Forum Discussion

camchero's avatar
camchero
Explorer
Aug 14, 2014

A/C Issues, Not starting on generator

Well not too sure what's going on with my ac in the old fiver. Got a Coleman mach iii unit, and a champion generator. Then generator has 3100 starting watts, and used to kick on the ac no prob, but now its not cutting it. Runs on 30 amp shore power just fine. Thinking maybe a hard start kit? Just trying to get the ac functional before swinging down to TX. Any poitners are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
  • Hybridhunter's avatar
    Hybridhunter
    Explorer
    Oct 04, 2014
    BillyW wrote:
    I can't speak to what your issue is either, but I know my Coleman MachIII didn't come with a hard start cap. I added an SPP6E with EXCELLENT results. Very high on my list of upgrades.


    Interesting! The Mach 1 comes with a hard start kit already installed!
    I imagine yours is not the Mach III PS....
  • camchero's avatar
    camchero
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2014
    Been out in an area with no service. But full hookups haha. The generator does have a 30 amp, did the trick with the breakers, and checked out the fuses on the generator itself with no luck. Batteries are charged from the solar panel during the day so typically they are juiced up when trying to start. Powers everything but the ac just fine. And I mean everything! Turned them all on one by one and it didn't struggle one bit.
  • TurnThePage's avatar
    TurnThePage
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2014
    I can't speak to what your issue is either, but I know my Coleman MachIII didn't come with a hard start cap. I added an SPP6E with EXCELLENT results. Very high on my list of upgrades.
  • bg71361's avatar
    bg71361
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2014
    camchero wrote:
    Well not too sure what's going on with my ac in the old fiver. Got a Coleman mach iii unit, and a champion generator. Then generator has 3100 starting watts, and used to kick on the ac no prob, but now its not cutting it. Runs on 30 amp shore power just fine. Thinking maybe a hard start kit? Just trying to get the ac functional before swinging down to TX. Any poitners are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!


    So how did you make out??
  • SailingOn's avatar
    SailingOn
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2014
    If your 12v battery is low, or bad, the converter may be drawing enough amps that the generator will not both power the converter and start the air conditioner.
    To test that, either disconnect the battery or be sure it is fully charged before trying to start the air conditioner.
  • Truckin_On's avatar
    Truckin_On
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2014
    You’ve probably already checked this but just in case, will it power anything else? Had that happen once during the day, thought it was the AC but then it worked fine when plugged in. So then I unplugged, started the generator and tried the coffee pot, nothing. Had to laugh when I pushed the circuit breaker reset on the generator and felt it “click”, and all has been good and cool since.
    Hope you find a cheap/easy solution like mine was!
  • bg71361's avatar
    bg71361
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2014
    Make sure you have no other electrical draws. Check the hot water heater and make sure it is not on electric if off then turn ever breaker off except the A/C and re-try.
    Good luck!

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