Jump to content
Sign in to follow this  
chrisd200(inactive)

Onan in D160 seizing up

Recommended Posts

chrisd200(inactive)

Just bought this D160 with Onan engine and could not get much info regarding the tractors past. Hours are unknown (D160's didn't come with meter) but tractor seemed decent overall. Some fresh fuel and a battery and the engine started but ran awful. I cleaned the carb and problem solved. Engine ran great for about 2 minutes and hydro was working fine then I noticed it was starting to blow a little smoke. Then the RPM's started to slowly come down more and more. I knew something was wrong so I shut it down. Oil looks new and clean. I have separated the engine from the hydro pump and the problem remains. Engine will run for a minute or so and then try to seize. So something is obviously wrong with the engine but i have never experienced this with an Onan. Could the electric clutch be causing this? Any thoughts?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Amanda

how long was it running when you first started it up? Did you notice if it was blue or black smoke? also my seize do you mean lock up and not turn?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
JackC

You will need the engine service manual if you do not already have it.

 

Have you done a compression test to check for significant wear?

If the difference is more than 10% you may need some engine overhaul work to make it run properly.

 

You can take the belt off the electric clutch so there should be no drag on the engine even if the clutch is stuck engaged.

You can then trouble shoot from there.

 

Often a good tune up will solve a lot of problems.  

Typical issues include fuel pump diaphragm, carburetor air leaks, fuel line and delivery issues, points worn or out of adjustment, corroded electrical contacts anywhere, and manifold leaks among others.  Start with the simpler checks.  You can take the valve covers off to make sure the engine valves are not gummed up.

 

There could also be significant carbon build up that can be checked by taking the heads off but save that for later since you will likely need new head gaskets if you take the heads off.

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
chrisd200(inactive)

how long was it running when you first started it up? Did you notice if it was blue or black smoke? also my seize do you mean lock up and not turn?

Hey Amanda! Tractor ran for roughly 2-3 minutes the first time. Started blowing a little blue smoke (oil getting by somewhere I'm sure) then the engine started to sound as if it were under a heavy load and the rpm's started slowing down so I shut it off before it could lock up. It does this every time you run it except earlier I tried again and this time the starter could not turn the engine over. I turned the engine by hand and it was very tight. Once I forced it to move a little it freed up again. Weird!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
chrisd200(inactive)

You will need the engine service manual if you do not already have it.

 

Have you done a compression test to check for significant wear?

If the difference is more than 10% you may need some engine overhaul work to make it run properly.

 

You can take the belt off the electric clutch so there should be no drag on the engine even if the clutch is stuck engaged.

You can then trouble shoot from there.

 

Often a good tune up will solve a lot of problems.  

Typical issues include fuel pump diaphragm, carburetor air leaks, fuel line and delivery issues, points worn or out of adjustment, corroded electrical contacts anywhere, and manifold leaks among others.  Start with the simpler checks.  You can take the valve covers off to make sure the engine valves are not gummed up.

 

There could also be significant carbon build up that can be checked by taking the heads off but save that for later since you will likely need new head gaskets if you take the heads off.

The clutch has been eliminated from the equation now and the problem remains. I really feel that this engine is well beyond the point of just needing a good tune-up. Gonna check the valves next. I'm not very interested in doing an engine overhaul at this point. We'll see. Thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Amanda

sounds like internal engine issues. i wouldent start it anymore because i would be afraid of the connecting rod breaking if it hasent already. Dont know how much you know but sounds like it would be worth it to take the engine apart, may be cooked though :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
chrisd200(inactive)

Yep. I agree. I know enough to know that Onan's are great engines but OH SO EXPENSIVE  to repair. Thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
TT

Get the stuff you need to hook up an oil pressure gauge and - providing it will run again - hook it up and see if it has any oil pressure.

I haven't dealt with an Onan internally in a long time, but they have oil pressure relief valves that can stick and cause lack of oil pressure.

