Again the Genset/generator October 02, 2024, 02:11:04 pm Our 98~MB with the Onan Micro line Genset back in October last year began to shut off after the start button was let go. It will run fine as long as you hold the button down. We really don't use the generator except to exercises it every couple months but we had not started it for over six months before October. I believe I reported this here on LDO last year and some suggestions possibly a generator issue. Mostly the idea was that the Genset was shutting down because the generator was not making any voltage. I think at that time most suggestions required the removal of the Genset to work on it. We had a big trip coming in the next few days so we basically ignored the Genset. A couple days ago roughly ten months later while after a cold night on Mt Rainier 30 degrees at 6200 feet we tried starting it "just to see". The Genset started and continued to run after letting go of the button! With in a few seconds the generator produced power and ran the AC for about twenty minutes before we shut it off. I tried it again a few minutes later and it worked again and made power. We headed home and a day later I tested it here at sea-level and 65 degrees, it started to run and make power until it was under load then it shut down. It now runs without load but when it gets loaded it shuts down. Just like when did with the button off. I wonder now since it's function seems to be more specific to load directly on the generator that it may be more a telling sign? Karen~Liam 98 ~ MB NinA
Re: Again the Genset/generator Reply #1 – October 02, 2024, 03:08:49 pm Hi Liam; Your '98 like my '99 (unless you've replaced your generator, or added it after purchase from Lazy Daze) should be an Onan Emerald Plus. A two cylinder not electronically controlled noisy beast. The 2003 and newer have the MicroQuiet, internal muffler, one cylinder microcontroller genset. A similar but not the same, quieter engine. Both are rated 4KW and run on gasoline. Troubleshooting is different. I know that the choke and altitude manual adjustments are necessary to keep the Emerald running at its best. (personal experience). At 30 degrees and 6000' altitude, both adjustments would be much different than at sea level and 100 degree weather. The choke particularly makes the generator sensitive to load changes. If you are old enough to remember manual choke car engines, when warmed up but forgetting to turn off the choke, made for confusing and poor performance. Letting todays formulated gasolines sit in the carburetor float bowl can result in gum formation, and poor filter flow. Running the generator for awhile with no load might help clean out some goo. Poor 60 hertz frequency, or engine 'unsteady' speeds can be because of dirt affecting the external speed regulator mechanism. I spray silicone, or even WD-40 on that to loosen it up. Other problems with copper oxide build up on the 'exposed to the weather' (and road conditions) slip rings and carbon brushes can also cause problems with generators. Do you have a lot of hours on your generator? I'm still at 135 hours. RonB
Re: Again the Genset/generator Reply #2 – October 04, 2024, 11:56:05 am Thanks Ron, So as it turns out the model in our 98~MB is an Onan RV QG 2800. The original owner opted for no Genset but changed his mind a couple years later so he had the Mothership install one probably around 2000. I ran the the Genset with the least load on the generator and it ran for about 10 minutes and then shut off. I tried restarting it but it would shut down again like before and would only stay on while the button remained pressed. I will try again once it has cooled off but my guess is that something in the generator when heated up is causing it to fail outputting enough voltage so it shuts down the Genset more then the Genset engine shutting down on it's own? Karen~Liam 98 ~ MB NinA
Re: Again the Genset/generator Reply #3 – October 04, 2024, 01:01:50 pm Hi Liam; I think you already know about Flight Systems. You can book a trouble shooting session with them over the phone for free with them. You need to fill out their form first on measurement and symptoms first. https://www.flightsystems.com/troubleshoot . I bought a 'used' Onan Micro Lite 2800 Watt generator, almost new, abused by an owner who didn't have enough knowledge to hook it up correctly. Took a while to install it in my non LD, older '79 Dodge chassis, that wasn't prepped for a generator. That was my 'learner' motorhome. (I learned enough to buy a new Lazy Daze!) Your QG in 2800 sounds like a newer model than I had. Mine had sat around for some time, gummed up carb, etc. Your newer one might just be a fuel pump, but more like a voltage regulator issue. A previous thread just seven months ago Onan Emerald Plus not running. specifies this exact same issue. If the controller doesn't detect 110VAC it won't continue running after the start switch is let go. (makes sense and fits your symptoms). When you hold the switch down long enough for the timer to turn on the load (LD) does it provide 110VAC? Jota's experience with the voltage regulator may be your problem! RonB
Re: Again the Genset/generator Reply #4 – October 04, 2024, 03:17:36 pm Ron, I think you maw be right! I remember that post in the spring and thought that it could be a possibility? I wonder if the Voltage Regulator could be accessed without removing the generator? I will not start any of those work projects till I can get our 98~MB in our building in a few weeks. I will keep starting the Getset and run it, just in case? We still have a couple trips coming up shortly, going to the Olympic coast to see and photograph the Comet and Mushroom harvest take precedent! Karen~Liam 98 ~ MB NinA 1 Likes
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