Most antique Onan diesel generators were used in mining sites because they can power low voltage lighting which ran from a 12 volt battery that is mounted on the set. They provide a direct current set generating 14 volts and have an electric start. The good thing about Onan diesel generators, even though these generator sets have not been used for a long time, is that they still work fine. An example is the 1939 Onan Powerlite generator that was marketed by Montgomery Wards.

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Onan creates different kinds of power generator sets for various purposes. These include home, and portable power generators, but with the antique generator sets, you will most likely find them from online private retailers.

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Although antique Onan generators are of high quality, you still need to check its field windings. The field winding is virtually supplied via a switch and charge ignition, which is why at times the generator is on but there's no electric influx.

You should check if the field windings are wired in parallel with the armature or generator set output. Typically, there is a series of rheostat with the shunt field to regulate the power the antique generator set puts out.

As with modern types, Onan offers standby home power generators with 11 kw, 15 kw, and 20 kw power units that run on diesel that can be used for various purposes. Onan diesel generators offer various power ratings and easy management. With different types including extra quiet models with up to 4 kw of power to other types up to 7 kw of power, an installed power generator for smaller sets, and special features like energy command panels for easy facilitation of electrical consumption.

Antique Onan Diesel Generators

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