ELECTRICAL PROBLEM

gatorcq wrote:
Most gensets especially diesel, only need outside battery to start. Once started, they have an alternator/AVR to supply power to keep running.
Have you done anything different? What is your rig, genset?.
You not need the ignition key "On" to start it.
Will need additional information before any real trouble-shooting can begin.

Not true. "Some" do, but the majority do NOT. Doug

Sounds like converter failure and house batteries disconnected or deceased. (DEAD).

Posibilities included a tripped circuit breaker, Either on the generator or on the main breaker panel,, Unplugged or otherwise disabled converter, that is if that is possible (I have two converters one is disabled and the other sometimes gets unplugged) and blown fuses or main 12 volt breakers (on the battery) to narrow it down I need access to your RV since it is different from mine. Or a lot more info.

Do not know hat kind of rig!
I would cycle the coach battery disconnect off and then back on.

Some gensets have a battery for starting it only.

Daddy,

This sounds like something I have seen, but the description is not completely specific.

Do you mean:
When I switch off the APU (genset) all the house lights go out but the APU keeps running.
or
When I switch off the APU the lights on its panel go out but the unit keeps running.
Or other, please be a specific as possible.

Remember, older diesels are complete (we have Zero product specification here) are completely mechanical and the electric controls are just add-ons for operator convenience.

Possible answer to the first case:
The house bank is dead and the APU starts on the main engine battery, but the shutdown solenoid is jammed so the unit won't shut down. The AC machine excitation may be supplied by the control circuits. So, when the unit power is turn off it stops producing power.

Second case is largely the same as the first, but the house bank is good and your just have a problem with mechnical shut-down on the APU.

I saw a lot of this sort of thing working o boats until the economy crashed.

Matt

Most gensets especially diesel, only need outside battery to start. Once started, they have an alternator/AVR to supply power to keep running.
Have you done anything different? What is your rig, genset?.
You not need the ignition key "On" to start it.
Will need additional information before any real trouble-shooting can begin.

dadd wrote:

MrWizard wrote:
have you done anything to your batteries ?

is the RV side battery disconnect engaged ?

at present you have NO 12v power to the genset to keep the control, fuel pump etc.. working

you have power only when the key is on , because you are getting power from the ignition side of the chassis/drive electrical,
that is NOT the way it is supposed to work

something has been disconnected or maybe cross wired to the wrong spot

COULD THE HOUSE BATTERIES BE DEAD????????

YES or NOT connected. Onan APU's require a good 12 volt source to stay running. When you have the Ignition key ON, the chassis battery system is supplying that 12 volt source. You may have the coach battery disconnect OFF and may just need to turn the 12 volt disconnect system on. Doug

Yes, it could be your house battery. Check the battery, the connections to the battery and any circuit breaker or fuse that is in the main line for the battery as well as any house battery disconnect switch.

MrWizard wrote:
have you done anything to your batteries ?

is the RV side battery disconnect engaged ?

at present you have NO 12v power to the genset to keep the control, fuel pump etc.. working

you have power only when the key is on , because you are getting power from the ignition side of the chassis/drive electrical,
that is NOT the way it is supposed to work

something has been disconnected or maybe cross wired to the wrong spot

COULD THE HOUSE BATTERIES BE DEAD????????

have you done anything to your batteries ?

is the RV side battery disconnect engaged ?

at present you have NO 12v power to the genset to keep the control, fuel pump etc.. working

you have power only when the key is on , because you are getting power from the ignition side of the chassis/drive electrical,
that is NOT the way it is supposed to work

something has been disconnected or maybe cross wired to the wrong spot