Putting generator under load in cold temps

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by peterson

Why does a generator need to be started and why then does it need to be loaded?

An answer besides an anecdotal one would be appreciated.

To be clear, I have read and understand the recomendations.

I bought a 1999 MH that has 6 hours on the original generator. It has worked fine for 400 + hours, over the last 2 years I've had it.

It is stored 200 miles from me, so it will not get run until I use it again, possibly in a years time. This will be my second time storing it for months at a time.

I pull the gas line off the filter, run it until it stalls, hook the line back up and walk away.

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by peterson

Why does a generator need to be started and why then does it need to be loaded?

An answer besides an anecdotal one would be appreciated.

Besides the moisture issue, I have also read that exercise also keeps the corrosion off of the slip rings, and keeps them nice and shiny.

Read this cover to cover.
http://power.cummins.com/sites/defau.../F-1123-EN.pdf

[Bigd9]

Non anecdotal - Here is what Onan says (see page 10)

http://power.cummins.com/sites/defau.../F-1123-EN.pdf

Anecdotal - On my 97 coach with propane Onan generator I found exactly like pasdad1 said. The slip rings would get tarnished and the generator would run, but not produce electricity. I had to "burnish" the rings to get the current flowing once again. I learned way back then the need to exercise the Onan whether it be winter, summer, spring, or fall. My current 2006 diesel Onan does not seem to have the tarnishing problem nearly as bad as the 97 propane Onan did.

[pumper9x9]

A word of caution on the electric space heaters. Your inverters are not made to carry that kind of load constantly. We burnt ours out doing that. Unless you have water in your water heater DO NOT run the electric element because it will burn out very quickly without water. If you want to run some heaters plug them directly into the generator and add to global warming outside the coach. Running the convection oven is a good idea an as long as you're heating it up you may as well bake a cake or fix dinner too.

[WILDEBILL308]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

Thougn I do not recommend 1500 watt space heaters in an RV except possibly in the washer/dryer outlet if so equipped... 900 watt (Same heater on low) not a problem.. One heater to a circuit though.. No more

Circuit is defined as a circuit breaker

I have no problem running a 1500vwatt space heater on hi. One to a circuit is a good idea as you will pop a circuit breaker otherwise.
The last time I had 42 amp load on the generator. It just purred along. When you do finish take the load off and let the generator run under no load for 5 minuets or so to cool down before shutting down.
Bill

[wolfcreek]

Much appreciation for all the time and effort given on this thread..

[WILDEBILL308]

Originally Posted by pumper9x9

A word of caution on the electric space heaters. Your inverters are not made to carry that kind of load constantly. We burnt ours out doing that. Unless you have water in your water heater DO NOT run the electric element because it will burn out very quickly without water. If you want to run some heaters plug them directly into the generator and add to global warming outside the coach. Running the convection oven is a good idea an as long as you're heating it up you may as well bake a cake or fix dinner too.

Your Inverters are not in the 110 circuit from your generator or shore power.
Bill

[JC2]

We also turn on a 1500w space heater, engine heater(about 1000w) and let her rip for 2 hrs or so. Works fine.

[Rich-n-Linda]

Originally Posted by pumper9x9

A word of caution on the electric space heaters. Your inverters are not made to carry that kind of load constantly. We burnt ours out doing that. Unless you have water in your water heater DO NOT run the electric element because it will burn out very quickly without water. If you want to run some heaters plug them directly into the generator and add to global warming outside the coach. Running the convection oven is a good idea an as long as you're heating it up you may as well bake a cake or fix dinner too.

When running the generator (or on shore power) the inverter is not used. Power to the 110 volt AC outlets comes directly from the generator or the shore power.


Rich

[rapid rick]

we plug in the heater in the same outlet as the keurig coffee pot,no big deal.I am toying with the idea of adding a small in line shutoff on the rubber fuel line to the gen,let it run out of fuel,and leave it,like someone else mentioned,good idea or no ??

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by Rich-n-Linda

When running the generator (or on shore power) the inverter is not used. Power to the 110 volt AC outlets comes directly from the generator or the shore power.

On some coaches the generator or shore power "passes through" a transfer switch built-in to the inverter.....so technically the power is not being "inverted" however it is running through a relay. High current can pit the contacts or heat up the relay over time.

[Bigd9]

My understanding is the reason for "exercising" the generator is mostly for the generating part of the gen set and not as much for the engine part. The electrical brushes rub on a copper part of the armature. During normal operations through out the year, this copper stays shinny and bright and very conductive. However, during the winter shutdown without running the generator this copper can get tarnished and may even stop generating electricity when you fire the gen set up in the spring.

[twinboat]

They tell us to run the generator to clean and dry the alternator slip rings and windings but tell us not to run the engine which turns the alternator that has slip rings and windings. Humm.

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by twinboat

They tell us to run the generator to clean and dry the alternator slip rings and windings but tell us not to run the engine which turns the alternator that has slip rings and windings. Humm.

The difference is the generator engine is about 50 horsepower, and gets a good workout when producing electricity, warming it quickly.......the chassis engine at 450 horsepower never heats up sufficiently just sitting in neutral. 😃