ONAN ELECTRIC PLANT

I have an Onan Electric Plant charging set, 1260 watts, No2. Model 123l-5, serial No 123.147899, Gen No 142272, 36/30 volt, 39/33 Amp output. Does anybody know how to date it and what it was used for. I'm also looking for a service manual if such a thing exists. I have been informed that they were fitted to Sherman Tanks to keep the batteries topped up and to run the radio set. can anyone confirm this. thanks for trying.

Simon, I have a copy of the 123L manual, which shows a wiring diagram dated 1942. In the parts section it shows a mounting frame with a tool box mounted and a tool kit. It also shows a canvas bag to cover it. The exaust goes to the muffler via a flexible tubing. This is all consistant with military use, which makes it possible that some of these were used in tanks. See the attached but inconclusive Onan dating. The note which says "a period or dash was sometimes used instead of the letter", pretty much renders this list useless, as most older plants I've seen, have a period, as does yours.

HI GUS, SORRY IF I DIDNT GET STRAIGHT BACK TO YOU BUT JUST AFTER I POSTED THIS NOTICE I HAD MEGA PC PROBLEMS (DARK ART TO ME THESE THINGS)AND I CANT REMEMBER WHO I REPLIED TO AND WHO I STILL HAD TO REPLY TO. I HAVE FOUND OUT THESE CHARGING SETS WERE FITTED TO AEC MATADORS (UK TRUCKS) AND THE LIKE THAT WERE USED AS COMMAND VEHICLES DURING WWII. APPARENTLY THERE WERE 3 DIFFERENT UNITS FITTED. ONE LIKE MINE TO CHARGE BATTERIES AND RUN RECEIVERS. A HIGHER VOLTAGE ONE FOR XMITTING AND I DONT KNOW WHAT THE OTHER WAS FOR BUT IM SURE SOMEONE WILL INFORM US WHAT FOR AND IF IM CORRECT IN WHAT I HAVE FOUND OUT. MANY THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY IT POINTS ROUGHLY IN THE RIGHT ERA.