Generator

[George Lowry]

Dave,

From what I have learned from my own experience and from writings on another
forum by an Onan Generator repairman, you need to hold the stat switch until
the alternator is putting out enough power to hold the fuel valve open. If
you release it as soon as the engine fires, the fuel solenoid will go to the
off position. It is only the battery power that is keeping it open while
cranking.

As soon as the engine fires, the bendix should disengage and the starter
spin freely. It only takes a couple of seconds for the power to come up
enough to hold the fuel solenoid....

Hope this helps.

George Lowry
'06 Alpine Apex - Formerly '95 WBDA 4203
Spearfish, SD - Now in Stockton, CA


-----Original Message-----
From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of dhardy1944
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2006 2:08 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: generator


Bill,

I replaced the starter solenoid, so I think it is primarily having to crank
too
long. The starter doesn't seem to stick when I let off as soon as the gen
fires. It
fires quickly but does not stay running but a few seconds. About the third
or
fourth time it continues to run. I have replaced the filters. Everyone I
have
mentioned it to suppects air in the line. Thanks for the input.

Dave (84PT40)

I am not sure where to start--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
"pattypape" wrote:
>
> Cranking and sticking in the on/start position, could be a solenoid
> overheating and seizing in the closed position.
>
> Not starting is probably a fuel problem,, dirty filter, air in the
> line, fuel pump, not exercising the gennie, etc.
>
> Bill 88 FC
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dhardy1944"
> wrote:
> >
> > Jeff,
> >
> > Thanks so much. Let me describe what I have done so far. The gen
> battery
> > was down. It has a quick disconnect so I disconnected it and put a
> charger on
> > it. After a few minutes I engaged the quick disconnect and my
> charger pegged
> > and kicked out. It is as if there is a major load on it.
> >
> > When I bought my bus it did not have the original chargers (one
> smaller
> > charger). I had an electrician help me install a 2500 Xantrex.
> That has been
> > two years and all has worked well ( a few times gen voltage less
> than main
> > batteries - pushing aux swith brought it up) . The Xantrex is
> housed in a box
> > just ahead of the right drive wheels. There are some heavy cables
> there, a
> > solenoid and maybe a diode (about three quarters an inch by one
> and a
> > quarter/) with two yellow wires.
> >
> > Also, I realized awhile back that my gen battery does not start
> the generator.
> > My starter solenoid stuck engaged (gen didn't start) so I opened
> the gen door
> > and pulled the quick disconnect. It kept turning over until I went
> to the rear of
> > the bus and turned three disconnects for main batteries - that
> solved it.
> >
> > The gen battery is charging at this time (group 31 Interstate). If
> this info helps
> > and you have additional direction I would certainly appreciate it.
> I have had
> > the stuck starter solenoid about three times. The gen never starts
> on first try. It
> > takes an average of three. I always preheat so I think it may be
> my lift pump for
> > the diesel. I really don't know.
> >
> > Thanks so very much.
> >
> > Dave in Tulsa (84PT40)
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Miller"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Likely the genset battery is dead. The auxiliary start switch is
> > > powered from the genset battery, if the genset battery is dead
> it
> > > won't parallel the batteries.
> > >
> > > Try jumping the genset battery, it is probably dead. There is a
> stud-
> > > mount diode and a circuit-breaker in a small enclosure near the
> > > battery chargers through which the genset battery is supposed to
> > > charge, likely one of these is the problem.
> > >
> > > - Jeff Miller
> > > in Holland, MI
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dhardy1944" <
dhardy@>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Yesterday morning we lost power at our home for about three
> hours,
> > > so I
> > > > started the generator and my wife went out to the bus to get
> ready.
> > > Later in the
> > > > day I pushed the start button and nothing. I also noticed the
> the
> > > voltmeter (for
> > > > the generator) was all the way to the left. When I attempted
> to run
> > > the
> > > > generator out to see if I could find a blown fuse, it did not
> > > respond. It seems
> > > > like a fuse or relay somewhere has shut off all power to the
> > > generator. The
> > > > coach batteries are fine and when I push the auxiliary swith
> it
> > > doesn't help. If
> > > > someone can give me some help I would appreciate it.
> > > >
> > > > Dave in Tulsa (84PT40)
> > > >
> > >
> >
>








