Something new with Onan engines.

[tej]

Hi guys, I recently ordered a replacement engine for a (excuse me) Steiner tractor to replace the existing Onan P220 (20 HP). Today, being a non-hangover day for me, I decided to uncrate it. Holy blue smoke, Batman! It's a Linamar engine built by LPP Manufacturing in Guelph, Ont! So as not to offend our Canadian members I take no issue with the fact that it was built in Canada but there's something going on here. It looks like an Onan, it'll probably walk like an Onan but I'll see in a couple of days if it quacks like an Onan. The Operators Manual suggests that the owner should contact his/her Linamar/ Onan dealer for parts, service and information. Normally I'm 'in the loop' on all Onan information on account o' I'm an Onan Dealer. But this one has somehow escaped both me and my Distributor. I will stay on top of it and post whatever information is revealed to me in the coming days. There have been numerous changes in the way Onan does business since Cummins Engine Co. bought them about 11 years ago and it could be that Cummins has licensed this Canadian company to build the engines for them. They do the same with the Cummins Engines. And I wouldn't wish to be painted with the same brush that the Y2K alarmists are being painted today but my personal feelings are that if you're considering rebuilding that old sweetheart under the hood of your tractor you might move in that direction while the original parts are in the conduit. I have no idea what is waiting in the wings for our future. Should you wish to contact me directly with questions I'll be more than happy to give you any information available. Bob Wies

[Floydster]

Bob, Man this is scary, I have 2 CCKB's to keep running,the Onan dealer I had in Mpls. is no longer in bus.(Flaherty Equip.)but Cummins North Central Inc. is suppose to have parts, hope so. How long do you think we will be able to get parts for these engines,please say forever!!!!! Floydster

[KraigTM]

Cummins North Central in Roseville has fuel pump rebuild kits in stock for a CCKB. They also have air filters in stock. I didn't check on any other parts though. Kraig

[Guest]

As far as I can't determine from my discussions with Cummins/Onan people the Performer Series engines are being built as Linamar engines. They've renamed them LX Series and changed the P-216 to the LX720, the P-218 is now the LX 770, the P-220 is now the LX 790 and the P-224 is now the LX990. For 5% more you can request the engine be shipped with Onan labels. Yeeesh! As far as I can determine from my discussions replacement parts will still be available, though no time committment was stated, for the BF, CCK, CCKA, CCKB, NH, NHA, and NHM engines for the foreseeable future. I will be stocking up on engine gasket sets and adding to my engine bearing, and ring stocks just to be sure my customers will have the parts they'll need for rebuilding existing engines. Many of you seem to be retrofitting with Briggs engines and I find no fault with that. I happen to be a purist and feel that the original engine which the engineers selected for production is probably the best choice for longevity.

[LarryC]

I recently had discussion with Cummings South about CCKB parts, and they did have what I needed. I was told they do stock some mufflers for the engines but I have not ordered one. If you can get their attention, they have some old books they can look in. I also talked to one of their district reps. who told me the same about the Onan engines now going to Canada, etc. So, yes, the parts days are numbered so I suggest you stock up and rebuild while you can. I just had 2 of my engines re done here for about $900 each.

[FiremanRon]

Sorry about the delay on the follow-up on my original post..I was building a new computer and off line for a while. The engine I installed (Linamar LX-790) looks like an Onan, sounds like an Onan and pulls like an Onan so I have to state that they're doing a good job with them. I have become an Onan/Linamar Engine dealer now so as time goes by I will learn more about differences if any other than numbers. I'm being told that for the next year there shouldn't be any problems getting Onan replacement parts. I guess the cynic in me makes me wonder what they're NOT telling me. We need to keep these rascals running! Bob