generator squeal

rognelson777 · 10-02-2012, 10:41 AM

I have a onan emerald plus 4.0 model BGE-FA/26100P

When I start it up cold today temp is 65 it runs for about 1 minute and then a loud squeal starts. if I shut it off for a couple of minutes and restart it it runs with no problem, running 30 minutes right now. this happened at indy last september 2011, shut it down and restarted 5 minutes later ran for 3 more days with no problem. Has never done it again until today. do not use generator alot, but had no problems with this for last 4 trips.

Going to natioanls at maple grove this weekend and wondering if we should use generator.

anybody else have this problem?

Rich Biebel · 10-02-2012, 12:19 PM

Starter drive issue possibly or since you say you don't use it much.....mice love to make nests up inside those machines. There is also an end bell bearing that could be making noise. Not common but possible.

Without actually hearing it....I am just guessing....

rognelson777 · 10-02-2012, 01:05 PM

rich, Thanks for info Are racing at the grove this weekend? if so stop by our pits, running comp red champion trailer with white winnebago brave motorhome red turbo 4 dragster comp 1801

I will keep an eye on hopefully nothing major. Is it hard to change that bell bearing?

stop by, i will buy you a beer

Rich Biebel · 10-02-2012, 02:51 PM

Changing that bearing is a fairly big repair.
The generator would have to come out and remove the end bell to get the bearing off the rotor.
If that is the problem you should be able to listen to it and confirm it.
You can use a piece of metal.....threaded rod or tubing works just fine.
Hold one end to your ear with your thumb over the end and the other end near the bearing.
A no cost stethiscope......and works very well at finding noises.

No racing for me right now .
Sold the engine in my car......going bigger....for next year.
If the weather is good this is a great race to be at......as well as the Dutch...
I was at the first one.....1985....I think it was...
Good Luck...

10-02-2012, 10:41 AM	#1
rognelson777 Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 372 Likes: 20 Liked 132 Times in 72 Posts	generator squeal I have a onan emerald plus 4.0 model BGE-FA/26100P When I start it up cold today temp is 65 it runs for about 1 minute and then a loud squeal starts. if I shut it off for a couple of minutes and restart it it runs with no problem, running 30 minutes right now. this happened at indy last september 2011, shut it down and restarted 5 minutes later ran for 3 more days with no problem. Has never done it again until today. do not use generator alot, but had no problems with this for last 4 trips. Going to natioanls at maple grove this weekend and wondering if we should use generator. anybody else have this problem?

10-02-2012, 12:19 PM	#2
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,275 Likes: 25 Liked 510 Times in 200 Posts	Re: generator squeal Starter drive issue possibly or since you say you don't use it much.....mice love to make nests up inside those machines. There is also an end bell bearing that could be making noise. Not common but possible. Without actually hearing it....I am just guessing.... __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479

10-02-2012, 01:05 PM	#3
rognelson777 Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 372 Likes: 20 Liked 132 Times in 72 Posts	Re: generator squeal rich, Thanks for info Are racing at the grove this weekend? if so stop by our pits, running comp red champion trailer with white winnebago brave motorhome red turbo 4 dragster comp 1801 I will keep an eye on hopefully nothing major. Is it hard to change that bell bearing? stop by, i will buy you a beer Last edited by rognelson777; 10-02-2012 at 01:09 PM.

10-02-2012, 02:51 PM	#4
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,275 Likes: 25 Liked 510 Times in 200 Posts	Re: generator squeal Changing that bearing is a fairly big repair. The generator would have to come out and remove the end bell to get the bearing off the rotor. If that is the problem you should be able to listen to it and confirm it. You can use a piece of metal.....threaded rod or tubing works just fine. Hold one end to your ear with your thumb over the end and the other end near the bearing. A no cost stethiscope......and works very well at finding noises. No racing for me right now . Sold the engine in my car......going bigger....for next year. If the weather is good this is a great race to be at......as well as the Dutch... I was at the first one.....1985....I think it was... Good Luck... __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479 Last edited by Rich Biebel; 10-02-2012 at 02:59 PM.