Yahoo! Groups Links








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No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.5.1/326 - Release Date: 4/27/2006

[dhardy1944]

Thanks George,

However, it is when I hold the switch in that I get into trouble. It usually
will not
continue running and that is when the starter stayed engaged even after I let
go of the switch. On at least two occassions it cranked until I got out of the
bus
and pulled the quick disconnect for the batteries. That must have been a
couple of minutes of cranking and it still did not catch.

Thanks - Dave (84PT40)

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "George Lowry" <
wwemu1@...> wrote:
>
> Dave,
>
> From what I have learned from my own experience and from writings on
another
> forum by an Onan Generator repairman, you need to hold the stat switch
until
> the alternator is putting out enough power to hold the fuel valve open. If
> you release it as soon as the engine fires, the fuel solenoid will go to the
> off position. It is only the battery power that is keeping it open while
> cranking.
>
> As soon as the engine fires, the bendix should disengage and the starter
> spin freely. It only takes a couple of seconds for the power to come up
> enough to hold the fuel solenoid....
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> George Lowry
> '06 Alpine Apex - Formerly '95 WBDA 4203
> Spearfish, SD - Now in Stockton, CA
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of dhardy1944
> Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2006 2:08 PM
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: generator
>
>
> Bill,
>
> I replaced the starter solenoid, so I think it is primarily having to crank
> too
> long. The starter doesn't seem to stick when I let off as soon as the gen
> fires. It
> fires quickly but does not stay running but a few seconds. About the third
> or
> fourth time it continues to run. I have replaced the filters. Everyone I
> have
> mentioned it to suppects air in the line. Thanks for the input.
>
> Dave (84PT40)
>
> I am not sure where to start--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> "pattypape" wrote:
> >
> > Cranking and sticking in the on/start position, could be a solenoid
> > overheating and seizing in the closed position.
> >
> > Not starting is probably a fuel problem,, dirty filter, air in the
> > line, fuel pump, not exercising the gennie, etc.
> >
> > Bill 88 FC
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dhardy1944"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Jeff,
> > >
> > > Thanks so much. Let me describe what I have done so far. The gen
> > battery
> > > was down. It has a quick disconnect so I disconnected it and put a
> > charger on
> > > it. After a few minutes I engaged the quick disconnect and my
> > charger pegged
> > > and kicked out. It is as if there is a major load on it.
> > >
> > > When I bought my bus it did not have the original chargers (one
> > smaller
> > > charger). I had an electrician help me install a 2500 Xantrex.
> > That has been
> > > two years and all has worked well ( a few times gen voltage less
> > than main
> > > batteries - pushing aux swith brought it up) . The Xantrex is
> > housed in a box
> > > just ahead of the right drive wheels. There are some heavy cables
> > there, a
> > > solenoid and maybe a diode (about three quarters an inch by one
> > and a
> > > quarter/) with two yellow wires.
> > >
> > > Also, I realized awhile back that my gen battery does not start
> > the generator.
> > > My starter solenoid stuck engaged (gen didn't start) so I opened
> > the gen door
> > > and pulled the quick disconnect. It kept turning over until I went
> > to the rear of
> > > the bus and turned three disconnects for main batteries - that
> > solved it.
> > >
> > > The gen battery is charging at this time (group 31 Interstate). If
> > this info helps
> > > and you have additional direction I would certainly appreciate it.
> > I have had
> > > the stuck starter solenoid about three times. The gen never starts
> > on first try. It
> > > takes an average of three. I always preheat so I think it may be
> > my lift pump for
> > > the diesel. I really don't know.
> > >
> > > Thanks so very much.
> > >
> > > Dave in Tulsa (84PT40)
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Miller"
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Likely the genset battery is dead. The auxiliary start switch is
> > > > powered from the genset battery, if the genset battery is dead
> > it
> > > > won't parallel the batteries.
> > > >
> > > > Try jumping the genset battery, it is probably dead. There is a
> > stud-
> > > > mount diode and a circuit-breaker in a small enclosure near the
> > > > battery chargers through which the genset battery is supposed to
> > > > charge, likely one of these is the problem.
> > > >
> > > > - Jeff Miller
> > > > in Holland, MI
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dhardy1944" <
> dhardy@>
> > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Yesterday morning we lost power at our home for about three
> > hours,
> > > > so I
> > > > > started the generator and my wife went out to the bus to get
> > ready.
> > > > Later in the
> > > > > day I pushed the start button and nothing. I also noticed the
> > the
> > > > voltmeter (for
> > > > > the generator) was all the way to the left. When I attempted
> > to run
> > > > the
> > > > > generator out to see if I could find a blown fuse, it did not
> > > > respond. It seems
> > > > > like a fuse or relay somewhere has shut off all power to the
> > > > generator. The
> > > > > coach batteries are fine and when I push the auxiliary swith
> > it
> > > > doesn't help. If
> > > > > someone can give me some help I would appreciate it.
> > > > >
> > > > > Dave in Tulsa (84PT40)
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.5.1/326 - Release Date: 4/27/2006
>

