Is my Gennie toast???

[timmer594]

Hi, I went out today to run the gennie for a while, when starting it was rough, then REAL rough, then stopped instantly. Long story short, I went under and turned the "fan" by hand, got it to turn and got it started. Makes a real bad squeeling sound, I think from the gen bearing on the outboard end. Also maybe knocking. My gen is a maybe 1988? Onan. Ok, questions are, how hard is this to remove from where it sits in compartment? Is it worth attempting myself? Are bearings replacable, or is something internal tore up? Should I just buy new? Cant afford that one. BTW, I'm in Fla and NEED a gen for A/C on the road or we wont be going...Help!
Thanks in advance

[W4RLR]

You're talking about parts for a 22 year old Onan generator. Are parts available? Maybe. Onan Service Center will quote you a repair price on putting in bearings that will approach the cost of a new or used newer generator.

That being said, there are plenty of used generators on eBay and Craigslist if you can't swing a new one. JMHO but you would be throwing good money out the window by repairing a generator of that vintage.

[94-Newmar]

--Diesel or Gas?

--You mention turning a fan. Are you referring to the cooling fan behind the genset's radiator? If so, perhaps the water pump could be partially seized causing the belt to squeal.

Parts for these older genset's are still readily available from a variety of sources. Older gensets are far less complex than the newer models and in many cases quite easily repaired inexpensively. At or near the control box and manual start panel mounted to the genset is a nameplate showing the brand and model of the genset. Post the brand/model here so others can better help you.