assume at some point soon, parts will be hard to find for those Tecumseh engines that Onan used in their gensets. Tecumseh went belly-up in 2008 and many major parts are not being made aftermarket. The company who took what was left of Tecumseh engines is Liquid Combustion Technology in South Carolina. They are selling new generator engines but they don't look anything like the Tecumseh Onan used in the Microlite generators. They look like much better engines then Tecumseh ever made but doubt they will retrofit into the Micolites.

[linda s]

I've never heard of an Onan with a Tecumseh engine. I know my Kohler has a Tecumseh but way different company. \

Linda S

[zero]

I've never heard of an Onan with a Tecumseh engine. I know my Kohler has a Tecumseh but way different company. \

Linda S

Maybe I've got my RV gensets mixed up? As I recall the Onan 2800 Microlite uses a Tecumseh TVM120 or TVM125 engine. 2.6" bore X 2.2" stroke, 12 cubic inch displacement? Kohler also made a few gensets with the same basic engine. It's obviously not an Onan engine or they'd say so in the Onan manual. States the generator-head is made by "Onan" and the engine not. The Onan Mircolite manual shows the engine to have 2.6" bore X 2.2" stroke and valves in block. Those are specs for a Tecumseh. I know of no other small engine ever made with those exact specs. Do you?

[linda s]

No don't know the specs but I could find no reference anywhere about an Onan with a Tecumseh engine. I have heard both an early 90's Kohler and the same years Onan and I can tell you they sound nothing alike. No looks like Onan manufactured their own engines

http://www.onanfamily.org/index.php?id=290

Only 2 real makers of RV generators then and I think it's not likely they used the same engine

Linda S

[zero]

No don't know the specs but I could find no reference anywhere about an Onan with a Tecumseh engine. I have heard both an early 90's Kohler and the same years Onan and I can tell you they sound nothing alike. No looks like Onan manufactured their own engines

http://www.onanfamily.org/index.php?id=290

Only 2 real makers of RV generators then and I think it's not likely they used the same engine

Linda S

Well when they are no longer using their own engines - and need something cheap and light - why not? They certainly take some efforts

[zero]

Let me try again. I posted by accident with my big grubby fingers.

When Kohler and Onan are no longer using their own engines - and need something cheap and light - why not? They certainly took some efforts to mask what brand engine they have used. The TVM-125 is basically a cheap, poorly built lawn-mower engine. Nothing much else like it out there at the time of build except Briggs & Stratton. Tecumseh was always cheaper- thus the reason why they were used by just about all snow-blower makers regardless of brand-name.

If you have some special insight at to what the engines actually are and claim they are not Tecumseh TVM engines - what are they? I'm open minded. I've gone by the specs e.g. bore, stroke, crank pin diameter, valve stem diameter, etc. I find it hard to believe there are more then one engine series with those exact same specs but maybe? I know for sure that Onan never made one.

[zero]

Only 2 real makers of RV generators then and I think it's not likely they used the same engine

Linda S

I assume you know this - but in case not - like Tecumseh, Onan no longer is in the business of making any small engines. The Onan name was bought out by Cummins and I don't think any original Onan design engines are made anywhere anymore.

[linda s]

Then what were they doing at their engine manufacturing plane in Huntsville Al

1997 - Onan closes its Huntsville engine manufacturing plant and sells their tooling and technology to Linamar Corp of Canada

Linda S

Yes I'm aware that Tecumseh is gone and Onan is owned by Cummins. Who make the engines in the current Microlites I have no idea

[zero]

Then what were they doing at their engine manufacturing plane in Huntsville Al

1997 - Onan closes its Huntsville engine manufacturing plant and sells their tooling and technology to Linamar Corp of Canada

Linda S

Onan was bought out in 1986. I'm sure Cummins kept the Onan name just like Fiat is still using the Chrysler name. When the "Onan" Microlite 2800 genset was sold in 1991 - the engine was 12 cubic inches, and had a 2.6" bore by 2.2" stroke. That is a perfect match for the Tecumseh TVM engine that was being made at that time. Onan never made an engine with those specs. Do you know of some other cheap valve-in-block engine with those specs? I don't.

