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Old 08-17-2018, 10:04 PM   #1
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Generator problem

2009 generac 4000 in a gulfstream 63110.

Worked fine... Now doesn't....

Starts no problem, but won't run anything. Microwave won't even have clock come on.... Actually... did for 3 seconds... Sounded like generator went under load... Then.. It stopped and generator ran at idle...

Worked 2 days ago... Drove 400 miles.. Quite bumpy roads, now nothing

Almost like power not switching over from batteries?

What could be the issue?

Help please still 2000 miles on our trip.

Sylster
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Old 08-17-2018, 10:13 PM   #2
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Check for tripped circuit breaker on the generator.
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Old 08-17-2018, 10:24 PM   #3
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Checked all breaker and fuses...nothing.

S
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Old 08-18-2018, 09:59 PM   #4
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Everything works... When plugged in... Definitely generator related

S
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Old 08-20-2018, 07:48 AM   #5
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If all 120v systems work when plugged into shore power and none of them work with generator running and generator circuit breaker(s) not tripped, the next most probable cause is Automatic Transfer Switch not switching over to Generator input.
With shore power unplugged and generator off remover cover on the ATS and check/tighten all the terminal screws to make sure all connections are tight. Also look for signs of arcing or melted wire insulation. If no loose screws or burnt wires the next test is to use a volt meter to check for generator input voltage and ATS output with generator running.
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Old 08-30-2018, 12:04 AM   #6
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so...my friend and I started looking into the generator issue.

Here is where we are at.

There is power coming from the generator. We found a junction box that was live when the generator breaker was on....no power when it's off

followed the power to what we think is the auto transfer switch....see picture says distribution panel on the cover

before I start....everything works on shore power even battery charging ...zero issues

3 breakers....we tried isolating them to see if it did anything.

- 110 amp one must be the ignition on the generator or maybe battery power to generator. With it off, genset doesn't start

- 50 amp one...when on...seems to run the outlets ...we could get the microwave to run and got power in all the outlets

- 80 amp one is where it gets interesting. I think it might be to the A/C unit and converter....ok...bear with me...if we turn it off the 50amp one works just fine. Turn the 80amp one on....generator goes under load and no more 120 power anywhere.

- Then we went to the breaker panel inside the RV....this is the weird part....it didn't make a difference if the A/C breaker was on/off....it's the converter 15 amp breaker that seem to trip it....it would trip the 80 amp breaker off...we'd have to reset it...then if we tried again...it goes under alot of load....like if your're running at max capacity. turn off the converter breaker...and you can run the A/C unit

Can the A/C unit and inverter be on the same breaker....that 80 Amp one?...can a bad converter not trip the inside 15 amp breaker but the 80 Amp one? but works on shore power?

Could it be just that 80 amp breaker that is faulty? Could a loose connection do this? I know zero about electrical stuff...it's quite frustrating.

The relays...stickers are in french would translate to Exterior Front....Exterior rear.....the rest of fuses and last relay I have no clue

Can anyone identify the bard of this panel? no markings anywhere.....would love to find a diagram....and maybe order parts

I will rarely....maybe 5% of the time be on shore power...I need the generator to charge the batteries....On the other hand....A/C ...in the Yukon...not a necessity at all....lol

S.
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Old 08-30-2018, 01:28 AM   #7
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All of the breakers in your picture are 12 volt battery system breakers.

This is not the auto transfer switch area or anything to do with it. 120 volt breakers look like the ones in your house. 15, 20, 30, and maybe double 50 amp breakers. They have small trip levers.

120 amp must be your battery to generator starter.

The other 2 are probably house and isolation breakers. If there is a heavy load on the generator, there may be a battery miss-wiring or short in the 12 volt battery system. That can overload your working generator.

Did you do any battery work just before this issue came up ? Take some pictures of your batteries and cables If you did.
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Old 08-30-2018, 12:09 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twinboat View Post
All of the breakers in your picture are 12 volt battery system breakers.

This is not the auto transfer switch area or anything to do with it. 120 volt breakers look like the ones in your house. 15, 20, 30, and maybe double 50 amp breakers. They have small trip levers.

120 amp must be your battery to generator starter.

The other 2 are probably house and isolation breakers. If there is a heavy load on the generator, there may be a battery miss-wiring or short in the 12 volt battery system. That can overload your working generator.

Did you do any battery work just before this issue came up ? Take some pictures of your batteries and cables If you did.

We followed the power cable from the Generator (Which is AC according to my manual) and it leads to this distribution block....how can it ONLY be DC?


We installed a second battery....BUT ....it was all functional before the start of the trip. This issue came up DURING our trip.

We looked everywhere for that auto transfer switch. Short of taking the converter/fuse panel out to check behind that under the bed in the rear slide bedroom...we cannot locate it.

Is it possible that all electrical converges under the bed in the back. It's all closed in and really hard to access.

Shouldn't that transfer switch be frame mounted or something?

S.
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Old 08-30-2018, 12:17 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sylster View Post
Is it possible that all electrical converges under the bed in the back. It's all closed in and really hard to access.

Shouldn't that transfer switch be frame mounted or something?

S.
The electrical may very well be under the bed, especially if the bed is hinged (lift the bed and)...look to the very rear and see if you can find the shore power lead in, follow it to the (back side of the breaker box), transfer switch and converter...may be under/behind a plywood panel. also there may be a breaker box on the left side of the bed mounted on the bed pedestal..
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Old 08-30-2018, 12:19 PM   #10
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I moved my converter to it's own breaker when I installed solar. This might be a good idea for you as well while troubleshooting. You could pick up a clamp on meter and see what type of current draw the various items have (most specifically the converter)
Short term you could use a regular battery charger to keep the batteries charged.
Have you found the AC distribution panel yet? How about the transfer switch?
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