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Need help with Onan alternator
- KyleR
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2002 Carver 396
Twin Cummins 6BTA 370HP - Location: On the move!
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Need help with Onan alternator
I have a 10kw Onan generator, model MDKWB Series E, and the alternator has seized - again!
It happened the first time back on 11/23/23 and I took it to Holt Generator Shop in Jacksonville,FL and they replaced all three bearings and all seemed good, until today. Seized again, but now I'm in Key West and there are NO alternator shops here. I've called seven shops and no one works on these things.
An OEM one looks like it is running $600+, which just seems ridiculous to me. So, two questions:
1. Has anyone replaced their alternator with a comparable aftermarket one - and been happy with it? The model number for my current alternator is 185-5431 and I'm looking for a like-for-like drop-in as I don't have the ability to change/alter mounting brackets/pulleys/etc.
2. Can anyone recommend someone in the Key West/Marathon areas that has the ability to work on these, including replacing the bearings?
I'm going to disassemble it when everything cools down and if I find out it is something else I'll post back. But for now, it definitely looks like a bearing issue.
Thanks in advance!!
Kyle
2002 Carver 396
Twin Cummins 6BTA 370HP
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Re: Need help with Onan alternator
I would also check the mounting to ensure everything is aligned properly. If it's belt driven, make sure the tension is to spec. You should also ensure it's not running too hot for some reason.
- Midnightsun
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2007 41CMY
Volvo D6-370's - Location: Montreal, Canada
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Re: Need help with Onan alternator
- bud37
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Re: Need help with Onan alternator
Midnightsun wrote:Source of the post Found out from the local automotive rebuild place that marine units differ really by only have a screen installed (flame arrestor)
Actually there are a few things, port for the fuel return from a bad fuel pump and the bowl vent tubes feed back to the venturis.
Anyway , to add, have a check around small engine/equipment/tractor dealers as these engines are just tractor, big mower engines....maybe someone there can put you on to a rebuilder. Worth a shot.......good luck.
- Midnightsun
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2007 41CMY
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Re: Need help with Onan alternator
- KyleR
- CYO Supporter
- Posts: 213
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2002 Carver 396
Twin Cummins 6BTA 370HP - Location: On the move!
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Re: Need help with Onan alternator
Anyway, I found a place in Homestead, FL called Leon's Alternator & Starter who said he probably could help me. It's a 3 hour drive so I've gotta figure out a car rental tomorrow. Neither the Enterprise or Avis car rental places down here will come me up to go back to their store to do the paperwork, so gotta figure out that piece of the puzzle too!
I wish OEM replacements weren't so ridiculously priced!!
I'm telling you, Key West is not as boater friendly as people make it out to be!! Oh well, thanks again for all the suggestions. I'm attaching a pic of the bad bearing just for fun.
2002 Carver 396
Twin Cummins 6BTA 370HP
- Alanna Mo Cree
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Re: Need help with Onan alternator
I don't have first hand experience, but follow their Youtube channel. Seem like good people from the videos and they have a 4.8 star rating on 87 Google reviews.
Alanna Mo Cree | Apopka Florida
2003 Carver 360 Sport Sedan
Twin Volvo 8.1Gi
Photo Album
- KyleR
- CYO Supporter
- Posts: 213
- Joined: July 8th, 2022, 10:50 am
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2002 Carver 396
Twin Cummins 6BTA 370HP - Location: On the move!
- Has thanked: 83 times
- Been thanked: 63 times
Re: Need help with Onan alternator
Did you try these folks? https://mobilemarinekeywest.com/
Thanks Charlie, I did not find them in my searches. I'll give them a call tomorrow and see if they can help. Thanks again!
2002 Carver 396
Twin Cummins 6BTA 370HP
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Re: Need help with Onan alternator
If the bearings seized after only a few months, either they didn't actually replace them, which is unfortunately possible, or they used the wrong bearings, or your alternator is getting hot enough to cook the grease out of them.
Looking at the pic you posted, the shaft is way smaller than the inner bearing race, or the shaft has worn to the point of no return. If that is the case, you may need to bite the bullet and get a new alternator.
Good luck!
- KyleR
- CYO Supporter
- Posts: 213
- Joined: July 8th, 2022, 10:50 am
- Vessel Info: MV Verity
2002 Carver 396
Twin Cummins 6BTA 370HP - Location: On the move!
- Has thanked: 83 times
- Been thanked: 63 times
Re: Need help with Onan alternator
2002 Carver 396
Twin Cummins 6BTA 370HP
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