[WME]

My 2800 had an OHV engine

[zero]

My 2800 had an OHV engine

I admit I'm confused about the 2.8 KV Microlites and do know if they were all the same. I've seen a few photos of them with overhead-valve aluminum engines. I read a history of Onan awhile ago and that just got me confused even more. The history goes down the line and describes all the RV generators Onan made and which Onan engine was used - until it gets to the Microlite. Then it just says " a single cylinder aluminum engine" was used with no mention of Onan making it. I know it has the exact bore and stroke of the Tecumseh TVM that Kohler used. Coincidence?? Maybe.

It's all kind of moot anyway. Both Tecumseh AND Onan are gone in regard to making those engines of the past. No more of those small engines and no good source of parts except for hit-and-miss aftermarket.

I needed an Onan engine for a 80s John Deere tractor awhile back. I found few parts but lots of places specializing in repowering with another make. Got a lot of replies like this:

Onan Replacement Information

Repower Specialists offers replacements for most Onan engines. As our customers are finding out, Onan engines and parts are becoming harder and harder to come by. With the dissolution of the Onan Small Engine line, the need for an appropriate alternative has become greater and greater.

Repower focuses on installing Kohler, Vanguard, and Honda Small Engines in almost all Onan powered applications. Whether you own a Skid Steer or a John Deere Garden Tractor, Repower has the solution for you.

Call Now or email us below! 1.800.700.9501

• 1960s - Studebaker purchased Onan and introduced the J series air-cooled engine.
• 1975 - Hawker Siddeley bought 33% of Onan.
• 1979 - McGraw Edison bought 67% of Onan from Studebaker.
• 1985 - Onan now has 92.3% of the Recreational Vehicle market.
• 1986 - Cummins Engine Co begins the acquisition of Onan Corp.
• 1992 - Cummins Engine Co completes the acquisition of Onan Corp.
• 1997 - Onan closes its Huntsville engine manufacturing plant and sells their tooling and technology to Linamar Corp of Canada.
• 1997 - Linamar starts producing Performer and Elite engines for Onan in a new plant in Guelph, Ontario.
• 2000 - Onan contracts with Fuji/Robin to manufacture their OHV EH64 Horizintal V-twin engine for Onan for the welder industry.
• 2003 - Linamar stops producing Performer engines for Onan and Onan exits the small gasoline engine business.
• 2004 - Fuji/Robin stops making Onan branded engines for the welder market and transitions to making Suburu/Robin engines for the welder industry.
• 2005 - Linamar stops producing two cylinder Performer engines sold under the Linamar name.
• 2007 - Onan changes it name and Logo to Cummins Onan and starts a new website at http://www.cumminsonan.com/.

Their were many variations of there engines and gensets and it would be impossible to cover all of them here. The first table is of the early RV type gensets built prior to Cummins taking over the company in the mid 80's. The LK and CCK were the early workhorses, cast iron engines running at 1800 rpm. Many of these are still out there running well and are a real gem if you can find one for a cabin or standby power. The little AJ ran at 3600 and was quite noisy. The BF, BFA, BGA and NH series introduced the aluminum engine design which was used in the Emerald and Marquis RV gensets and the "Performer" industrial engines.

The Newer Units

The second table list the newer RV type gensets. The two cylinder units including the Emerald and Marquis use the Onan B and NH engines mentioned above. These engines are known as the "Performer" in the industry and are used on many lawn tractors, welders, as well as the gensets.

The Microlite gensets use a single cylinder, overhead valve engine running at 3600 rpm's. They run very quiet due to the special sound proof compartment they are housed in. The Microlite units come with everything mounted inside the housing, including the muffler, which makes them fairly easy to install.

[linda s]

Except it doesn't match the same bore and stroke as the Kohler generator. Pulled out my manual last night. My 2500 watt generator is the TVM 140. 13.53 cu in, bore x stroke 2.65 x 2.5, and 6 hp. The Onan 2800 was 7 hp and the TVM 125 was 5 hp. Just doesn't all add up. My Onan by the way is quieter than the Kohler even with the sound deadening housing off.

Linda S

Oh and other different stuff. Valve clearances for the TVM 125 are not the same as the Onan and it needs 5 ounces less oil.

