ACE Generator Stops running - CODE 36

[Gfamily]

Originally Posted by Hittntheroad

Only problem I see with this location is the exhaust and noise close to where you are sitting under the awning area. Plus it's right under the bedroom.

I just took the Ace out the last two weekends . The gen ran great no problem with overheating . The noise wasn't bad at all since the pipe runs to the back of the rv . We never run the gen while were sleeping so no problem there for us.

[TheClark]

Will my generator overheat?

2012 Thor ace 29.1

We are traveling through eastern Oregon and Nevada in a couple weeks

I looked underneath and do not see any heat shield on the fuel line nor any heat shield near the generator and there is no vent in my door

I plan to take it for a test drive this weekend with the generator running

However after reading all these threads about the generator overheating I'm concerned we will have issues

[TheClark]

I am going to add some heat shield to the fuel line and cross my fingers. I couldn't find the fuel pump booster mentioned unfortunately

[flyfisherdb]

When the unit is running recommend testing inside wall plugs during it's operation to see if voltage spikes and ends up shutting unit down. I experienced this on our rig, almost exactly. Had to replace the voltage regulator on the generator, small part, simple fix once we got the idea to test voltage output of generator.

[Hittntheroad]

Originally Posted by dzimmer276

Hello all. I just wanted to let everyone know in this forum that there were a few things that have happened during the three plus years to correct this issue.

At first we thought this was an issue with the location of the Generator, which may have been part of the problem. After multiple attempts with CW we finally were able to get a plan from Thor to relocate the Generator to the back of the coach. Ironically they played it off as a one off issue, but when the package showed up it had way too detailed plans to be a one off. ;-)

After we relocated the Generator, it still continued to die after about 15 to 20 minutes.

Here is the kicker and one would think totally obvious - Every time we reported this issue to CW we told them this only happens when we run the AC with the Generator. Seems obvious to you the reader doesn't it?

And yes you are correct. There was a problem with the factory installed AC unit that caused the generator to stop working due to the draw from a fault in the AC. Once CW took the time to look into the issue, they say the electrical draw was too high for the generator to handle. They then replaced the AC unit with a new one.

Happily we have not had an issue since. We ran the generator all the way to Florida Ft. Wilderness Campground in June with the AC unit at full power. Generator never missed a beat. Return trip saw the same experience.

So if you are experiencing this issue, that may be an item that you need to look at. Do you have a product that is causing excessive draw?

Cheers,

Zim

A surge protector would have found this right away giving you an error. They monitor voltage, Hz, and amps and give you a code when there is a problem. Great piece of equipment to have.

[Hittntheroad]

Originally Posted by TheClark

Will my generator overheat?

2012 Thor ace 29.1

We are traveling through eastern Oregon and Nevada in a couple weeks

I looked underneath and do not see any heat shield on the fuel line nor any heat shield near the generator and there is no vent in my door

I plan to take it for a test drive this weekend with the generator running

However after reading all these threads about the generator overheating I'm concerned we will have issues

Get the vent made for the Onan 4000. It should take care of your issue. I installed mine myself and haven't had a problem since.

[Gfamily]

I've noticed that some folks have had issues and other haven't . I think it would be better to wait till you have a problem before adding a vent to the door cause it might not be needed . I had issues with my 2015 Ace posted info some where in this thread . We tried heat shield on the line . Then cutting a vent out of the compartment door and both did it help end up relocating gen and having Thor replace the vent door . Haven't had a problem since .

[Hittntheroad]

Originally Posted by Gfamily

I've noticed that some folks have had issues and other haven't . I think it would be better to wait till you have a problem before adding a vent to the door cause it might not be needed . I had issues with my 2015 Ace posted info some where in this thread . We tried heat shield on the line . Then cutting a vent out of the compartment door and both did it help end up relocating gen and having Thor replace the vent door . Haven't had a problem since .

Did you use the vent made specifically for the onan 4000? It makes a difference

[Gfamily]

Originally Posted by Hittntheroad

Did you use the vent made specifically for the onan 4000? It makes a difference

No CW cut a hole out and installed a vent for extra air flow. Maybe that would have made a difference if was designed onan .

[Hittntheroad]

Originally Posted by Gfamily

No CW cut a hole out and installed a vent for extra air flow. Maybe that would have made a difference if was designed onan .

The onan vent prevents the hot exhaust and engine air from being sucked into the intake cooling air duct.

[TheClark]

Thanks for the help everyone. I went ahead and wrapped the fuel line and will cross my fingers!

I see ford or Thor wrapped some of the engine fuel line and electrical wire bundles in the same area where the exhaust crosses over. Seems like safe cheap insurance at the least

[Surefine]

I have been following the conversations for about 2 years now. We have had the generator run at times for up to 5 hours but temperatures were lower. So we think we get it fixed and then comes summer season. It runs fine sitting or when we are dry camping. When we are driving down the road in the 90s We are in the same boat of our generator not working with error code 36. I have officially read through the entire 65 pages and seem to have a plan to get this fixed this weekend. I have tried wrapping of the fuel lines with cloth heat tape (is this efficient or the sliver wrap better?), I have replaced the fuel lines, rerouted the lines, had the Louver door installed, put the pump in with a switch to the dash, replaced the Onan fuel pump, and lastly Thor sent a heat shield but have to idea how to install it. All those modifications have been done throughout the last two years but some/none have been done all at the same time. So my plan is to place a heat shield, ensure my fuel lines are wrapped all the way to the caberator, reinstall the pump and ensure it's similar to ones on the thread. So my main question is does anyone have photos of their heat shield installed. It seems everyone has done something a little different. Do I box it in? I have a 2013 Thor Ace. 30.1. Trying this last ditch effort.

[TheClark]

Originally Posted by Surefine

I have been following the conversations for about 2 years now. We have had the generator run at times for up to 5 hours but temperatures were lower. So we think we get it fixed and then comes summer season. It runs fine sitting or when we are dry camping. When we are driving down the road in the 90s We are in the same boat of our generator not working with error code 36. I have officially read through the entire 65 pages and seem to have a plan to get this fixed this weekend. I have tried wrapping of the fuel lines with cloth heat tape (is this efficient or the sliver wrap better?), I have replaced the fuel lines, rerouted the lines, had the Louver door installed, put the pump in with a switch to the dash, replaced the Onan fuel pump, and lastly Thor sent a heat shield but have to idea how to install it. All those modifications have been done throughout the last two years but some/none have been done all at the same time. So my plan is to place a heat shield, ensure my fuel lines are wrapped all the way to the caberator, reinstall the pump and ensure it's similar to ones on the thread. So my main question is does anyone have photos of their heat shield installed. It seems everyone has done something a little different. Do I box it in? I have a 2013 Thor Ace. 30.1. Trying this last ditch effort.

The silver stuff reflects radiant heat, not sure if that is key or not for what its worth.

Did you try a new fuel pump? There are allot of threads that say the problem went away with a new fuel pump in the generator or wired up external to the generator.

Good luck, hope it goes well for ya. I sure hope to not experience the same on our first big trip here....

Thanks for sharing and post back if anything helps... or not.

[Surefine]

Thank you! We have tried a new pump but are gonna try again this weekend. We have a few weeks before hitting the road again so wish me luck our improvements work.