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Onan B series engine

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 5:29 pm
by Harry
It always amazes me how I can take something apart then put it back together and something doesn’t work right. Does any of you ever had that happen. The Onan on the 446 snow machine doesn’t seem to rev up properly. The throttle was assembled like it was before and the governor spring is in the same hole locations as before, but when I move the throttle lever the governor spring stretches but the carb linkage attached to the governor lever doesn’t move. So the engine just idles. I can move the throttle linkage by hand and it moves very easily. I took a pic that I’ll post of the governor linkage. Anyone have any ideas? :peace: Harry

Re: Onan B series engine

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 6:13 pm
by DavidBarkey
I think the governor plate is stuck out . Try wiggling the governor arm back and forth at an idle and see if you can get it moving again . You should be able at an idle to move the G arm to raise the rpm but feel it push back against you . Hope that helps.

Re: Onan B series engine

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 7:43 pm
by JSinMO
It sounds like something is in a bind. I’m with Mr. Dave on moving the governor by hand.

And yes I’ve had to assemble and reassemble more that one project to get it right!

Re: Onan B series engine

Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2023 7:44 am
by Harry
Guys, it’s odd because the governor arm is free to move but when running the spring stretches and the arm doesn’t move with the throttle. When idling I can move the governor arm by hand but only slowly to raise rpm. If I move it quickly the engine bogs down and if I don’t let off it stalls. I’ve never seen this ever happen before. :peace: Harry

Re: Onan B series engine

Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2023 11:16 am
by Harry
I believe I have the situation figured out. :thumbsup: The spring clip that holds the throttle cable in place must be worn. It let the throttle cable slip so the throttle plate in the carb was wide open at idle. It seems to be holding now but I will have to keep an eye on this. I never liked this cable hold down method. I would prefer a screw cable hold down. :peace: Harry

Re: Onan B series engine

Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2023 12:44 pm
by Eugen
Harry wrote: Wed Nov 29, 2023 11:16 am I believe I have the situation figured out. :thumbsup: The spring clip that holds the throttle cable in place must be worn. It let the throttle cable slip so the throttle plate in the carb was wide open at idle. It seems to be holding now but I will have to keep an eye on this. I never liked this cable hold down method. I would prefer a screw cable hold down. :peace: Harry
I was forced fabricate a tab using two machine screws because this type of tab was missing on one of my tractors. Holds much better bolted.

Re: Onan B series engine

Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2023 12:53 pm
by myerslawnandgarden
Newer models use the style clamp that you mention, it's the same one that Briggs and Stratton used for years on the old 3 1/2 hp push mowers that you probably have tucked away somewhere. Uses the same hole for the screw that's already in the bracket.

Bob

Re: Onan B series engine

Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2023 1:01 pm
by keith
Harry, this is what I made using a simple L bracket. Seems to hold the cable tightly. I made the clamp @ 7/8" overall length plus the two bends slightly smaller than the cable and drilled the hole. I just bent it cold in the vise.[attachment=1]DSCF0840. :cheers: