Community Forums

Bobski12 · 07-01-2016, 05:35 PM

My 1993 Minnie Winnie does not have an automatic switchover for running on generator power. Rather, you plug the RV's shore power cord into a 30 amp outlet located within the storage compartment for the power cord itself. The generator runs that outlet.

The generator starts and runs fine without the RV plugged in; but when I first plug in the RV to the generator's outlet, the generator starts but stops when I release the start button.

Is it safe to start the generator and then plug the RV into the generator's outlet while the generator is running?

adamfolger · 07-01-2016, 05:47 PM

Yes it is safe but not ideal. When you plug any cord into a live receptacle you may (will) cause arcing to the plug, eventually resulting in a burnt plug. I think your gen is shutting off because you are plugging in with an electrical load. Turn off as many appliances as possible and then the gen will start and run. After the gen warms up turn on the loads one at a time. Then you may need to manage your loads so as not to overload the gens wattage rating.

Bobski12 · 07-01-2016, 06:15 PM

I thought I had everything off. No lights, turned off refrigerator and AC. Anything that may be running "in the background" and would not notice it?

adamfolger · 07-01-2016, 06:30 PM

Only big loads will affect the gen on start up. Have you never been able to start the gen with the cord plugged in. Does everything run when plugged in to shore power? Does the gen ever idle up? Can you manually idle up the gen? Are the blades on the cord plug clean ( not brown or arc burnt ) Do have an electric heater you can plug into the running gen. If the gen runs under the heater load I would suspect the cord. These are just what ifs. We need to narrow down the possibilities.

vsheetz · 07-01-2016, 09:03 PM

Maybe drop main breaker in the RV before plugging in the shore power cable.

adamfolger · 07-01-2016, 10:23 PM

Bobski...did you fix it. Follow thru is important when you ask for help. We will stay with you , if you stay with us...

Bobski12 · 07-03-2016, 07:13 AM

Have not tried yet but will let you know. MH not kept at home.

mel s · 07-03-2016, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamfolger

Yes it is safe but not ideal. When you plug any cord into a live receptacle you may (will) cause arcing to the plug, eventually resulting in a burnt plug.
I think your gen is shutting off because you are plugging in with an electrical load.
Turn off as many appliances as possible and then the gen will start and run. After the gen warms up turn on the loads one at a time. Then you may need to manage your loads so as not to overload the gens wattage rating.

adamfolger
If that where true nobody could plug any electric cord into any electrical receptacle without damaging the plug.

However I do agree that if there is no ATS, (automatic transfer switch), as many appliances as possible should be turned OFF ...and that the generator should be allowed to warm up, (stabilize), BEFORE the RV power cord is plugged into the generator output receptacle.....and that all electrical loads need to be managed, (whether using generator power, or shore power, or inverter power).

Mel
'96 Safari

77Travco · 07-08-2016, 07:39 AM

I also plug my shore cord into either an outside source or my generator. I have a main breaker in my generator compartment that I flip off until the genset is up and running.

okcnewbie · 07-08-2016, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobski12

The generator starts and runs fine without the RV plugged in; but when I first plug in the RV to the generator's outlet, the generator starts but stops when I release the start button.

I'm a little concerned that the unit runs if you hold the start button in. This typically could mean that there's something wrong on the generator side. Hopefully not the case. I just know that I've accidentally turned the generator on with loads and it didn't shut down. (Onan 4ky model)

TQ60 · 07-08-2016, 08:04 AM

First locate and read the service manual.

Most newer devices have safety devices and one example is oil pressure interlock.

What this does is protect from low oil level be requiring oil pressure for ignition to function.

If oil pressure drops then engine shuts off.

Problem is when starting engine no oil pressure so no ignition so no start which is the old " catch 22"

So the system is wired such that when start button is pushed the interlocks are bypassed to allow the "unsafe condition" to be ignored to allow the engine to start.

When it starts the conditions usually are met before start button released and everyone is happy.

So get a copy of your manual and review the troubleshooting and operating sections to see if that is a possibility then determine why it is acting up.

Low oil or loose wire could be issue.

Bobski12 · 07-10-2016, 10:05 AM

OK, finally got a chance to check out the generator again.

The generator still will not stay started, now even with no load at all. Holding the start button, the gen runs, the carb revs a bit, but when I take my finger off of the button, the carb tries to give it full gas and it stalls.

Fuel pump appears to be pumping like crazy. The spark plug looks good. The engine oil was changed in January and is still at full.

The carb and the fuel filter were changed by the previous owner in January due to the same symptoms - I have the receipt. But I'm still leaning toward the carb.

Thoughts?

twinboat · 07-10-2016, 10:59 AM

You need one of them spark detectors or a timing light on one of the plug wires. They blink when spark is happening.

Get it running and let go of the start button and see if it continues to spark as it dies.

If no spark, check shutdown system.
If spark, check fuel system.

Dr4Film · 07-10-2016, 11:07 AM

Possibly your carb is gunked up. Did you use any fuel conditioner for the generator before storing it away?

Generators need to be run monthly and run hard with LOTS of loads. The more the better.

Dr4Film ----- Richard