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Old 12-22-2013, 03:07 PM   #1
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2nd TRIP Problems

We get parked "boondocking", generator on (onan 5500 4.6 hrs total on unit), level up, slide out, ac 1 on, ac 2 on. All is good for 5 min. All of a sudden the generator starts surging. I shut one ac off and its still surging, shut off 2nd ac and still surging. I shut gen off for a min and re fired. Its better but not right so I head out to check and I sense a funny smell like its over heating. I go open the compartment door and then removed the face of the gen and it started working fine.
This should not be needed so can any one offer some insight?
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Old 12-22-2013, 04:27 PM   #2
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You are stretching it runnimg both air conditioners. Pulling to much for the Gen to keep up.
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Old 12-22-2013, 04:30 PM   #3
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We get parked "boondocking", generator on (onan 5500 4.6 hrs total on unit), level up, slide out, ac 1 on, ac 2 on. All is good for 5 min. All of a sudden the generator starts surging. I shut one ac off and its still surging, shut off 2nd ac and still surging. I shut gen off for a min and re fired. Its better but not right so I head out to check and I sense a funny smell like its over heating. I go open the compartment door and then removed the face of the gen and it started working fine.
This should not be needed so can any one offer some insight?
Look under / around the unit for a plastic bag or something blocking the air intake. EVERY Onan I've ever used had a warning label on the inside of the cover stating the cover should be in place to ensure proper cooling.

You're right about it should not be necessary to remove the cover.........
Ed
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Old 12-22-2013, 04:54 PM   #4
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You are stretching it runnimg both air conditioners. Pulling to much for the Gen to keep up.
5500Watts should easily carry t A/C units on the RV.

Ken
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Old 12-22-2013, 05:07 PM   #5
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5500Watts should easily carry t A/C units on the RV.

Ken
X2....I run both of mine on a onan 5500 genny with no problems.
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Old 12-22-2013, 06:02 PM   #6
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Is the elevation knob in the correct setting? (Under the carb) that might make it surge.
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Old 12-22-2013, 06:33 PM   #7
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Just yesterday, I ran both my ACs at the same time. Sounded like I was on 50A service.



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Old 12-22-2013, 07:35 PM   #8
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Is the elevation knob in the correct setting? (Under the carb) that might make it surge.
That was my first thought.

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Old 12-23-2013, 03:32 AM   #9
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Thanks to all and I will check the elevation screw. I am in florida and thor is is Michigan so its a possibility. It did seem to be hotter than I thought it would be.
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Old 12-23-2013, 04:26 AM   #10
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How's the oil level? Low oil can overheat a gen. Also how's the filters ( oil and air )?
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Old 12-23-2013, 10:43 AM   #11
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Also is the fuel level below half a tank? The fuel pickup for the generator is not in the bottom of the tank and can start sucking air if the tank is less than half full although that condition should not be altered by removong the cover.
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Old 12-23-2013, 06:35 PM   #12
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Fuel level was not the problem, had a full tank. Oil level I will check Christmas Day when I have a day off
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Old 12-23-2013, 10:11 PM   #13
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Has it ran without any problem since new? Since the surging stopped with the cover off sounds like it was starving for combustion air. As mention by edgray check for intake air blockage. Running it with the with cover off will change the air flow direction and can cause the unit to over heat.

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Old 12-23-2013, 10:39 PM   #14
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Does the Gen have a summer, winter setting your in FL. not Michigan now.
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