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Electronic ignition
Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 2:28 pm
by ras101
I know, I am always posting -- just trying to get my fleet in order for the future - perhaps I have ADD

so what about electronic ignition? Anyone fitted that to an Onan engine (B43M or B48M)?. Want to explain what you did?
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 6:18 pm
by Harry
On my 446 with B series Onan I added an electric facet fuel pump, 2-3 psi. Also a transdenser to replace condenser with a new set of points. Every time I go to start it I turn the ignition to run wait a few seconds ans I can hear the fuel pump clicking. Then turn the key to start and it fires up immediately. I feel I don’t need an electronic ignition on the Onan.

Harry
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2023 1:35 pm
by ras101
Harry, want to expand on the "transdenser to replace condenser" you were talking about? What make is it , I know you said you bought it on Craigslist but I think a lot of us would like to know more... etc
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2023 5:28 pm
by DavidBarkey
ras101 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 22, 2023 1:35 pm
Harry, want to expand on the "transdenser to replace condenser" you were talking about? What make is it , I know you said you bought it on Craigslist but I think a lot of us would like to know more... etc
[url]
https://www.kirkengines.com/index.php#1/url]
I was looking into recently myself . Reviews are mixed . In theroriy it should be the answer , but apparently there can be grounding issue and a lack of amps going across the point to keep oxidation burnt off .
If you can get one of these
The other option is to get a timing cover from a Performer and use this with the ring and coil pack for the performer engine .
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2023 10:03 am
by Harry
I’ve never heard of the Magna Arc Ignition Kit David. I will be looking into those. Thanks for posting.

Harry
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2023 12:18 pm
by myerslawnandgarden
Harry wrote: ↑Sat Dec 23, 2023 10:03 am
I’ve never heard of the Magna Arc Ignition Kit David. I will be looking into those. Thanks for posting.

Harry
The Magna Arc was available years ago and quite expensive even at that time. Haven't seen one for a long time.
Bob
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2023 12:51 pm
by ras101
So why my original question? I have a very easy starting, like the first turn, on my 1985 Onan 48M and yet my 43M takes a lot more turns to fire up. I know the previous owner of the 48M spent a long time tuning the points condenser, etc, and well it shows in the starting. I, myself am more into electronic ignitions (yeah I dealt with points right through the 60's and 70's) on car and bikes, etc. I have seen over the years electronic system come and disappear for our GT's and I am just exploring options right now. The end result might be leave well alone, it could be Harry's solution, or it could be a full blown Electronic ignition system.
Ray
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2023 2:31 pm
by DavidBarkey
myerslawnandgarden wrote: ↑Sat Dec 23, 2023 12:18 pm
Harry wrote: ↑Sat Dec 23, 2023 10:03 am
I’ve never heard of the Magna Arc Ignition Kit David. I will be looking into those. Thanks for posting.

Harry
The Magna Arc was available years ago and quite expensive even at that time. Haven't seen one for a long time.
Bob
I have been trying to get one to how it work and see if I could make my own .
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2023 3:59 pm
by myerslawnandgarden
DavidBarkey wrote: ↑Sat Dec 23, 2023 2:31 pm
myerslawnandgarden wrote: ↑Sat Dec 23, 2023 12:18 pm
Harry wrote: ↑Sat Dec 23, 2023 10:03 am
I’ve never heard of the Magna Arc Ignition Kit David. I will be looking into those. Thanks for posting.

Harry
The Magna Arc was available years ago and quite expensive even at that time. Haven't seen one for a long time.
Bob
I have been trying to get one to how it work and see if I could make my own .
A few have shown up on EBay recently but were around $350. Seems to me that they were 200-300 back in the day. I think I have a spec sheet from Onan in my files, I will look.
Bob
Re: Electronic ignition
Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2023 5:02 pm
by DavidBarkey
myerslawnandgarden wrote: ↑Sat Dec 23, 2023 3:59 pm
DavidBarkey wrote: ↑Sat Dec 23, 2023 2:31 pm
myerslawnandgarden wrote: ↑Sat Dec 23, 2023 12:18 pm
The Magna Arc was available years ago and quite expensive even at that time. Haven't seen one for a long time.
Bob
I have been trying to get one to how it work and see if I could make my own .
A few have shown up on EBay recently but were around $350. Seems to me that they were 200-300 back in the day. I think I have a spec sheet from Onan in my files, I will look.
Bob
Thanks Bob