 

Unfortunately since it has already tightened up a few times, it may be too late.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
JamesBe1

I'm not well versed on Onan's. but it sure sounds like on internal lubrication issue.  Like Terry said, an oil pressure gage to tell you if it has any pressure.  That would tell you a lot.  I picked up a cheap sunpro gage for my Kohler.  They are not too expensive. 

 

I hate to say it, but the smoking may be an indication that the damage is already done.  If you can fix the underlying issue, perhaps some engine additives might be worth trying.  What do you have to loose.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
wheeledhorseman

Certainly sounds as though oil isn't getting to where oil ought to be.

Your stopping it before it seized completely and went bang may yet have saved it but like AmandaRae said, I'm not sure I'd want to run it up again though.

As Terry says, could be something like a stuck relief valve but could be a blocked oilway, failed pump etc

If you decide to run it again to take the oil pressure then I'd try getting some oil down the bores through the spark plug hole and turn the engine by hand a few times to lube up the rings ( if this is possible - I haven't tried on a Onan) Sure it will blow blue smoke when it starts but less likely to seize completely if you're quick with the pressure reading. (others may disagree - so feel free to shoot down my suggestion here)

Andy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
chrisd200(inactive)

Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!!! I agree, sounds like its not getting lubrication. Not sure what I'm gonna do at this point.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
sorekiwi

Something else worth checking might be the crankcase ventilation strainer - if this is clogged up  the crankcase could pressurize - forcing oil past the rings. 

 

I'd definately find some way of checking oil pressure before running it again.  Does the D have an oil pressure light?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
chrisd200(inactive)

No Light on D160

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
JamesBe1
Here is the cheepo that I use on my tractor.  Not sure where to tap off for the oil pressure on an onan, but I am sure it's do-able.  
 
 
Sunpro CP8216 StyleLine Mechanical Oil Pressure Gauge - Black Dial

List Price: $27.99 Price: $17.51 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Edited by JamesBe1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  

  • Similar Content

    • tractorboy79
      By tractorboy79
      I was looking around on ebay and noticed that hydraulic actuators from John Deere 312, 317, etc models appear to be Identical to a Gt14 or d series lift cylinder. My question is would a new cylinder from ebay be able to replace one that is on a gt14 or d series?
       
      Images below of cylinders to show similaritys.


    • BuffaloD200
      By BuffaloD200
      '74 D-180
       
      My friction disc in gone on my clutch.  I saw the old post about making a new friction disc, so I'm not concerned about that.
      I managed to remove the front clutch plate and double v-belt pulley.  But I can't separate the two.  When I took the assembly off the spiraloc washer popped off on its own.  I HAVE READ THE MANUALS.
      So I should be able to just remove the pulley from the front clutch and continue with step 4.  The v-belt pulley is loose as all hell and flops around like a dead fish.  It seems to be hung up on a ring or bearing race.  
      So my thoughts are grab a BFH or sparky the blue tip wrench.
      Is there an unpublished step 3.5, or some trick?
    • BuffaloD200
      By BuffaloD200
      Hey all, 
       
      My '74 D180 has a lot of trouble pushing snow.  Weighted tires, but nothing else at this time.  I've found it gets stuck frequently and only one wheel spins.  Do these tractors not have a limited slip/locker arrangement?  How does everyone manage with the infamous one wheel peel?
    • BuffaloD200
      By BuffaloD200
      Hey all, I need to install a drive belt on my 75 D180 for my snowblower.  I've looked through a bunch of D-series owner's manuals, and none seem to mention replacement procedure.  The PTO pulley is fixed, save for engaging the PTO and there is minimal movement at the snowthrower pulley. There's no idler or tensioner as far as I can tell.  Do I have to remove the PTO pulley?  That seems to be a required service item.
      Same question for my 80 D200 as well really.  
       
      Using the recommended 4L490W belt.
       
      Thanks 
    • ihatephones
      By ihatephones
      I got a D-180 for $250, and the governor is messed up, the points won't open or close, and I took it apart and was being stupid and messed some stuff up in there, and now I need a new one.
      Where can I get one that's not on eBay for $200?
      I also forgot to say it was a Kohler K482, and I'll throw some pictures of the tractor in as a treat.


×
×
  • Create New...