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Old 09-08-2011, 02:18 PM   #1
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Generator Output

We have a 99 Fleetwood Discovery 37V we bought last year.

Where is the most accessible point to check if I have 110v out from the generator?

I found a glass fuse (F1) which tested OK. Didn't find F2 but it's for a solenoid and my Onan Gen starts so it should be OK. Unit appears to have some wiring work done before. If I can verify I have generator output I will look for a wiring problem.

Thanks for any help!
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Old 09-08-2011, 02:23 PM   #2
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Once the gen is running, you should see 110v at any convienient 110 outlet. Also, you'll hear the motor rev up as power demand goes up.

I don't know why Onan does not put a convienience plug on it. The breaker is touchy when switching over from shore to gen. Turn off high power items (AC) when switching over.
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Old 09-08-2011, 02:32 PM   #3
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If you are having a problem with no voltage in the coach, The easiest way to test is to remove the cover of the transfer switch. Check the voltage on the gen. incoming wire. If there is no voltage here. go back to the gen. and remove and check for voltage on the back of the circuit breaker.
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Old 09-09-2011, 09:15 AM   #4
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On many ONAN's if it is running you have 120v out.

I would start at the Automatic transfer switch.. Then the Generator output J-Box (In my rig that is in the next compartment) From there it gets real hard.
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Old 09-09-2011, 09:27 AM   #5
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Most Onans will shut down if they have no power output at the generator itself. Next place to check is at the transfer switch, then the laod center (breaker box).
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Old 09-09-2011, 01:53 PM   #6
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Dang Gary.. We think alike (At least on this problem)
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Old 09-09-2011, 02:16 PM   #7
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Generator Output

I can only get one of the screws out of the front of the gen control panel, so I can't test the breakers.

No gen 110v at relay. Hard to believe both breakers on the unit would be bad. But IF the breakers are OK, and the gen has an output because it keeps running, shouldn't I be able to find voltage somewhere?

We never could run the microwave except on shore power. After I had new start and cabin batteries installed I had no outlet power using the gen.

I had to swap a car engine in a field once and my battery was not being charged after the engine change. I think the service station had to polarize the generator. Is this something I might have to do? Is it a DIY thing or do I need a professional?
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Old 09-09-2011, 03:09 PM   #8
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Generator Output

I think I found the junction box after the gen control panel. With the gen running the circuits from the breakers each read 1V. Line loss would explain the .8v reading on the transfer relay. Turning off the breakers drops the voltage to 0 at the junction box.

Could the brushes be making poor contact? How can I get to them? I pulled a little plastic cover off the front of the gen and can see several white wires but can't see what they go to.
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Old 09-09-2011, 09:01 PM   #9
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Might be a little easier for you if you had the service manual for your generator. If you could provide the model and spec number we might be able to provide you with it.
An Emerald 1 or Emerald Plus unit would be something like 4.0BGE-1R/26109D. last letter "D" is the spec number.

A Emearld III would be something like 6.5NHE-1R/26100H ("H" = Spec H)

Microlite would be something like 4.0 KY-FA/26100K ("K" = Spec K)

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Old 09-10-2011, 10:28 AM   #10
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Generator Output

Thanks for the assist Dave - I have model # 6.5 NHM FA/26//6H.
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Old 09-12-2011, 02:39 PM   #11
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Generator Output

I removed the brushes and cleaned the slip rings on the gen. Using a digital voltmeter I am still reading 1.0V on the leads from the gen circuit breakers.

Any other suggestions before I head to Camping World for service?
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Old 09-12-2011, 03:56 PM   #12
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There is a troubleshooting guide at

http://www.flightsystems.com/pdf/onanrvtshootgd608.pdf

I am still looking for a link to an online Cummins/Onan Maintenance Manual for the NHM. I know I have it somewhere
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Old 09-12-2011, 04:12 PM   #13
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Found it as soon as I said I couldn't find it

http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/pdf/m.../965-0531B.pdf

That is the service manual. The owners manual is at

http://www.cumminsonan.com/www/pdf/manuals/965-0138.pdf

You might consider joining the Discovery Owner Association DOAI.org

Lots of stuff like this posted on their forum.

I just went through a low voltage problem with my NHM spec G although mine was 102 volts instead of 1 volt. I ended up replacing the voltage regulator and all is well now.

In your case I would check the resistance of the rotor. You are looking for 20-24 ohms to 30 ohms from brush to brush with nothing else in the circuit, ie with the brush leads disconnected. If the resistance is high you might need new brushes, or better cleaning of the slip rings, or a good general cleanup of all connection. If resistance is low that is potentially bad news.
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Old 09-12-2011, 04:30 PM   #14
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Onan's will run all day long without putting out 120 volts. They will not run if the 12volt output is down. When you press the start button down,you are using 12volts from the battery, but when you release the start switch it switchs to its own 12 volts. you should check for 120 volts at the circuit breakers input side. If you don't have 120 volts here, your generator is not making power. (I am talking about the breakers in the Generator.)
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