[Maineah]

Onan Microlite engines have no resemblance to any thing other that an Onan, Kohler never made any thing that nice! it was an over head valve full oil pressure engine. Cummings did not own Onan out right until 1992 some of the portable Onan/Cummings generators now are Chinese. The newer RV Performer twin cylinder generators were vertical shaft units and a Mt of Kohler's in the scrap heap.

[zero]

Except it doesn't match the same bore and stroke as the Kohler generator. Pulled out my manual last night. My 2500 watt generator is the TVM 140. 13.53 cu in, bore x stroke 2.65 x 2.5, and 6 hp. The Onan 2800 was 7 hp and the TVM 125 was 5 hp. Just doesn't all add up. My Onan by the way is quieter than the Kohler even with the sound deadening housing off.

Linda S

Oh and other different stuff. Valve clearances for the TVM 125 are not the same as the Onan and it needs 5 ounces less oil.

Just odd that the Tecumseh TVM125 and the engine in the Onan Microlite have the same bore and stroke. 2.6" X 2.2" and both have a 12 cubic inch displacement.. Horsepower ratings for small engines are usually meaningless. Thus the reason why so many small engine companies got sued for false power claims and horsepower is just about never posted anymore. Just max torque and engine displacement. That all said, if the Microlite has overhead valve instead of valve-in-block - it's likely capable of a little more power. When Tecumseh converted their 10 horse engine with valves-in-block to overhead valves - it jumped from a 10 horse rating to a 12 horse rating. Whether they were making numbers up , I do not know.

The lawsuit was settled in 2010 as I recall and included Honda, Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh. Kawasaki, Kohler. Sears, John Deere, Husqvarna, and maybe more. After that - a new rating was adopted for expressing horsepower in small engines. Horsepower used to be expressed in "gross", "net", "continuous", "max intermittent", etc.

Things used to be simpler when engine companies gave all the ratings with full explanation. Back in the 1950s - most small engine companies gave "full time HP ratings" and "intermittent max." At some point many companies just posted the max and some even worse. Like with lawn mowers that were not allowed to run any faster then 2800 RPM due to blade-tip-speed regs -but they'd post a max horsepower spec on the engine at 3600 RPM anyway. Same sort of nonsense went on back in the 1920s with farm tractors but then the Nebraska Test Institute was established to weed out the BS and it's still testing every year. No such thing for small engines though.

Here's some older specs for small engines near the same size as used in the 2.8 KV generators. Easy to see how the continuous ratings got dropped and max numbers came into use.

1950s:

Onan 1B: 16 cubic inches 3 1/4 horse @ 2500 RPM for continuous use

Briggs & Stratton 14: 14.2 cubic inches, 3.2 horse @ 3200 RPM

Wisconsin ABN: 13.5 cubic inches, 4.5 horse @ 3400 RPM

1960s-70s

Briggs & Stratton 141700: 14.1 cubic inches, 5.1 continuous horse @ 3600 RPM, 6 MAX horse @ 3600 RPM

Briggs & Stratton 14: 14.2 cubic inches, 4.2 horse @ 3600 RPM continuous, 5.25 horse MAX @ 3600 RPM

Clinton 1220: 15.5 cubic inches, 6.7 max horse @ 3600 RPM (no continuous rating)

Lauson H5, V50: 12.1 cubic inches, 5 max horse @ 3600 RPM (no continuous rating)

Wisconsin ACN: 14.9 cubic inches, 4.8 horse continous @ 3600 RPM, 6 horse MAX rating

Funny thing is a few of these engines actually got tested at the Nebraska Test Institute because they were put on farm machinery. Those specs were quite different. For example.

Briggs & Stratton (company ratings) Model 14: 14.2 cubic inches, 5.25 MAX horsepower @ 3600 RPM

Same engine tested on a tractor at the Nebraska Test Institute: 3.8 MAX horsepower @ 3600 RPM.

[Maineah]

Onan was not part of the lawsuit. Nissan and Toyota both had 2.4 liter engines at the same time they were not remotely alike. Bigger more power sells they lied (surprise) and got stung. The new stuff now has a sticker saying to conforms to the rated power. 2800 watts is about 3 3/4 HP so given the losses it seems likely that Onan is telling the truth with a 7 HP engine or 5 1/4 KW +-. Who ever made the GH 200 engine still is if nothing else making a damn nice copy and due to the time line it was an Onan engine made in AL. I stick to my guns fix the Onan it is a superior RV generator the chances are real high it is a simple fix.

