generator weirdness

[dhardy1944]

Hi Ernie,

My thanks to you and others in the group for possible fixes on the
generator problem. I have been gone and did not see the posts until
this morning. I took the battery out Friday and left it with
Interstate batteries to make sure it was ok. We have some company
with us, but hope to do some checking on the Bird today. I expect
one of my primary problems will be locating everything (where it is
and what it looks like). I will post again when I have worked with
it a little. Thanks again so very much.

Dave in Tulsa (84 PT 40)

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mrkane1952" <mrkane@...>
wrote:
>
> Greetings:
>
> This is similar to a fault I experienced with my '85 PT40. My fix
> required first replacing the solenoid under the entry step, then
the
> second solenoid mounted in the rear under the battery charger
> compartment, and finally the 30 Amp circuit breaker mounted near
the
> rear solenoid.
>
> The forward solenoid was apparently constantly drawing current, as
it
> was warm to the touch. I replaced it and the rear one as a
> preventative measure. ($20 each from O'Reilly's.) I think the
main
> problem was the failed circuit breaker, which was open.
>
> The diode, if good, should show a voltage drop of around 0.7 volts
in
> the conducting direction. Common failure mode is shorting to
ground.
>
> Ralph performed the main troubleshooting that helped me resolve
this
> problem. BTW, I think the root cause of the failure was boiling
the
> gen battery dry, leading to excess current in the charging circuit.
>
> I have schematics and can provide a copy via email if needed.
> Otherwise, I'm in the Sanger, TX area for the next week or so.
>
> --M.R.Kane
> '85 PT40
>
>
> > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ernest Ekberg"
> > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > dave Hardy- 84 PT40, his generator, while running will not
> > charge
> > > his
> > > > > generator battery. The inverter on the coach is no help.
He can
> > > put
> > > > an
> > > > > aux battery charger on the generator battery and the
generator
> > > will
> > > > run
> > > > > from now on- without that the voltage drops and she dies.
> > Anyone
> > > have
> > > > > ever have the same problem? How about a fix? Thanks, Ernie-
> > 83PT40
> > > in
> > > > > Texas- my generator just leaks diesel- no problem there
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>