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

Dave, put a new fuel pump on it. There is a pin hole in the diaphragm of
the mechanical lift pump.

Ralph

At 02:25 AM 4/27/2006 +0000, you wrote:
>Yesterday morning we lost power at our home for about three hours, so I
>started the generator and my wife went out to the bus to get ready. Later
>in the
>day I pushed the start button and nothing. I also noticed the the
>voltmeter (for
>the generator) was all the way to the left. When I attempted to run the
>generator out to see if I could find a blown fuse, it did not respond. It
>seems
>like a fuse or relay somewhere has shut off all power to the generator. The
>coach batteries are fine and when I push the auxiliary swith it doesn't
>help. If
>someone can give me some help I would appreciate it.
>
>Dave in Tulsa (84PT40)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Safe travels,

Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm

[Howard O. Truitt]

Dave
Are you preheating before attempting to crank the gen.
Howard
Camilla, Ga.
86 PT40


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[williamcharrison]

Dave this is probably too simple an answer to be worth much, but
I had the same problems with my Onan genset on my 90SP36 and
it turned out to be the reset button on the interface box.

Chuck Harrison
Akron, Ohio
90SP36
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dhardy1944"
wrote:
>
> Thanks George,
>
> However, it is when I hold the switch in that I get into trouble.
It usually will not
> continue running and that is when the starter stayed engaged even
after I let
> go of the switch. On at least two occassions it cranked until I
got out of the bus
> and pulled the quick disconnect for the batteries. That must have
been a
> couple of minutes of cranking and it still did not catch.
>
> Thanks - Dave (84PT40)
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "George Lowry" <
> wwemu1@> wrote:
> >
> > Dave,
> >
> > From what I have learned from my own experience and from
writings on
> another
> > forum by an Onan Generator repairman, you need to hold the stat
switch
> until
> > the alternator is putting out enough power to hold the fuel
valve open. If
> > you release it as soon as the engine fires, the fuel solenoid
will go to the
> > off position. It is only the battery power that is keeping it
open while
> > cranking.
> >
> > As soon as the engine fires, the bendix should disengage and the
starter
> > spin freely. It only takes a couple of seconds for the power to
come up
> > enough to hold the fuel solenoid....
> >
> > Hope this helps.
> >
> > George Lowry
> > '06 Alpine Apex - Formerly '95 WBDA 4203
> > Spearfish, SD - Now in Stockton, CA
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of dhardy1944
> > Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2006 2:08 PM
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: generator
> >
> >
> > Bill,
> >
> > I replaced the starter solenoid, so I think it is primarily
having to crank
> > too
> > long. The starter doesn't seem to stick when I let off as soon
as the gen
> > fires. It
> > fires quickly but does not stay running but a few seconds. About
the third
> > or
> > fourth time it continues to run. I have replaced the filters.
Everyone I
> > have
> > mentioned it to suppects air in the line. Thanks for the input.
> >
> > Dave (84PT40)
> >
> > I am not sure where to start--- In
WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> > "pattypape" wrote:
> > >
> > > Cranking and sticking in the on/start position, could be a
solenoid
> > > overheating and seizing in the closed position.
> > >
> > > Not starting is probably a fuel problem,, dirty filter, air
in the
> > > line, fuel pump, not exercising the gennie, etc.
> > >
> > > Bill 88 FC
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dhardy1944"
