Community Forums

roknjohn · 06-12-2014, 06:23 PM

I think there is something wrong with my generator. Here's why... Right now, my MH is parked in the driveway connected to my 20amp shorepower. If I turn on the front A/C, it runs as expected - meaning, the fan starts immediately then the compressor kicks in after about 10 seconds. However, if I crank the generator (with the A/C off) and turn on the front A/C, the fan comes on for only about 8-10 seconds then turns off completely. Thermostat shows a steady green light, but no fan and no compressor.

If I crank the genny with the A/C already running, I get different results. Sometimes the A/C continues to run fine. Other times, it stops after 8-10 seconds. Then occasionally, when the compressor tries to restart, the genny will sound like its bogging down for a moment, then the A/C shuts off altogether.

I would like to "load test" my generator but not sure how to do that. The gen starts easily and does generate power. Microwave seems to work OK.

I also noticed something else that may or may not be "new". When I turn off the generator (and sometimes when I start it), I hear a chatter coming from underneath the fridge. It sounds like something stuck in a fan blade for a second. I have a video I'll try to upload in a bit. I suspect it has something to do with the transfer switch. Is this normal?

roknjohn · 06-12-2014, 06:34 PM

Here's is a video that I took while kneeling at the refrigerator when my daughter turned off the generator. You can hear the "chatter" that I was referring to.

chuckftboy · 06-12-2014, 06:41 PM

does the same happen with the rear A/C or is this with the front A/C only?

94-Newmar · 06-13-2014, 04:59 AM

Certainly you have some issues to address. Lets get some info!

Generator make/model #

1st:
Your problem with the Air conditioner(s) may be nothing more than an AC power voltage issue. It would nice if you could post some voltage numbers at various outlets in the coach while the generator is running under 0 load and when you're trying to run the air conditioner(s). Do you have a voltmeter?

2nd:
With the generator turned off, and shore power unplugged, I suggest removing the small access cover on the top of the front cover to the genset (where the 120AC wiring connects to it) and having a look at the wires and their connections. It's not uncommon for those to work loose over time which causes excessive heat and eventually burns the wiring a bit.

3rd:
The fan chattering sound certainly is most interesting at this point. Not sure where your 12vdc converter is located from memory on a 98 Discovery but it certainly sounds as if the fan on it is chattering when AC power is removed from it.

4th:
Load testing can be done at many Cummins/Onan facilities. Call around to see which ones have the load bank equipment.

roknjohn · 06-13-2014, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckftboy

does the same happen with the rear A/C or is this with the front A/C only?

Well, I have a different issue with my rear A/C, there is a bad bearing or something so I haven't been running it.

golfpgb · 06-26-2014, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roknjohn

Here's is a video that I took while kneeling at the refrigerator when my daughter turned off the generator. You can hear the "chatter" that I was referring to.

My Bounder makes the same noise when I shut off the generator.

Not sure what is chattering behind the breaker panel. Suspect some type of change over relay possibly.

mchero · 06-28-2014, 08:13 AM

Any "changeover" relay should be in the Xfer switch.

This sounds like a VERY INTERESTING post.

Do you have an energy management system?
Time to grab the popcorn!