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Topic: Not switching to AC voltage with generator (Read 1736 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #75 –
I’m a huge fan of “take it in”. Keeps me from screwing things up & it supports the economy.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #76 –
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
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #77 –
Hi Ted; thanks for doing the research.  Let us know how it goes, and I'm wishing that it goes well for you.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #78 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Ted; thanks for doing the research.  Let us know how it goes, and I'm wishing that it goes well for you.   RonB
Thanks 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.
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #79 –
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
1994 MB
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #80 –
Quote from: JonS  - 
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

I changed the plugs a couple of years ago. There is an access port on the back wall. Very handy!
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #81 –
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
1994 MB
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #82 –
Quote from: JonS  - 
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

My 95 has access.
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #83 –
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.

2021 Mid Bath
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #84 –
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
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #85 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
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

Good advice Ron.
Thanks
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #86 –
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.

2021 Mid Bath
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #87 –
Quote from: tedeboy  - 
I've been suggested Sonrise RV in Oceanside, CA and I know a mobile repair guy also.

Sonrise RV is in Escondido, CA Sonrise RV

If you decide to use them let us know how it goes.

Charles
Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #90 –
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."
😯
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #91 –
Quote from: tedeboy  - 
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."
😯

I've heard this also but usually don't have the patience for much more that 30-45 minutes.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
 
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #92 –
Quote from: tedeboy  - 
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 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.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #93 –
Time for a good book or crosswords puzzle
2002 TK 24ft
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #94 –
I run ours for about a half hour at about 3,000 watts load. That's going to have to be good enough.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #95 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
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.


I'm wondering if 1/2 hour per week is good or does it need to be ran for 2 hours all at once?
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #96 –
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.
Harry 2006RB
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #97 –
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
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #98 –
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 😳😂



2021 Mid Bath
Re: Not switching to AC voltage with generator
Reply #99 –
Somebody through the years relocated ours in the cupboard under the sink. Much easier to access I think.

Jon
1994 MB