Onan diesels?

[moTthediesel]

I live near a US Army base, and they frequently sell mep002 (5kw) and mep003 (10kw) generator sets from the surplus depot. I believe these use Onan diesel engines, does anyone here know about these engines and their possible suitability as bike power plants? Anyplace to see specs on these engines?

Tom

[pietenpol2002]

It's not pretty Tom. In their day they were very reliable and great deal on the surplus market as a stationary civilian generator, and many are still in service. However, for biking purposes it's a different story. They're an 1800 RPM engine and weigh more than most mother-in-laws. Additionally, parts are no longer produced for this engine, putting you at the mercy of those in possession of the remaining morsels. I've heard stories of rebuilt injection pumps going for $1200. And finally, they're reputed to be shaky and loud (but then, those qualities have sold a lot of Harleys).

[moTthediesel]

Thanks Ron, that's kinda what I was afraid of.

I wish they did weigh as much as my Mother-In-Law, because she is a tiny little thing -- and come to think of it -- she is shaky and loud too

Tom

[pietenpol2002]

she is a tiny little thing -- and come to think of it -- she is shaky and loud too

And that pretty well describes my mother-in-law also. But, I do love the old girl.

[klondikekid]

It's not pretty Tom. In their day they were very reliable and great deal on the surplus market as a stationary civilian generator, and many are still in service. However, for biking purposes it's a different story. They're an 1800 RPM engine and weigh more than most mother-in-laws. Additionally, parts are no longer produced for this engine, putting you at the mercy of those in possession of the remaining morsels. I've heard stories of rebuilt injection pumps going for $1200. And finally, they're reputed to be shaky and loud (but then, those qualities have sold a lot of Harleys).

A little info, all the Onan gensets i have seen have engines from other manufacurers, my D950 Kubota came from a marine Onan gen set, I have also seen briggs gas engines in Onan gen sets, I know they have used other makes also, if my memories are right. Maybe is it just the early years they made their own?