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Redneckgal · 06-26-2016, 05:53 PM

Hi guys! It's me again lol. I'm having so many problems with everything on my recently "as is" purchase of my 1999 National Dolphin 5350. Main one is POWER. We were told but the wolf in sheep's clothing of a salesman, that our model takes 3 batteries. But under the stairs or anywhere for that matter, we can only find 2. One in the left nook and one in the right nook with a gap between. I highly suspect that the 3rd battery goes there because we keep havING to jumpstart the generator, which will not stay running! Starts real strong for all of maybe 5 seconds and then dies. Help! Anxiously waiting for some helpful advice boondocking with the power in a heat advisory! Thanks in advance guys!

BFlinn181 · 06-26-2016, 08:07 PM

Sounds like the generator has a failing fuel pump or a clogged filter. Another possibility might be oil level is low.

Make sure the battery connections are clean, including cable to ground connection. Once the batteries are charged, take to an auto parts store and have the batteries load tested. If you have room and cables for a third battery, I'd add it to the house circuit to give more capacity for house functions.

Also you might measure the space for the batteries, perhaps a smaller, cheaper battery was installed. If you have the space, increase battery size and capacity.

kennersonf · 06-26-2016, 11:32 PM

You should have a minimum of three batteries. One twelve volt chassis battery and two six volt coach batteries (golf cart). The six volt batteries should be connected in series to supply 12 volts to the coach and to start the generator. Sounds like the previous owner took something out.

chboone · 06-28-2016, 12:27 AM

As kennersonf said you should have two 6V Golf Cart Batteries (GC-2) connected in series for the coach or as some call it the house, and one 12V battery for the chassis/engine starting. With the age of your Dolphin the generator starting problem could be a bad fuel hose from the fuel tank to the generator. To check if that is your problem you can get a length of fuel hose, connect it to the generator fuel line and put the end in a gas can. If the generator continues to run the old fuel line has cracks in it and the generator is running out of fuel. Be cautious working with and open container of gas.

Mr_D · 06-28-2016, 12:42 AM

Generator will also shut down if the controls detect that no power is being generated which could be due to non use.

m.elliott63 · 06-28-2016, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennersonf

You should have a minimum of three batteries. One twelve volt chassis battery and two six volt coach batteries (golf cart). The six volt batteries should be connected in series to supply 12 volts to the coach and to start the generator. Sounds like the previous owner took something out.

Our 1998 Sea Breeze was the same way when we purchased it. A 12V chassis battery and someone had put in a cheap 12V deep cycle Walmart battery for the house. I replaced the single house battery with (2) 6V Duracell golf cart batteries wired in series from Batteries Plus.

tnvolrvr · 06-29-2016, 01:27 PM

Did you get your generator problem fixed? I had the same issue with my 1997 Dolphin, run about 5 seconds and quit.. My problem turned out to be the oil pressure sensor on the generator. There are several videos on u-tube that explain how to test and replace this sensor. Hope you get it fixed

WasatchSteve · 06-30-2016, 07:31 PM

Exactly what happened to my 2004 dolphin. They dropped the fuel tank, replaced the hose and it runs like a champ.

ernalamo · 11-21-2022, 07:34 AM

I had the shutting down problem. The 2 magneto were heating and shutting the PCB down. Replaced one ,it started up on 1 cyl. Replaced the 2nd.one and has been running perfect for over 3 yrs.

Stannman · 11-22-2022, 04:44 PM

Lots of great info here. The original/proper battery configuration is 3 batteries. 1x 12V chassis battery and 2x 6V "house" batteries. The chassis battery is most important of course... if you can't start your coach you can't go anywhere to buy new house batteries. (see photos). Costco has the best price usually (under $100).

As far your generator is concerned, a fuel filter and pump are good starting point and a relatively inexpensive fix. If you have access to an air compressor (a tire inflator with a pool toy adapter nozzle could work) blow the fuel line back into the tank to make sure it not blocked.

My generator (Generac Q-55G) would shut down once in a great while, usually when it's hot weather. Or it would diesel (run on after shutdown) again when its hot out. Proper shutdown routine is to shut off all appliances (load) then wait 10-15 minutes THEN power off the Gen. I added a riding lawnmower fuel shutoff valve before the fuel pump to and close it to stop dieseling.

If my random shutdowns increase in frequency I may purchase new magnetos and replace them. I've included some photos to help.

Tov61 · 12-31-2022, 11:45 AM

My 2003 Dolphin 6320LX has 5 batteries. One 12V coach battery located under the entry way steps and 4 - 6 volt deep cell house batteries in the battery bank .

Scooter · 01-02-2023, 09:31 AM

We have the same set up as Tov61.

twinboat · 01-02-2023, 09:38 AM

What your calling coach battery is actually the chassis battery.

Coach and house are the same.

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