[GMCnet] Setting timing on Onan

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Matt Sladek

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Jul 24, 2015, 9:07:01 PM7/24/15
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I'm getting ready to install a Pertronix kit this weekend to eliminate the points as part of my issues with the Onan. Great write ups from Ken H and
group on module installation, so feel comfortable digging in there. Have kind of a remedial question that I'm hoping others can help,with...

I want to set my timing at 27 BTDC. I decided to pull my flywheel this afternoon to paint my timing marks so they are clearly visible. The back of my
flywheel has TC and 25 marked, so I measured and went a hair farther (about 0.26") to mark 27. Scored with dremel and filled in with white paint. Put
some matching marks on the front of the flywheel by the ring teeth for easy reference. I also marked a straight line thru TDC from the mark behind the
flywheel.

Here is question: to make timing 27 BTDC, do I align the mark on my flywheel representing 27 BTDC with the TDC on the shroud? When I do this, the
TDC on the flywheel is marked with the corresponding factory molding for 27 behind the flywheel. However, there is nothing showing in the timing
window...

When I align my flywheel mark with the window to show 27, not much aligns with anything...

Photos of my two scenarios here:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/onan/p58561-timing-marks.html

As I said, likely a very remedial question, but I appreciate any guidance. Thanks!
--
Matt Sladek
1976 Eleganza II
Coralville, IA

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Matt Colie

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Jul 24, 2015, 10:25:22 PM7/24/15
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Matt,

I am a little confused here.
Basically - Yes.
If you set it up to fire when your new 27BTDC is at the reference line, that should be correct.
The engine build marks are all for 0° - they are on most engines.
So when you are set at fire point, that is the only thing that will be aligned.

Matt


thainglo wrote on Fri, 24 July 2015 21:06
> <snip>


> Here is question: to make timing 27 BTDC, do I align the mark on my flywheel representing 27 BTDC with the TDC on the shroud? When I do this,
> the TDC on the flywheel is marked with the corresponding factory molding for 27 behind the flywheel. However, there is nothing showing in the timing
> window...
>
> When I align my flywheel mark with the window to show 27, not much aligns with anything...
>
> Photos of my two scenarios here:
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/onan/p58561-timing-marks.html
>
> As I said, likely a very remedial question, but I appreciate any guidance. Thanks!


--
Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCES
'73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit

gene Fisher

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Jul 25, 2015, 5:46:26 AM7/25/15
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I bought two of bovees kits
http://www.bdub.net/bovee/BoveeProducts.pdf
They come with perfect instructions and parts


--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html

Matt Sladek

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Jul 25, 2015, 8:23:38 AM7/25/15
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Thanks Matt. Pretty sure I am overthinking the whole issue. Hope to get it mounted up this weekend and test it out.

RJW

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Jul 25, 2015, 9:26:52 PM7/25/15
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Mr ERFisher wrote on Sat, 25 July 2015 05:46
> I bought two of bovees kits
> http://www.bdub.net/bovee/BoveeProducts.pdf
> They come with perfect instructions and parts


I am also installing the pertronix setup this weekend. Most all of the instructions I've seen, including what I saw of the Bovee kit, reference
timing markings on the inside of the flywheel cover. Well my Onan does not have any such markings and from the pictures, it appears to me that Matt
does not have them either. That makes finding the correct location of TDC and 27 degrees BTDC a bit of a challenge to locate precisely. I resorted
to my timing light to find the correct locations.

The Bovee instructions are perfect if you have the timing marks inside the cover. If that is not the case, it is a challenge as Matt and I have found
out.
--
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com


Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Manny Tranny etc.

Robert Mueller

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Jul 26, 2015, 6:07:17 AM7/26/15
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Matt,

Please look at MM X-7525 / Section 24C - Onan Motor Generator / Page 24C-27 - 28 / Ignition and Battery Charging System

Note Figure 40 - Timing Access Hole Location

The timing mark is on the back side of the flywheel and according to the MM:

TIMING PROCEDURE (ENGINE RUNNING - HOT SETTING) (6KW)

1. To check the ignition timing with unit running, use a timing light. Connect the timing light according to its manufacturer's
instructions. Either spark plug can be used as they fire simultaneously.

