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Old 03-22-2012, 05:29 PM   #1
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Gen. will not hold 2 a/c's

My owners manual says my 5000 watt Koehler gen. will operate my 2 a/c's When I put the second A/C online the voltage goes from 120 V to less than 100 V.I have a 30 amp system and I know you cant run 2 a/c's on shore power but your supposed to be able to when on Generator. Obviously you cant. The genny runs perfect and put out 120 V with one a/c but start the other and it drags it way down.. Any suggestions ?
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Old 03-22-2012, 05:39 PM   #2
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Sounds like the governor needs adjustment. The engine should speed up and handle the second AC. Your unit is rated to run two airs.
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Old 03-22-2012, 07:26 PM   #3
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Unless it is an inverter style generator, the generator will not speed up. The 60 hz output is controlled by the engine speed and it runs at a constant speed. The additional A/C will put additional load on the generator, the voltage will sag a bit and the governor on the generator will increase the throttle to maintain 60 hertz and bring the voltage back up.

Now a more expensive inverter generator, will run at reduced or increased speed to handle the load and voltage. The frequency is controlled electronically and is not dependent on generator speed.

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Old 03-22-2012, 07:38 PM   #4
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I would double check if you can run both a/c units. I don't think my 5500 Onan will run both of my a/c units (15000 & 13500). I just run the a/c unit I need at that time.
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Old 03-22-2012, 07:43 PM   #5
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Does the generator engine slow significantly when the second A/C comes on line? If so it could be a restricted fuel filter. Has it ever pulled both A/C's?
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Old 03-22-2012, 07:48 PM   #6
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I'd expect a 5500 to run both. The one in my old pace arrow did. spray the carb linkage / governer linkage with carb cleaner, change the oil and filter and fuel filer, and just flatt run her for a while.
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Old 03-22-2012, 08:01 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TGR View Post
I would double check if you can run both a/c units. I don't think my 5500 Onan will run both of my a/c units (15000 & 13500). I just run the a/c unit I need at that time.
I guess mine must both be 13,500W, cause my 5.5KW Generac has no trouble running both .
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Old 03-22-2012, 08:26 PM   #8
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Runs one or two air conditioners with power to
spare.5500 onan,mine has 2 30amp breakers,

Air conditioner starting:
One 13500 Btu air
conditioner with 3000 W base load or two 11000 Btu air
conditioners with 1500 W base load
So if you start the 13500 first then start the other.I can run both at the same time.
A 15000 btu roof air is only 2000 watts,and a 13500 btu air is about 1500 watts,so a 5500 watt generator should run both with no problem.

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Old 03-23-2012, 06:55 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 96 Wideglide

I guess mine must both be 13,500W, cause my 5.5KW Generac has no trouble running both .
My 5500 Generac runs both of mine which is a no brainer as my 30amp coach runs both on shore power. Both on low fan pulls about 24-26amps
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Old 03-23-2012, 07:16 AM   #10
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Quote:
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I'd expect a 5500 to run both. The one in my old pace arrow did. spray the carb linkage / governer linkage with carb cleaner, change the oil and filter and fuel filer, and just flatt run her for a while.
I did all that except I didnt spray the linkage with carb cleaner I'll try the carb cleaner today. With one a/c going the volt meter reads 120 Kick on the other a/c and it immediately drops to 100 V or lower. I use one of those meters that plugs directley into a 110 resceptical. and you just leave it there plugged in. I agree that it should hold both a/c's but the second one will drag it down in no time at all. Both a/cs keep going ok but that low of a voltage scares me and I shut one off immediately..
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Old 03-23-2012, 07:27 AM   #11
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Just a thought. Have you tried alternating which AC you turn on first? Perhaps the capacitor is bad in one of them?
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Old 03-23-2012, 07:33 AM   #12
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What else are you trying to run on electricity when attempting to run the 2 A/Cs? The water heater? Refrigerator? Coffee pot? Hair dryer? Microwave? Any of these are current hogs and, especially if several are in use, could affect the ability of your generator to handle the 2nd A/C unit.

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Old 03-23-2012, 07:42 AM   #13
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The manual presumes your generator has been cared for in the perscribed manner during it's life time, particulaly when it comes to fuel. You do not say if this is a generator original to you. If it is then you know the answer.

If it is the same vintage as your MH, and you are not the original owner; has it ever handled two AC's since you aquired the MH? If not then it could just be the build up of the dreaded shellac in the fuel system which occurs with inactivity. It may need a more complete cleaning of the fuel system. At least it could use a good workout.

Your generator evidently has the capacity if running well, not at idle but under load.
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Old 03-23-2012, 07:56 AM   #14
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If all the wiring isn't original, you might check that each AC is on separate breakers - Most 5500 Watt generators have a 30 amp & 20 amp breaker; if both ACs ended up on the same generator output that would cause your problem. Try shutting off the breakers at the generator one at a time to check...
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