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Jeff,
> > > >
> > > > Thanks so much. Let me describe what I have done so far. The
gen
> > > battery
> > > > was down. It has a quick disconnect so I disconnected it and
put a
> > > charger on
> > > > it. After a few minutes I engaged the quick disconnect and my
> > > charger pegged
> > > > and kicked out. It is as if there is a major load on it.
> > > >
> > > > When I bought my bus it did not have the original chargers
(one
> > > smaller
> > > > charger). I had an electrician help me install a 2500
Xantrex.
> > > That has been
> > > > two years and all has worked well ( a few times gen voltage
less
> > > than main
> > > > batteries - pushing aux swith brought it up) . The Xantrex is
> > > housed in a box
> > > > just ahead of the right drive wheels. There are some heavy
cables
> > > there, a
> > > > solenoid and maybe a diode (about three quarters an inch
by one
> > > and a
> > > > quarter/) with two yellow wires.
> > > >
> > > > Also, I realized awhile back that my gen battery does not
start
> > > the generator.
> > > > My starter solenoid stuck engaged (gen didn't start) so I
opened
> > > the gen door
> > > > and pulled the quick disconnect. It kept turning over until
I went
> > > to the rear of
> > > > the bus and turned three disconnects for main batteries -
that
> > > solved it.
> > > >
> > > > The gen battery is charging at this time (group 31
Interstate). If
> > > this info helps
> > > > and you have additional direction I would certainly
appreciate it.
> > > I have had
> > > > the stuck starter solenoid about three times. The gen never
starts
> > > on first try. It
> > > > takes an average of three. I always preheat so I think it
may be
> > > my lift pump for
> > > > the diesel. I really don't know.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks so very much.
> > > >
> > > > Dave in Tulsa (84PT40)
> > > >
> > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Miller"

> > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Likely the genset battery is dead. The auxiliary start
switch is
> > > > > powered from the genset battery, if the genset battery is
dead
> > > it
> > > > > won't parallel the batteries.
> > > > >
> > > > > Try jumping the genset battery, it is probably dead. There
is a
> > > stud-
> > > > > mount diode and a circuit-breaker in a small enclosure
near the
> > > > > battery chargers through which the genset battery is
supposed to
> > > > > charge, likely one of these is the problem.
> > > > >
> > > > > - Jeff Miller
> > > > > in Holland, MI
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dhardy1944" <
> > dhardy@>
> > > > > wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Yesterday morning we lost power at our home for about
three
> > > hours,
> > > > > so I
> > > > > > started the generator and my wife went out to the bus to
get
> > > ready.
> > > > > Later in the
> > > > > > day I pushed the start button and nothing. I also
noticed the
> > > the
> > > > > voltmeter (for
> > > > > > the generator) was all the way to the left. When I
attempted
> > > to run
> > > > > the
> > > > > > generator out to see if I could find a blown fuse, it
did not
> > > > > respond. It seems
> > > > > > like a fuse or relay somewhere has shut off all power to
the
> > > > > generator. The
> > > > > > coach batteries are fine and when I push the auxiliary
swith
> > > it
> > > > > doesn't help. If
> > > > > > someone can give me some help I would appreciate it.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Dave in Tulsa (84PT40)
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.5.1/326 - Release Date:
4/27/2006
> >
>

[dhardy1944]

Hi Ralph,

Sure is good to hear from you. Thanks to you and the others who have
helped. There is no perkins dealer in Tulsa, so do you know if someone else
carries the pump? Thanks again.