2. A small hole on the rear portion of blower housing provides an access to view timing marks (See figure 40). Two marks are
provided; one for T|C (top center) and one for 2|0 (20° BTC).

3. Start the engine and check the timing. The 2|0 mark on the flywheel should line up in the middle of the hole.

4. Replace breaker box cover and any other hardware removed from engine.

If you rotate the flywheel clockwise (facing the flywheel) and watch the Timing Access Hole for the marks on the back of the
flywheel. The as you rotate the flywheel the first mark you see will be the 20° BTC mark, the second is TDC.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic

-----Original Message-----
From: Matt Sladek

I'm getting ready to install a Pertronix kit this weekend to eliminate the points as part of my issues with the Onan. Great write
ups from Ken H and group on module installation, so feel comfortable digging in there. Have kind of a remedial question that I'm
hoping others can help,with...

I want to set my timing at 27 BTDC. I decided to pull my flywheel this afternoon to paint my timing marks so they are clearly
visible. The back of my flywheel has TC and 25 marked, so I measured and went a hair farther (about 0.26") to mark 27. Scored with
dremel and filled in with white paint. Putsome matching marks on the front of the flywheel by the ring teeth for easy reference. I
also marked a straight line thru TDC from the mark behind the flywheel.

Here is question: to make timing 27 BTDC, do I align the mark on my flywheel representing 27 BTDC with the TDC on the shroud? When
I do this, the TDC on the flywheel is marked with the corresponding factory molding for 27 behind the flywheel. However, there is
nothing showing in the timing window...

When I align my flywheel mark with the window to show 27, not much aligns with anything...

Photos of my two scenarios here:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/onan/p58561-timing-marks.html

As I said, likely a very remedial question, but I appreciate any guidance. Thanks!
--
Matt


gene Fisher

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Jul 26, 2015, 6:35:56 AM7/26/15
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I think if you had the kit, you would see how to do it!!!

--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html

Matt Sladek

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Jul 26, 2015, 7:44:39 AM7/26/15
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Richard - check behind the flywheel and you should see marks mounted to the front of the shroud. I didn't see them until I pulled my flywheel to clean
up and paint the timing marks visible through the small hole on back of shroud.

To see, you might need a flashlight. Looking down at the flywheel from about 11 o'clock position, check between the cooling vanes. There is a series
of lines radiating out with timing marks. You can line the TDC mark cut into flywheel (look for dimple along ring gear) with those lines.

Since I pulled the flywheel (was really easy, just a longer crowbar to stop the flywheel from turning braced against the ground and a gear puller) I
wire brushed and painted he timing marks on the back, plus scribed and painted a line representing 27 degrees or so. I also used a sharpie and drew a
line on the shroud corresponding with TDC as shown on the timing marks on the generator itself. These series of marks made it really easy to see wat
timing I was getting.

If you check my picture here (http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/onan/p58561-timing-marks.html), my description might make more sense. The rightmost
mark on the flywheel is 27 degrees, aligned with the sharpie for TDC. It is also about this angle that you'd want to look down at the flywheel to see
the molded marks as well.

Hope that helps and have fun with the project! I'm wrapping mine up today (hopefully). Getting too hot in the afternoon to do any work outside.
--
Matt Sladek
1976 Eleganza II
Coralville, IA

Gary Bovee

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Jul 26, 2015, 11:04:12 AM7/26/15
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Matt,

You are correct there is only one mark on the flywheel TDC. In my Kit
"Bovee's Electronic Ignition Kit" I provide instructions as well as timing
tape for the scroll plate to address the issue of setting the timing
correctly.