[5Toyota]

about 4 years ago noticed no new lawnmowers with tecumseh engines what i dug up was they had given so much credit to the murrey company ie tillers lawnmowers when that company folded bankrupt TECUMSEH went down with them. now briggs bought the murrey name and is selling a mower with the murrey name and a briggs motor as the first mower put out by briggs . instead of just selling the eng to other makers to corner more market. they are of course still supplying other makers.

[zero]

Studebaker/Onan used to make some rock-solid air-cooled engines. But so did Wisconsin, Continental, Cushman, Fairbanks-Morse, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, etc. Seems just making something good isn't enough to stay in business. Kohler appears to be one of the few left making HD small engines in the USA - but I'm not even sure about that. I was working for a small-engine place when Honda first came into the USA making HD replacement small engines. Around 1975 as I recall. Their 10 horse engines outlasted Briggs & Stratton and cast-iron Tecumseh 10 horse engines 2 to 1, at least. Then Wisconsin started selliing Subaru engines renamed Wisconsin Robins. Then Kawaski entered with HD small engines. Then Briggs tried to compete with a beefed up IC series built in the US. Then got their own foreign HD engines and called them Vanguards. Tough to compete with foreign stuff. I just bought a brand new 7 horse Chinese engine with full ball -bearing mains, overhead valves, cast-iron cylinder liner etc. for $99. If such a thing was built in the USA I suspect it would cost $500-$600. Kohler sells a 7 horse "Courage" engine for $350 but I suspect it's a Chinese engine.

[5Toyota]

you are correct for shure i dont know if my new troybilt walkbehind briggs & stratton eng is US made or not it is a flatthead. the whole mowyer is great great to use. my son has an MTD frome home depot with some sort of china made ohv on it but has done real good. did not know of a conection between Studebaker and onan.

[zero]

you are correct for shure i dont know if my new troybilt walkbehind briggs & stratton eng is US made or not it is a flatthead. the whole mowyer is great great to use. my son has an MTD frome home depot with some sort of china made ohv on it but has done real good. did not know of a conection between Studebaker and onan.

I've got two fairly old Troybuilts from the 60s and 70s. Also one from 1939. Like Tecumseh engines, Troybuilt also went bankrupt. MTD owns the brand-name now, as well as others that went belly-up like International Harvester's Cub Cadet, Food Machinery Corp Bolens (FMC), Yard-Man, etc.

My two 60s-70s Troybuilts came OEM with an aluminum Briggs & Stratton and a cast-iron Tecumseh HH70 series. The new MTD "Troybuilts" come with either Honda engines or Briggs branded "Powerbuilt" engines. The "Powerbuilt" engines, I think, have all the parts made in China, but the engines are assembled here.

All I know of though have overhead valves. I don't think Briggs sells a large-frame flat-head engine anymore. Just small mower engines. I know a new MTD Troy Built tiller the size of my Troy Horse models comes with a 250 cc (15.5 cubic inch) aluminum engine. My old Horse's have a aluminum Briggs with 14.1 cubic inches and a cast-iron Tecumseh with 15.25 cubic inches. I'm sure the new engine is built much better.

[burberry]

I bought this Champion 3100 inverter generator over the holidays when Overstock had it on sale and was offering 15% off all orders. Ended up being $680. I haven't used it yet, but it had good reviews, so I'm hopeful.

I had looked at 2000ish watt portable inverter units, because they're lighter and would fit in the designated generator space, but was concerned about whether they'd start my AC appropriately, and I also like that the Champion has a straight 30 amp plug, so no adapters to worry about. And of course, the Champion 3100 was much cheaper than the Honda 2000i.

I think the old Onan AJ just needs some new brushes inside, but figured I could get this new portable generator for close to what someone would charge me to fix the AJ, and be able to use it for non-RVing purposes too. Now I'm wondering if removing the old Onan AJ is within my wheelhouse; I'd like to take the it out to create some more storage for us on the trip, and also recoup a few bucks if possible by selling it on Craigslist. . How hard will that be?