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florida egg · 11-02-2019, 08:08 AM

Hi all,

We have a 1998 Alpine (#48) FDS. When we are on generator power, the power from the generator shuts down (the generator does not shut down, just everything using electricity on the generator shuts down) after about 2 to 5 minutes. When this happens the generator slows down but does not shut down and it sounds like the power tries to re-engage about every 30 seconds (can actually hear a grinding noise from what sounds like the transfer switch below the fridge). Historically, there have been times when we would have the same problem when starting the generator (i.e. the generator would start but it would not engage after 30 seconds to power the house) in which case we could fix the problem by shutting down the generator, switching the house battery disconnect switch a couple of times and then restarting the generator. From my review of this wonderful site, it sounds like my problem could be the house battery switch, the junction before the transfer switch, the transfer switch itself, or the Xantrex. I have reset or checked the outlet above the bathroom sink so do not think that is the problem. Does anyone have any other areas to look into or threads to point to? Thanks in advance for your assistance and hope everyone has a great weekend.d

Scott

Alpine36 · 11-02-2019, 10:13 AM

Slide the generator out and have a look at the junction box behind the gen. (Follow the grey Kellems loom conduit coming out of the gen)
The factory used wire nuts at those connections and it is a known fail point. You'll need to crawl under and wiggle up to get there, but that's where I'd look first. The reason the generator is slowing down is likely because is isn't sensing any load.
For safety disclaimer, use the gen slide lock and disconnect from shore power first. Good luck.

Ljwt330 · 11-02-2019, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by florida egg

Hi all,

We have a 1998 Alpine (#48) FDS. When we are on generator power, the power from the generator shuts down (the generator does not shut down, just everything using electricity on the generator shuts down) after about 2 to 5 minutes. When this happens the generator slows down but does not shut down and it sounds like the power tries to re-engage about every 30 seconds (can actually hear a grinding noise from what sounds like the transfer switch below the fridge). Historically, there have been times when we would have the same problem when starting the generator (i.e. the generator would start but it would not engage after 30 seconds to power the house) in which case we could fix the problem by shutting down the generator, switching the house battery disconnect switch a couple of times and then restarting the generator. From my review of this wonderful site, it sounds like my problem could be the house battery switch, the junction before the transfer switch, the transfer switch itself, or the Xantrex. I have reset or checked the outlet above the bathroom sink so do not think that is the problem. Does anyone have any other areas to look into or threads to point to? Thanks in advance for your assistance and hope everyone has a great weekend.d

Scott

I had a somewhat similar issue which turned out to be a bad cable from the house batteries to the main fuse in the battery bay. A bit different than yours, but with the generator running, I could hear it trying to "power up", but it never could, though it was running.

Since you seem to be able to play with the battery disconnect switch and get things back on-line, at least for a while, the cabling of the battery bank may be the first place to look.

twinboat · 11-02-2019, 10:21 AM

Change the fuel filter.

The motor is loosing power and RPMs from low fuel pressure.

Once the RPMs drop, the voltage drops, letting the auto transfer switch open. Then with no load, it tries to speed back up and connect.

Alpine36 · 11-02-2019, 10:30 AM

Confused yet? All good suggestions and "first" places to look.

wolfe10 · 11-02-2019, 10:46 AM

Agree, BOTH fuel filter and connection from generator to house wireing are good starting places before starting any other troubleshooting.

Inexpensive and actually a good idea from a preventive maintenance standpoint.

florida egg · 11-02-2019, 10:46 AM

Thanks for the great ideas. Will let you know what we find.

Mule Skinner · 11-04-2019, 11:30 PM

You might also try snapping the breaker that is mounted on the generator off and back on.

Jeep401 · 11-05-2019, 06:38 AM

I second the gen junction box. This is what I found when I started have a similar problem. A fire waiting to happen!

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Mule Skinner · 11-05-2019, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeep401

I second the gen junction box. This is what I found when I started have a similar problem. A fire waiting to happen!Attachment 265928

Angelo
Where is this box?
Right at the generator?

Alpine36 · 11-05-2019, 03:54 PM

Just aft of the generator, mounted above. Follow the grey Kellems loom coming out of the gen back any you'll find it. Kinda hard to access but once you wiggle in there not too bad. Make sure to have all your tools and new wire clamps etc handy. And maybe a helper...

Jeep401 · 11-07-2019, 09:13 AM

Yup, pain to get to!
The hard part for me was that I had to pull some wire to get to good wire.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpine36

Just aft of the generator, mounted above. Follow the grey Kellems loom coming out of the gen back any you'll find it. Kinda hard to access but once you wiggle in there not too bad. Make sure to have all your tools and new wire clamps etc handy. And maybe a helper...