Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #75 – March 01, 2021, 08:17:52 pm I’m a huge fan of “take it in”. Keeps me from screwing things up & it supports the economy. Kent 1 Likes
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #76 – March 01, 2021, 08:52:03 pm Rich,Solar can be an inexpensive addition to an RV. Panel prices have dropped along with the cost of inverters and controllers. AM Solar has DIY kits and offer assistance for installation. For a simple system, golf cart batteries do just fine for storage. Upgrade as time and $ allow. No need to spend a fortune right away. For $5,000 I might split the cash between a reliable portable generator (if one does not already exist in the rig) and a solar kit. Five grand is a lot of money for a DIY system. I’ve seen some systems made for much less. The addition of a generator would help in eliminating power short falls. It all comes down to putting all your eggs in one basket. When one part of the equation fails, you still have a back up.Just a thought.Kent 1 Likes
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #77 – March 02, 2021, 02:34:13 am Hi Ted; thanks for doing the research. Let us know how it goes, and I'm wishing that it goes well for you. RonB 1 Likes
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #78 – March 02, 2021, 09:50:46 am Quote from: RonB - March 02, 2021, 02:34:13 amHi Ted; thanks for doing the research. Let us know how it goes, and I'm wishing that it goes well for you. RonBThanks for the help Ron.It's at the stage where it needs to be dropped. This will be a good opportunity for the shop to go over it thoroughly.I was hoping I could fix this but it's at the point where it's impractical for me to remove it.
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #79 – March 02, 2021, 02:15:54 pm I have the same generator in our 94 and I have studied how a guy drops it, I think you made the right decision. While your at it, have them change the back spark plug.Jon
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #80 – March 02, 2021, 02:23:22 pm Quote from: JonS - March 02, 2021, 02:15:54 pmI have the same generator in our 94 and I have studied how a guy drops it, I think you made the right decision. While your at it, have them change the back spark plug.JonI changed the plugs a couple of years ago. There is an access port on the back wall. Very handy!
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #81 – March 02, 2021, 06:02:55 pm I had a bad fuel pump that I changed out and I looked for an access hole for the rear plug then and didn't see one. I'm gonna look again now. Thanks.Jon
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #82 – March 02, 2021, 06:07:57 pm Quote from: JonS - March 02, 2021, 06:02:55 pmI had a bad fuel pump that I changed out and I looked for an access hole for the rear plug then and didn't see one. I'm gonna look again now. Thanks.JonMy 95 has access.
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #83 – March 04, 2021, 02:08:26 pm I typed up a sheet for the generator repair guy. Would you add anything?Thanks.Generator issues from start of symptoms to now• No power to the motorhome with generator running.• Noticed generator breaker was tripped off.• Replaced breaker but breaker still tripped off.• Tested lead at the breaker while running and it was 170 VAC.• Unhooked the Automatic Transfer Switch, started the generator, and the breaker stayed on.• Tested 9 and 10 pins at plug to regulator at 70 ohms.• Started generator and tested 9 and 10 pins. Ohms all over the place.• Replaced brushes and shined up rings• Static tested 9 and 10 pins at plug to regulator at a steady 24 ohms.• Started generator and tested 9 and 10 pins. Ohms still all over the place.With this diagnostics I have been told that the rotor has a “flying short” in it.I am also concerned that the ATS has been damaged inside the motorhome.I didn’t get a regulator for fear of ruining it.I wanted to find out the deeper issues first.
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #84 – March 04, 2021, 02:58:09 pm Hi Ted; I'd reference that the generator engine was running, but the regulator was unplugged, when you tested the ohms of the brush/slip rings fluctuating while the rotor was turning. I'd also reference 'Flight Systems" as the source of the diagnosis of a 'flying short' in the wiring of the rotor. The RV dealer in El Cajon may already know about Flight Systems. RonB 1 Likes
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #85 – March 04, 2021, 03:45:45 pm Quote from: RonB - March 04, 2021, 02:58:09 pmHi Ted; I'd reference that the generator engine was running, but the regulator was unplugged, when you tested the ohms of the brush/slip rings fluctuating while the rotor was turning. I'd also reference 'Flight Systems" as the source of the diagnosis of a 'flying short' in the wiring of the rotor. The RV dealer in El Cajon may already know about Flight Systems. RonBGood advice Ron.Thanks
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #86 – March 16, 2021, 12:05:09 pm Update:Quality RV in El Cajon, CA dropped the generator. It needs a new carburetor (choke) and voltage regulator plus an oil change and general going overall for a lot less than I thought.Jerry at Quality RV has been great to work with. I recommend him for generator work.It still needs an AT Switch. The 170v ruined it. They just do generator work at Quality RV so I'll be calling other shops about replacing the ATS. I've been suggested Sonrise RV in Oceanside, CA and I know a mobile repair guy also.
