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MojaveJoe · 07-25-2018, 05:29 PM

Put a Micro-Air Easy Start system on my 13.5K AC unit so I could run it on a Honda 2000i.
It easily started my AC after install, and for about 10 nine hour days. On the 11th day of using this new gen the gen would run the AC fine for 5 minutes then it would loose voltage output just enough to cycle the AC unit almost off then back on as the generator picked up speed again. Only now the compressors pump pressure restricted restart for 5 minutes. Generator still running, AC fan on, then AC pump cycles and comes back on. This cycle repeats over and over. Tested my AC unit with my onboard Onan 4k gen and it runs fine and continuous for hours on end.
What could possibly be causing this voltage drop every 10 minutes?

Any and all advice and experiences welcome.
My new gen has about 120 hours of full speed operation since new, trying to run my AC.

KCFDCapt · 07-25-2018, 06:00 PM

Are you now at a higher elevation? If you moved up in altitude, performance goes down.

MojaveJoe · 07-25-2018, 07:03 PM

Good Point. But Im only 100ft higher here than when I installed the system and test run it on this gen for 8 hours.

Thanks for the idea though.

aether_one · 07-25-2018, 07:09 PM

Bad gas could have clogged a jet in the carb. Push your choke slightly on and see if that helps.

totaldla · 07-31-2018, 09:19 AM

A little confusing to read....

After I read the OP a half-dozen times, I concluded that the generator engine was cutting out. If an overload condition occurred, the engine would run but the AC would be off. So as another poster mentioned - bad gas. Dump out what is in the tank and refill with fresh (not from the same contaminated gas can). One other thing to check is the oil level, as that can shut down the motor.
Let us know what you find.

Arizona · 07-31-2018, 03:34 PM

I’m sure your using lots of fuel. Is the fuel tank vent cap open and working?

MojaveJoe · 07-31-2018, 06:01 PM

2K Honda gen would run for about a half hour (eco off) without causing AC pump to cycle off, during low voltage moment. Then 5 minute cycle would begin on/off events.
Yes tank was vented, even tried with no external connection to tank. Same results.
AC ran all day with 4K Onan gen running. Never missed a lick. Could bring inside RV down to 78F when 105F outside. Same situation at home on 50A ckt, but would throw the RV 20A breaker at times. Same temps.
Next will try paralleling my Honda 2K and 1K gen to see if I can run all day with about 20A available for continuous run.

totaldla · 07-31-2018, 11:32 PM

Your 13.5k AC shouldn't be drawing 20A continously.

Constrictor · 08-01-2018, 06:56 AM

Time to step up to a 3000k Honda.

MojaveJoe · 08-01-2018, 08:30 AM

Correct. I only momentarily noticed 20A reading when the voltage was going from 13 to 14 to 15 to 16, when the gen started slowing down and I got an even higher reading before compressor shutdown. At this point not sure if it was the gen being overloaded and eventually trying to shutdown, or the AC load causing the problem?
I actually own a Honda 3000 I use at home for emergencies. Will give it a try someday.

In the meantime I need further testing to discover cause of RV 20A breaker cutout on shore power.

Rv back in storage lot now. More to come later.

Gerryl · 08-01-2018, 09:29 AM

I want to watch this thread to see the outcome. I also run my AC with a MicroAir soft start and an EU2200, but never had a problem.

Joe, are you using any ethanol gas treatment, and are you using StaBil when not in use?

MojaveJoe · 08-01-2018, 12:27 PM

So, I used Shell regular unleaded, possibly 10% ethanol, but don't recall seeing any listing on pump.

Yes I use Stabil in my gens and run them out of gas for long term storage.
Your E2200 should work fine. I think my E2000 was being overloaded by high temps outdoors (even while shaded 105F)
and sun directly on AC cover.

Lower temps might mitigate the issue, but what good is that if camping in 105F?

dexters · 08-01-2018, 12:38 PM

Suggestions:
Clean Spark arrestor
Change Spark plug
Check/clean air filter
Check that exhaust is clear
Check that air intake is clear
Use Sta-bil in gas

1bigmess · 08-02-2018, 09:04 AM

"What could possibly be causing this voltage drop every 10 minutes?"

What else is using electricity at the same time? Is your two-way fridge switched to "AUTO" or "PROPANE"? Water heater?