generator runs but no 120v power

[BrianV]

Hi,

I've a Onan Emerald III GenSet in a '99 Sea Breeze that runs but does not deliver power to the coach.

Shore power works well. 12v battery power works well.

The generator had been surging on occasion - not all the time, but once in a while - sometimes upon starting, sometimes after 15 or 20 minutes. (I keep the tank pretty full so it's not a gas tank issue).

Last night it surged for a while and then stopped. I started it back up and that's when I noticed the lack of 120v power.

I was going to see if the 150 amp circuit breaker was tripped but coudn't locate the the reset lever. (any ideas there, too?)

What should I check regarding the generator and the electrical system, or should I just call the repair shop?

[Richard S.]

Check the breaker on the generator. Turn them off and on a couple of times.

[johnandcaren]

Brian,
I am in no way a qualified gen person, however I had the same problem on a home still under the dealers warranty. They said bring it in, then told me, "Your generator is broken so go to an Onan dealer". (Idiots)

Well, I got online to Onan and bought a new fuel filter (which I don't think was the problem) and a Service Manual.

After studying some, I went in to try adjusting the governor since that can cause problems like this, and found that one of the two plug wires was loose. And it just came to life, settled down, and started providing power.

Before this, I had voltage surges from 50 to 90 and the Hz were changing too fast to follow.

After, it worked correctly.

Anyway, be sure the simple stuff is working. Plugs, wires, fuel, governor adjustment (from service manual), etc.

good luck