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #87 – March 16, 2021, 01:14:57 pm Quote from: tedeboy - March 16, 2021, 12:05:09 pmI've been suggested Sonrise RV in Oceanside, CA and I know a mobile repair guy also.Sonrise RV is in Escondido, CA Sonrise RVIf you decide to use them let us know how it goes.Charles
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #88 – March 16, 2021, 02:36:49 pm Quote from: Charles & Donna - March 16, 2021, 01:14:57 pmSonrise RV is in Escondido, CA Sonrise RVIf you decide to use them let us know how it goes.CharlesThey are booked out for a month. I am looking into installing the ATS myself or having my mobile repair guy do it.
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #89 – March 16, 2021, 02:54:44 pm Quote from: tedeboy - March 16, 2021, 02:36:49 pmThey are booked out for a month.Same story almost everywhere around here.Charles 1 Likes
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #90 – March 17, 2021, 02:57:09 pm New carb, new voltage regulator, plugs, oil change, and it now runs better than it ever has.Quality RV did a good job.I just need to replace the ATS and I'm good to go!ON EDIT:I asked Jerry at Quality RV how often the generator should be ran for maintaining it and his answer surprised me."2 hours every 30 days under the heaviest possible load."😯 3 Likes
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #91 – March 17, 2021, 03:46:41 pm Quote from: tedeboy - March 17, 2021, 02:57:09 pmNew carb, new voltage regulator, plugs, oil change, and it now runs better than it ever has.Quality RV did a good job.I just need to replace the ATS and I'm good to go!ON EDIT:I asked Jerry at Quality RV how often the generator should be ran for maintaining it and his answer surprised me."2 hours every 30 days under the heaviest possible load."😯I've heard this also but usually don't have the patience for much more that 30-45 minutes.Chris
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #92 – March 17, 2021, 04:48:50 pm Quote from: tedeboy - March 17, 2021, 02:57:09 pmI asked Jerry at Quality RV how often the generator should be ran for maintaining it and his answer surprised me."2 hours every 30 days under the heaviest possible load."😯I was under the impression it was only one hour until I got a copy of the Onan manual which states to run it for two hours under load. 1 Likes
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #93 – March 17, 2021, 06:00:23 pm Time for a good book or crosswords puzzle 1 Likes
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #94 – March 17, 2021, 06:32:48 pm I run ours for about a half hour at about 3,000 watts load. That's going to have to be good enough.Jon 2 Likes
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #95 – March 18, 2021, 12:01:23 pm Quote from: HiLola - March 17, 2021, 04:48:50 pmI was under the impression it was only one hour until I got a copy of the Onan manual which states to run it for two hours under load.I'm wondering if 1/2 hour per week is good or does it need to be ran for 2 hours all at once?
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #96 – March 18, 2021, 12:39:49 pm The objective is to bring the oil temp high enough, long enough, to remove all the moisture and let the brushes remove the oxidation from the slip rings. Thirty minutes probably does it in Arizona, maybe not in Florida.If you drain the carburetor after running clogged jets may not be an issue. 2 Likes
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #97 – March 18, 2021, 01:01:22 pm I run my genny twice a month. Each time for one hour with either the roof AC or Roof Heater running. That’s pretty much the norm from what I understand. Five years with our ‘15 RB and the genny has started every time. Except for an adjustment for altitude, all has been trouble free.Kent 3 Likes
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #98 – March 20, 2021, 04:17:46 pm Got the auto transfer switch out.A new one is on the way!This one smells burnt.I double checked the generator voltage at the leads coming into the ATS and the testing was 120.So much better than 170 😳😂 1 Likes
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator Reply #99 – March 21, 2021, 06:11:36 pm Somebody through the years relocated ours in the cupboard under the sink. Much easier to access I think.Jon 3 Likes