Dave in Tulsa (84PT40)

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider" <
rlf47@...> wrote:
>
> Dave, put a new fuel pump on it. There is a pin hole in the diaphragm of
> the mechanical lift pump.
>
> Ralph
>
> At 02:25 AM 4/27/2006 +0000, you wrote:
> >Yesterday morning we lost power at our home for about three hours, so I
> >started the generator and my wife went out to the bus to get ready. Later
> >in the
> >day I pushed the start button and nothing. I also noticed the the
> >voltmeter (for
> >the generator) was all the way to the left. When I attempted to run the
> >generator out to see if I could find a blown fuse, it did not respond. It
> >seems
> >like a fuse or relay somewhere has shut off all power to the generator. The
> >coach batteries are fine and when I push the auxiliary swith it doesn't
> >help. If
> >someone can give me some help I would appreciate it.
> >
> >Dave in Tulsa (84PT40)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> Safe travels,
>
> Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
> Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
> http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm
>

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

Hi Dave:

Give Mike Bulriss a call, he replaced the one on Stagecoach

My best to Grace, and nice to see you post. Hope all is going well for you.

Ralph

At 11:47 PM 4/28/2006 +0000, you wrote:
>Hi Ralph,
>
>Sure is good to hear from you. Thanks to you and the others who have
>helped. There is no perkins dealer in Tulsa, so do you know if someone else
>carries the pump? Thanks again.
>
>Dave in Tulsa (84PT40)
>
>--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider" <
>rlf47@...> wrote:
> >
> > Dave, put a new fuel pump on it. There is a pin hole in the diaphragm of
> > the mechanical lift pump.
> >
> > Ralph
> >
> > At 02:25 AM 4/27/2006 +0000, you wrote:
> > >Yesterday morning we lost power at our home for about three hours, so I
> > >started the generator and my wife went out to the bus to get ready. Later
> > >in the
> > >day I pushed the start button and nothing. I also noticed the the
> > >voltmeter (for
> > >the generator) was all the way to the left. When I attempted to run the
> > >generator out to see if I could find a blown fuse, it did not
> respond. It
> > >seems
> > >like a fuse or relay somewhere has shut off all power to the
> generator. The
> > >coach batteries are fine and when I push the auxiliary swith it doesn't
> > >help. If
> > >someone can give me some help I would appreciate it.
> > >
> > >Dave in Tulsa (84PT40)
> > >

[dhardy1944]

Hi Tom,

I am wondering if I have messed up on your address since I haven't
received anything back on the gen project. Of course I know how busy a
guy can get. If we have lost our connect somehow I will resend

Dave in Tulsa (1984PT40)

[franklin30car]

I have been a watcher for some time now. Now I have a question for
the forum.I have a 1983 BB 35PT with a Fidelity Loadstar Synchronous
Generator. KW 12.5,KVA 12.5, Volts 120/240, amps 52 rpm 1800, Phase 1,
serial # F3047BE-9UM, Model F3047BE. I need to talk with someone who
has parts, can work on this gen,or tell me why its loses its load. I
have replaced the breaker. The Gen runs fine. It will start right up,
but after running 30 minutes give or take.It would lose load,run the
gen out hit rest and back in business now the squirrel has gone on
vacation.

Derek Haberman
1983 BB35PT
Yorba Linda Ca

[dctrcarter]

Richard here, on the new generator I put in, still can't start with
controller on outside, found short in starter solenoid thats on top of
the starter, jumper the #5 wire to the #5 terminal in the controll
box, an can start the generator from the outside, can shut down from
the remote switch, looking for shorted wire in harness now.