Gary Bovee
Red Bluff, CA
1978 Royale

Robert Mueller

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Jul 26, 2015, 3:22:12 PM7/26/15
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Gary,

I'M CONFUSED!

Are you saying the following is incorrect?

Please look at MM X-7525 / Section 24C - Onan Motor Generator / Page 24C-27 - 28 / Ignition and Battery Charging System

Note Figure 40 - Timing Access Hole Location

The timing mark is on the back side of the flywheel and according to the MM:

TIMING PROCEDURE (ENGINE RUNNING - HOT SETTING) (6KW)

1. To check the ignition timing with unit running, use a timing light. Connect the timing light according to its manufacturer's
instructions. Either spark plug can be used as they fire simultaneously.

2. A small hole on the rear portion of blower housing provides an access to view timing marks (See figure 40). Two marks are
provided; one for T | C (top center) and one for 2 | 0 (20° BTC).

3. Start the engine and check the timing. The 2 | 0 mark on the flywheel should line up in the middle of the hole.

4. Replace breaker box cover and any other hardware removed from engine.

If you rotate the flywheel clockwise (facing the flywheel) and watch the Timing Access Hole for the marks on the back of the
flywheel. The as you rotate the flywheel the first mark you see will be the 20° BTC mark, the second is TDC.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic


-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Bovee

Matt,

You are correct there is only one mark on the flywheel TDC. In my Kit
"Bovee's Electronic Ignition Kit" I provide instructions as well as timing
tape for the scroll plate to address the issue of setting the timing
correctly.

Gary


RJW

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Jul 26, 2015, 5:22:37 PM7/26/15
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USAussie wrote on Sun, 26 July 2015 15:22

> Gary,
>
> I'M CONFUSED!
>
> Are you saying the following is incorrect?
>
>
> 2. A small hole on the rear portion of blower housing provides an access to view timing marks (See figure 40). Two marks are
> provided; one for T | C (top center) and one for 2 | 0 (20° BTC).
>
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gary Bovee
>
> Matt,
>
> You are correct there is only one mark on the flywheel TDC. In my Kit
> "Bovee's Electronic Ignition Kit" I provide instructions as well as timing
> tape for the scroll plate to address the issue of setting the timing
> correctly.
>
> Gary


To further complicate things...I just had my flywheel out and cleaned up. It has 2 marks. One marked T|C and the other is marked 2|5 which I assume
is 25 degrees BTDC. So the manual is wrong?

--
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com


Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Manny Tranny etc.

Ken Burton

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Jul 26, 2015, 5:46:02 PM7/26/15
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They all have TDC and I have seen 25 and 22 marked on them also. Now Gary says he has one with no BTDC mark. So that makes 3 variations verified.
The retired Onan engineer that I talked to years ago said they played with several different timing values to eliminate the inconsistent push rod
points system problem. They were getting occasional warranty engine replacements due to detonation. That is why they retarded the value several
times. This will not a problem with the Pertronix installed.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

gary....@gmcidiotsguide.com

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Jul 26, 2015, 7:02:10 PM7/26/15
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Rob,

Yes the MM info you listed is not applicable to Matt's Onan. The picture Matt previously posted shows only a notch in the flywheel and no hole in the back of the scroll plate as referred to in the MM info you listed. From my experience I am familiar with the picture Matt posted and to my knowledge that is a 4kw Onan. There is a plug in the flywheel cover that is normally removed so both the flywheel notch and the mark on the scroll plate can be seen for setting the timing.

