Artmilaca 23 #1 Posted August 14 I have a 520H that I believe is an '89 or early '90s. It has an Onan Performer 20 XLS. I cannot find any model or serial number ID tag on it. There are the remains of about a half of one of those chrome-like stick-ons but no useful information on it. Soooo Long story short I appear to have an ignition problem and want to do some diagnostics and need to know various resistances and so forth on the coil etc. I have the shop manual for a p220 but don't know if the diagnostics of the ignition are right for the performer I have seen references to the performer 20 being a model 220g Don't know if this is correct information or not. Any help appreciated Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,321 #2 Posted August 14 All P220G engines are the same and you can use the manual. There was a heavy duty version that had better valves and a few other things but Wheel Horse never used them. I do wonder if your XLS is original. The G stands for gasoline. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Artmilaca 23 #3 Posted August 14 36 minutes ago, lynnmor said: All P220G engines are the same and you can use the manual. There was a heavy duty version that had better valves and a few other things but Wheel Horse never used them. I do wonder if your XLS is original. The G stands for gasoline. So the Onan Performer 20 XLS is a P220G ? I have another 520H and that has an Onan p220. Question was though are the specs for the coil and troubleshooting procedure the same for both of these engines ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,321 #4 Posted August 14 1 hour ago, Artmilaca said: So the Onan Performer 20 XLS is a P220G ? I have another 520H and that has an Onan p220. Question was though are the specs for the coil and troubleshooting procedure the same for both of these engines ? Again: All P220G engines are the same Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Artmilaca 23 #5 Posted August 15 Okay thanks....Lynnmor 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 1,927 #6 Posted August 17 The ignition system is the same on the P220, 218, and 216. If you don't have spark, check the 9 pin connector. It's notorious for burning up causing loss of voltage to the coil. If you do have to change the ignition module there are some good videos on YouTube. Removing and reinstalling engine tins is one of the worst parts of the job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
artfull dodger 396 #7 Posted August 19 Good time to do valve adjustment and clean up the block good if you have to pull the tinwork off to change the module. If the oil seal on the crankshaft looks any bit suspect, I would change it as well while your under the flywheel. P=Performer series, 2= twin cylinder, 20 = 20hp and G = gas powered(then made them Propane/Natural gas powered as well). My 416H 50th anniversary horse has a P216g in it and my wifes 520 has the P220g in it. Love Onans, despite them being a bit of a maintaince hog. Also make sure you have the rubber gromet between the cylinder tin work and the oil filter, you loose 30% of your cooling air on that cylinder if its missing. This is one of the huge causes of the valve seats coming loose, along with valves not having the lash kept in adjustment by the book. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,098 #8 Posted August 20 On 8/17/2024 at 1:23 AM, Bill D said: The ignition system is the same on the P220, 218, and 216. If you don't have spark, check the 9 pin connector. It's notorious for burning up causing loss of voltage to the coil. If you do have to change the ignition module there are some good videos on YouTube. Removing and reinstalling engine tins is one of the worst parts of the job. I have never understood why Onan did not make the hole just a little but bigger in the main engine tin so the flywheel would just pull through it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,321 #9 Posted August 20 35 minutes ago, cleat said: I have never understood why Onan did not make the hole just a little but bigger in the main engine tin so the flywheel would just pull through it. Or mounting the ignition coil separate from the tins. Or routed the pulse hose for the fuel pump outside the tin. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 1,927 #10 Posted August 21 I'm definitely liking my Onan's more and more despite their quirks. I've actually thought about getting rid of some of my Kohler engines. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,098 #11 Posted August 21 They are both good engines. The Onan's are a little more complex but they sure smooth running. When I fire up one of my 312's with the Kohler M12 engines they run fine but sure do vibrate more. Now I realize this is an apples to oranges comparison with the Onan being a twin and the Kohler being single cyl. When I finally get the Work Horse complete I will see how the Briggs twin runs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,520 #12 Posted August 21 I have a 312-8 with a Kohler single...its beyond smooth when it runs, Thanks to Bill D for finding it for me !!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,520 #13 Posted August 21 Bill.... I will buy any Kohler you want to get rid of !!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bill D 1,927 #14 Posted August 21 13 hours ago, cleat said: They are both good engines. The Onan's are a little more complex but they sure smooth running. When I fire up one of my 312's with the Kohler M12 engines they run fine but sure do vibrate more. Now I realize this is an apples to oranges comparison with the Onan being a twin and the Kohler being single cyl. When I finally get the Work Horse complete I will see how the Briggs twin runs. I've had all three brand of twins. The Briggs 16 and Kohler KT 17 are very smooth running engines. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
