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Saddltramp · 05-06-2021, 04:38 PM

hey guys just noticed a new problem. i have a house a/c unit on a 2004 winn vectra d/p works great and so does my gen ,but when gen is running and turn on a/c gen will die in about 2-3 min. it will always restart but then die again, i turn off ac and problem gone . anybody run into this before. also noticed amps go up to 24 could this be problem and if so why so high. thanks

vsheetz · 05-06-2021, 04:41 PM

Typically a running roof unit pulls 15+ amps.

twinboat · 05-06-2021, 04:44 PM

Change the fuel filter if it hasn't been changed in a while.

24 amps is high, If its just the AC on, but that should trip a breaker.

24 amps is only 2900 watts. I'm sure your generator has a higher rating then that.

Ray,IN · 05-06-2021, 09:30 PM

You indicate this air conditioner is for a house instead of an RV, right?

Saddltramp · 05-06-2021, 11:06 PM

yes its the factory unit instead of roof mount

emiddleb · 05-07-2021, 07:47 AM

When the gen dies, check the display on it to see if its throwing any error codes (see your manual.)

Your gen is 7500 watts, should be able to handle the load. Your basement A/C will spike during startup of compressor #2, but should settle down below that once running. Startup around 24 amp and then down to about 22 amp would be in the normal range.

Your gen requires periodic maintenance - oil change/filter, fuel filter, etc. Has that been done?

YC1 · 05-07-2021, 07:59 AM

Ditto on fuel filter. They are not cheap but they need to be changed out like clock work. They sit too much as many folks don't exercise or can't exercise their generators often enough. It can be a bit of a messy job.

amosnandy · 05-07-2021, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saddltramp

hey guys just noticed a new problem. i have a house a/c unit on a 2004 winn vectra d/p works great and so does my gen ,but when gen is running and turn on a/c gen will die in about 2-3 min. it will always restart but then die again, i turn off ac and problem gone . anybody run into this before. also noticed amps go up to 24 could this be problem and if so why so high. thanks

What you have is called a Coleman Mach Basement Air. I have a similar unit in my 06 Journey. You probably have a Model 6535

So more questions, does the basement ac work fine on 50 amp shore power? Does the Generator die if you put a 25 amp load on it other that running the ac? You would need to run the Microwave, turn on the engine heater and the electric hot water heater. Those three would draw roughly 30 amps.

If your generator dies with a 30 amp load on it then it is a generator problem. If it does not, it could be a wiring problem. What happens if your plug your shore power into a 30 amp outlet with the dogbone? On my Winnebago the Energy Management system does not show the load on 50 amp, only that it is connected to 50 amp. On 30 amp the EMS display shows what amperage it is drawing.

Your AC has 2 compressors. The EMS is supposed to shut one down if you are on say a 30 amp and the load exceeds that. You can also shut one down by flipping the breaker off.

You need to get you load meter out and and see how much is being drawn on each leg of your power, both from shore power and while on generator. The best place to do this is inside the transfer switch.

I'm not a fan of just throwing parts at something to try and fix it. There could be many issues with the generator shutting down. Everything from fuel supply to oil pressure.

So just a note. I just had an issue with my Basement air. Woke up in the night while running the heat pump. It was cycling on and off. Short story was a failed breaker in the Campground pedestal dropped the voltage on line 1 to 47 volts, burning up the stop start capacitors. It's now sitting at the Factory Service Center for what will probably be expensive repairs.

So, #1 Make sure you know what your voltage and amps you are drawing. #2 Make sure you know the generator is working properly. I'm all for fixing stuff myself, but once in a while I get over my comfort level and seek professional help.

YC1 · 05-07-2021, 03:02 PM

As an electronic tech with 50+ years of diagnosing things I don't like to throw parts at problems either but this one has bit me and many others over the years. If the maintenance has not been done it sure does not hurt to change the fuel filter but be sure to be careful and NOT kink the hose when putting things together.

Ray,IN · 05-07-2021, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amosnandy

What you have is called a Coleman Mach Basement Air. I have a similar unit in my 06 Journey. You probably have a Model 6535.

Thanks for answering my question, that clears up everything. Saddletramp that amp-draw is normal for both compressors and fans on high running.
The problem is with the generator motor, not the basement air conditioner.