Gary Bovee
Red Bluff, CA
1978 Royale

www.gmcidiotsguide.com
Free "Internet Idiot's Guide for GMC MotorHome Information"
For MAC, iPad & iPod users - http://iTunes.apple.com/us/book/internet-idiots-guide-for/id623353780?mt=11

Dennis Sexton

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Jul 26, 2015, 7:23:57 PM7/26/15
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Gary et al

Here is a photo of the timing mark on my 4kw. It is in an early 73 coach.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/pertronix-install-4kw-2c-73-gmc/p37949-pertronix2-003.html

Dennis

Gary Bovee wrote on Sun, 26 July 2015 18:01


> Rob,
>
> Yes the MM info you listed is not applicable to Matt's Onan. The picture Matt previously posted shows only a notch in the flywheel and no hole in
> the back of the scroll plate as referred to in the MM info you listed. From my experience I am familiar with the picture Matt posted and to my
> knowledge that is a 4kw Onan. There is a plug in the flywheel cover that is normally removed so both the flywheel notch and the mark on the scroll
> plate can be seen for setting the timing.
>
> Gary Bovee
> Red Bluff, CA
> 1978 Royale
> www.gmcidiotsguide.com
> Free "Internet Idiot's Guide for GMC MotorHome Information"
> For MAC, iPad & iPod users - http://iTunes.apple.com/us/book/internet-idiots-guide-for/id623353780?mt=11
>

--
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Germantown, TN

Robert Mueller

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Jul 26, 2015, 8:08:29 PM7/26/15
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Richard,

Are the marks on the back side of the flywheel visible through a hole in the shroud?

Yes, it appears the 2 | 0 stated in the MM is incorrect.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic

-----Original Message-----
From: RJW

To further complicate things...I just had my flywheel out and cleaned up. It has 2 marks. One marked T|C and the other is marked
2|5 which I assume is 25 degrees BTDC. So the manual is wrong?

Richard

Robert Mueller

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Jul 26, 2015, 8:25:10 PM7/26/15
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Gary,

I think we might be getting people mixed up:

Matt Colie= '73 Glacier 23
Matt Sladek = 1976 Eleganza

MattS is the guy that asked about the timing and since he has a '76 Eleganza I assumed it was a 6Kw Onan. He noted; "When I align my
flywheel mark with the window to show 27, not much aligns with anything..."

MM X-7525 / Section 24C - Onan Motor Generator / Page 24C-27 & 28 / Ignition and Battery Charging System

TIMING PROCEDURE (ENGINE RUNNING - HOT SETTING) (4KW)

1. To check the ignition timing with unit running use a timing light. Connect the timing light according to its manufacturer's
instructions. Either spark plug can be used as they fire simultaneously.

2. Remove the dot button on blower housing to provide an access to view timing marks (See figure 40).

3. Start the engine and check the timing. The mark on the flywheel should line up with the 21° mark on the cover.

4. Install dot button, breaker box cover and any other hardware removed from engine.

Regards,
Rob M.

The information above agrees with this photo:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/pertronix-install-4kw-2c-73-gmc/p37949-pertronix2-003.html

RJW

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Jul 26, 2015, 9:09:50 PM7/26/15
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USAussie wrote on Sun, 26 July 2015 20:08
> Richard,
>
> Are the marks on the back side of the flywheel visible through a hole in the shroud?
>
> Yes, it appears the 2 | 0 stated in the MM is incorrect.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: RJW
>
> To further complicate things...I just had my flywheel out and cleaned up. It has 2 marks. One marked T|C and the other is marked.
>
> 2|5 which I assume is 25 degrees BTDC. So the manual is wrong?
>
> Richard

Rob,

Yes both marks are visible in the hole. Both T|C and 2|5 after I cleaned and painted them with white paint.

Makes sense to me that there is variability to these settings according to what Ken Burton remarked.

I did not know there was a plug installed originally that covered the timing hole. Mine had already vanished by the time I got my GMC 17 years ago.

--
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com


Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Manny Tranny etc.


Matt Sladek

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Jul 26, 2015, 9:14:37 PM7/26/15
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Haven't seen so much name confusion since I was in high school a couple decades ago and there were four Matts in my class of 36!

Rob is right, mine is a 76 with 6kw. Has the timing hole in back and the 2 | 5. Mark on back.

Got everything reassembled today. Have a little stronger spark but still having some issues getting up to full rpm.

More to follow.
--
Matt Sladek
1976 Eleganza II
Coralville, IA

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