AC Operation During Storage or Winter

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AC Operation During Storage or Winter

November 11, 2015, 08:09:39 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 156938

We're just about finished developing our list of the many maintenance time frames listed in the LD manual and suggestions I've found in this forum. The list includes monthly items, semi-annual, annual and so forth. One of the maintenance lists in the files section suggests running the AC once a month for 30 minutes. I haven't found the source for that recommendation and I don't remember reading it in the LD manual. We'd be appreciative for guidance for the frequency of running the AC as part of our maintenance schedule. As always, thank you in advance for your help.

Ed & Margee Fort Worth

Re: AC Operation During Storage or Winter

Reply #1 – November 11, 2015, 08:36:34 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 156939

When I exercise the genset here in Denver in the winter at the storage unit, I turn on the a/c for a while and after shutting it down, turn on a space heater. Both draw beaucoup amps and help put a load on the genset. I run it about 30 mins each month.

Chris

Re: AC Operation During Storage or Winter

Reply #2 – November 12, 2015, 11:23:08 am

Yahoo Message Number: 156949

Can't direct you to a source for running the ac every month, other than my now retired RV tech. He said it, I do it. The ac is no worse for the wear. PLUS you need to put a load on the generator when you run it once a month. It's not good enough to just run the generator. It's need to be under load. Chris, I run the ac and a space heater at the same time - twice the load.

PS Anyone know where I can get some foam for a new ac filter. Please tell me at dmalpas at gmail dot com.

Re: AC Operation During Storage or Winter

Reply #3 – November 12, 2015, 01:27:07 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 156951

"Chris, I run the ac and a space heater at the same time - twice the load."

Good idea, Don.

Chris

Re: AC Operation During Storage or Winter

Reply #4 – November 12, 2015, 08:12:43 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 156957

Our LD Manual states that Onan (Cummins) recommends running the generator 2 hours per month.

On our previous diesel Onans, the recommendation was 1 hour per month.

It seems to me that 30 minutes straight running with a good load would keep the gen happy.

Good Luck,

Pat

Re: AC Operation During Storage or Winter

Reply #5 – November 17, 2015, 11:15:41 am

Yahoo Message Number: 157020

Late to the party on this.
The major reason for regular running go the generator is to boil away any moisture that has accumulated In the generator's windings. Moisture can slowly break down the insulation. The other benefits is keeping the carburetor clean, preventing gum build up and removing any condensation in the engine oil.

Runs times should be adjusted according to the ambient air temps. The colder the weather, the longer he run time.
This may be up to two hours in very cold, winter conditions or as short as a half hour during hot weather.
Make sure to put a heavy load on the generator, during maintenance runs.
Generator love to love to run under a big load, regularly. It is the best thing you can do to prolong its life.

Larry

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