Miller Welder With Onan Engine

[Critter]

I've got the chance to get a Miller welder at a steal, BUT the Onan eingine which is setup on propane needs a major overhaul. The welder hasn't been run in several years I was wondering first is there a way to test the welder to see if it even still works before spending a load of money, and second is the 18hp Onan worth rebuilding or should I be looking for a new engine? I would like to change it over to gas but the local Onan dealer wants over $600 for the new carb.
Thanks for your help!

 

[Gene Davis(Ga.)]

There is no such thing as working on an Onan cheaply. Their parts are higher than platinum.. I have a NH series and like to have choked when I bought parts to overhaul it. a very few things are available through aftermarket sources, but not much in the way of internal parts.

 

[Kentb of SWMO]

Yes ONAN's are EXPENSIVE to work on. How do you know the engine needs work. LP will make an engine last for a LONG TIME. I would leave it on LP. Most likely set-up to use a Fork-lift Cylinder as a fuel supply.
I bought a old Wisconsin powered Lincoln DC 180. The engine was locked-up. When I go the engine free ed-up I connected a mill-amp meter to the output leads and cranked the generator over by hand. It generated a little current. I repaired the engine and now use the welder and am going to set-up LP as a second fuel on the engine.

Kent

 

[Kentb of SWMO]

I forgot to mention that most Onan engines set-up for LP have a higher compression ratio and do not convert well to gasoline.

Kent

 

[Critter]

Hi Kentb,
Guess I should have explained a little better. The current owner of the welder stripped the threads on 1 of the spark plugs then left it sitting out for several years, the muffler rusted out. I took the heads off a few days ago the cylinders were about 1/2 in. deep in rust and pitted pretty bad. Oh and the oil is milky. Priced a major overhaul kit just over $200.
Thanks for the help