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Born to roam · 06-21-2022, 01:03 PM

So,I'm still learning the ropes with my 2000 Intrigue and today decided to change the oil and filter on my Kubota 8.0 generator. Well.... when I tried starting the generator for warm it up, the battery didn't have enough juice to turn it over.
I started the coach (with no problem) then while the coach was running tried starting the generator. It started right up.
I then changed the oil and filter then tried starting it again and still the same issue. It wouldn't start unless the coaches engine was running.
My question is which battery bank starts the generator? I thought the engine batteries start the generator also. But the engine starts right up with no problem. Would it be the house batteries?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

twinboat · 06-21-2022, 03:09 PM

Most likely.
That and you have weak or bad house batteries.

With engine running, the isolation system is connecting the charging chassis batteries to the low house batteries.

Don't leave your house batteries in a discharged state, they live a short life.

Born to roam · 06-21-2022, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Most likely.
That and you have weak or bad house batteries.

With engine running, the isolation system is connecting the charging chassis batteries to the low house batteries.

Don't leave your house batteries in a discharged state, they live a short life.

Yes I was leaning toward that also. I have 4 AGM batteries and have notice that one of them is bulging on the side and another has a loose cap that wont stay intact. The house batteries wont hold a charge long even with solar panels. So, Looks like it time to get batteries.
Thank you for re-confirming my thoughts.

funjnt · 06-23-2022, 05:28 AM

My 2000 Allure has the same problem. I have talked to people on here years ago when we got the coach. Someone mentioned that CC used too small of a gage wire running to the generator.

The generator start wire comes off the house batteries. It could be weak batteries but not the case with mine. When rv is running the battery combiner relay is closed sending the 13-14 volts to both battery banks thus giving a boost in voltage down the wire.

I have thought of adding another wire or a battery close to generator. It is a pain when camping to have to start main to run gen.

PS, I also replaced the starter and that wasn't the problem.

Born to roam · 06-26-2022, 06:41 AM

Ok…thank you for the tip. I have been looking into ordering a new bank of house batteries hoping that will solve the problem. That’s a good idea. When I replace the batteries I’ll tie a new heavier gage wire to one end of the old one and snake it through and hopefully avoid this from happening in the future.
Thank you!!!

funjnt · 06-26-2022, 11:12 AM

If you run a new wire let me know how it goes. I have thought about that but looks like a pia. Especially where it ties into generator.

**CountryFit** · 06-28-2022, 12:13 AM

The Powertech 8000 demands heavy current to start up. You could see a big voltage drop on the house battery at the moment of cranking. This can be evidenced by seeing the ceiling lights dimming. A quick voltage drop indicates a fast current out-flowing, via the wires, obviously the wires are doing the job adequately.

When I had flooded house batteries, I had times of struggling on the genset start. But ever since I adapted lithium battery, there has not been a case of failed start, with 99% of chances just one click. I would suggest that you work on the house batteries, not the wires.

CntryCoachRV · 06-28-2022, 04:31 PM

I have a 2000 Intrigue with the Powertech 8K generator, if house batteries are not fully charged or if I need to clean battery terminals I have had same issue. Charging the batteries and cleaning terminals have always been the solution that worked for me.

Born to roam · 06-29-2022, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryFit

The Powertech 8000 demands heavy current to start up. You could see a big voltage drop on the house battery at the moment of cranking. This can be evidenced by seeing the ceiling lights dimming. A quick voltage drop indicates a fast current out-flowing, via the wires, obviously the wires are doing the job adequately.

When I had flooded house batteries, I had times of struggling on the genset start. But ever since I adapted lithium battery, there has not been a case of failed start, with 99% of chances just one click. I would suggest that you work on the house batteries, not the wires.

Yes, I agree I noticed the same thing. My lifeline Agm batteries are not holding a charge like they use two. Checked into replacing them but they are getting close to the same cost of lithium batteries. Did you have to change out your chargers and inverter when you switched?
Some people have said you have to.
Thanks for your help

deandec · 06-29-2022, 09:37 AM

My Powertech generator will charge the house batteries which can then be used to boost a low Engine battery if needed.

I have learned that having the generator powered by the house batteries, you can counter a low battery situation at either the house battery or the engine battery.

On my old rig I have a dedicated generator start battery also. This has been convenient on a couple of occasions.

**CountryFit** · 06-29-2022, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Born to roam

Yes, I agree I noticed the same thing. My lifeline Agm batteries are not holding a charge like they use two. Checked into replacing them but they are getting close to the same cost of lithium batteries. Did you have to change out your chargers and inverter when you switched?
Some people have said you have to.
Thanks for your help

I had had a lithium compatible inverter MS2812 before I put my hands on the lithium battery. It was an easy decision to make for me at the time. If you have the stock Heart Interface 20D, you might want to consider replacing it, for many electronic devices nowadays demand pure sine wave that your 20D doesn't provide, but, you can make lithium battery work with 20D, although less than ideal.

Most lithium batteries are charged at 14.6v, for the reason of fast charging while no side effect to the battery. Normally lithium battery is at 13.8v when full. If you want to charge it with the existing inverter on flooded battery profile, you can, except slower and the battery may not be charged to 100% SOC. Nevertheless you can use it and won't damage the battery, it's just not optimized.

Alternatively, you can get a standalone lithium 14.6v charger, hook up with an ATS so the lithium battery can be charged automatically, provided you are good at electrical stuff, or just charge it externally.

Overall, with the current prices on lithium and AGM, I would say lithium is the way to go.

Food for thought...