24 hp Onan Intake Leak

Darrel · January 13, 2019, 08:11:33 PM

A small engine mechanic I am not. I rebuilt the carb a couple of years ago and replaced the intake manifold gaskets while I had it apart. When I put it back together it ran so much better and I was so pleased that I didn't worry too much about the fact that it was idling rough. However, this has been a bit of an annoyance so I was sitting here this morning and thinking about it and decided that now was the time to look into it. The sun was shining and the snow was melting and my busted ribs weren't hurting too bad.

And one more thing of worthy note is that at idle I could touch the left exhaust manifold without getting burned. It did get hot however when throttled up.

When I got it apart, this is what I found.

Right gasket.

Left gasket. Note how the gasket did not seat all the way around. You can plainly see where there was an intake leak on the upper right. When I put it together I put this one in upside down.

So I cut two new gaskets and put it back together. Vera came out just as I started it and said, "Wow honey, I've never heard it sound that good." To tell the truth, I hadn't either.

Southside · January 13, 2019, 08:17:18 PM

Good job - what did you do to your ribs?

donbj · January 13, 2019, 08:19:12 PM

Feels good when it works out like that. I have the 24hp Onan too. Nice motor.

Darrel · January 13, 2019, 09:08:41 PM

Southside, it was about noon on New Years Eve. The dog, pit bull/German Shepard cross, brought me her stick to throw so I through it over the 5th wheel. She ran one way and I ran the other, like I thought I could get there before her or something. Bad idea 'cause the ice was slick and I landed on my back side and busted 3 ribs on my right side, one of them in 3 places.

Yes, I know, I should stay out of those places.

Magicman · January 13, 2019, 09:14:07 PM

Or not chase sticks, dat's da dog's job.

Congrats on the fix.

Southside · January 13, 2019, 11:24:14 PM

Uggg --- Did she bring the stick over after and drop it on your head? ;D

Andries · January 13, 2019, 11:34:52 PM

On the Onan - nice fix.
I have the 24 Onan as well and like donbj, think its a pretty good motor for my 1992 mill.
On the game of fetch . . . my pooch always wins too. :D
Heal up soon !

Crossroads · January 13, 2019, 11:57:06 PM

The only thing I know of that hurts as much as broken ribs is an abscess tooth. I hope you heal quick.....

Darrel · January 14, 2019, 01:17:30 AM

Passing a kidney stone is much worse than either, maybe even worse than both put together. I definitely don't want to put that theory to the test however.

Crossroads · January 14, 2019, 11:04:09 AM

I'll take your word for it my friend....

chance33 · January 16, 2019, 07:04:46 PM

I've had stones about every 10-12 years since I was 21 so I know the experience about 5 times. My wife's doctor also had stones and 3 kids. She told me that she would take kids over stones any day.

Crossroads · January 16, 2019, 11:55:27 PM

I think this thread jinxed me! My daughter got stuck in the driveway yesterday, so when I got home I pulled her out. Then while walking back to my pickup after unhooking the chain, I slipped on the ice and landed hard on my back. Now, I think I may have a cracked rib or two. Just below my left shoulder blade. I painted all day today and it wasn't too bad unless I reached overhead, but tonight it seems like everything I do makes it spasm.

Darrel · January 17, 2019, 01:15:05 AM

C'mon, how could a thread about a 24hp Onan engine jinx you into busting your ribs?!?

Hey, sorry about that. It ain't no fun that I know for sure.

Crossroads · January 17, 2019, 10:06:30 AM

Lol, you got me there. The timing of this is a little suspicious though. How are your ribs healing up

Darrel · January 17, 2019, 11:11:18 AM

I'm at the point now where I really need to be careful what I do otherwise I get a sudden and severe reminder that I need to take it easy. I don't imagine that you're anywhere near that stage yet.

Crossroads · January 17, 2019, 12:15:32 PM

I can deal with most of the pain pretty well, but the spasms are making me feel pretty wimpy. I'm swallowing my pride as we speak and sitting in the lobby at urgent care with high hopes of getting some muscle relaxers, so I can function. We woke up to freezing rain and the already slippery driveway is now really slippery. It's good to hear your mending....

Haleiwa · January 17, 2019, 12:31:08 PM

Any time you suspect an intake leak, a simple test is to spray a small amount of starting fluid around the intake manifold in such a way that it does not go into the air intake. If there is a leak, you will hear an immediate surge as the engine adds the ether to the fuel mix.