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jrd210 · 06-21-2018, 07:09 AM

Shore power AC works fine still but when running the Onan Propane Generator (recently overhauled) I blow a breaker ? after plugging in a hair dryer as a test (we cannot go anywhere obviously without one of those---house rule!!) There is a GFI wired in just after the generator in the front of the Damon, If I plug the hair dryer in there it keeps running OK. Otherwise whichever internal or external socket I plug it into, a breaker blows and the AC resets itself about 30 seconds later. Yes a short somewhere but where do I look????
Any ideas welcome, we cannot even find a technician in this area !

twinboat · 06-21-2018, 07:33 AM

Not a short. A short is a connection in a circuit that sends the current back to the source sooner then expected.

You may have a loose connection that is opening the circuit, from the heat of the current flowing.

First, is the generator engine bogging or slowing down when you turn on the hair dryer ?

If it is, the transfer switch may be opening due to low voltage. Once the load is off, the voltage comes back up and, after the built in 30 second delay, the auto transfer switch connects again.

The generator should stay at the same speed but work harder, straining under the load to do it.

Let us know what's happening.

jrd210 · 06-21-2018, 07:41 AM

Thx Twinboat. "First, is the generator engine bogging or slowing down when you turn on the hair dryer ?" not sure if you mean hiccupping (?bogging? or just running slow but it splutters -coughs?) and then after the circuit quits the generator runs fine again until another load is on it. Where is the Transfer switch (excuse my ignorance )??

jrd210 · 06-21-2018, 07:43 AM

To add to your question TB, we had a really rough journey back from last outing as the front airbags were zero and my back was sore for 3 days so the front end took a real jolting--so loose wire idea resonates--but where to look?? John

jrd210 · 06-21-2018, 08:56 AM

Actually problem happened while still camping at last site so before rough ride!! My wife reminded me.

jrd210 · 06-21-2018, 04:37 PM

I am presuming the transfer switch is on the right hand side of the Onan 5000 as you look at it?? There are two reset switches which I have cycled a few times.

twinboat · 06-21-2018, 05:14 PM

If the generator engine is slowing down, hiccuping, coughing or sputtering, the output voltage will drop.

There is nothing wrong with the transfer switch, you have an engine power problem.

Since its a propane generator, have you checked the level in the tank, and made sure the gas valve is open fully ?

jrd210 · 06-22-2018, 07:29 AM

If it is an engine power problem, it would seem that plugging a hair dryer into the first GFI would result in bugging??? It works fine there. It just splutters and kicks a breaker plugged in anywhere else in the RV, so if there is good response even on the one circuit, it would seem to indicate problem after generator. Hope to find out today.

jrd210 · 06-25-2018, 10:10 AM

TwinBoat--I think you had it right on, engine power, when I finally got around to sticking a voltmeter in the GFI that seemed to be working, it read 60V Ac is we are thinking that the brushes on the motor are not functioning. So now begins the search for someone who might fix that--I presume the whole shebang has to come out for that job. I would think of a new one but there do not seem to be gas propane generators around anymore.