I could use some generator advice.I have a Onan in my class A and when I start it up as soon as it starts to send power to the unit it shuts itself down. So basically as soon as the transfer switch is engaged it shuts the generator down. I do have fuel, more than 1/2 a tank.I tried to trouble shoot:I started gen with all breakers in panel off....It runs and I turned main breaker on with all others in off pos. I then started turning them on one by one. All good until I turn on the one marked Converter. Then boom, gen shuts down. I am assuming that with the Converter BReaker in the OFF postion I am just getting power through the coach batteries???? Am I correct about that?Do I have a bad converter?Or do I have a bad transfer switch. Any help would be appreciatedThanks

Sounds like a big problem with the inverter, most likely shorted, when it acts like that.When did this start happening ?Dave M

mci7 wrote:Sounds like a big problem with the inverter, most likely shorted, when it acts like that.When did this start happening ?Dave MI agree. As a very temporary work around leave inverter switch off and connect good battery charger to battery while running generator. This is a temporary solution until you can replace the inverter.

I don't use generator all that often. We went out today and it was running fine for an hour or so, then I flushed the can (its got electric water fill) and the gen shut down. Then it started working for less and less time until it finally just does not transfer power at all anymore. It's instantaneously shutting down once the juice tries to kick in.So, if I'm understanding you all, I am getting power but inverter is not chagrging batteries and causing the gen to shut down on a safety mode?So if everything runs without he converter breaker on, that means the invert-er is shot?Is invert-er an easy in out that I can do. I am handy but not overly electronically inclined. I can build a house but would not wire one.

I'd check the inverter reset button and see if that makes a difference.

Interesting that it would happen on the converter. The problem unfortunately can stem to a lot of things. What I would do is start pulling all 12V fuses out of the 12v panel to eliminate a possible short in anything. I'd unplug where I could, and disconnect where I could. Try to eliminate all going to the converter to see if that is blowing it.Also, try ONLY turning on the main and converter breakers and see what happens.

Generator Help | Good Sam Community

xarifa25
Explorer
Sep 14, 2014
I have isolated it to an overload problem. It will stay running with a few things on but then if I try to bring in a slide out or use the awning it shuts down. The gen definitely is shutting itself off.
Any advice for trouble shooting what circuit may be shorted?
I would have no idea how to determine too much inductive loading or resistive loading.
mci7- are you saying that I may just have to live with this problem or if it's over my head can my local RV service shop handle this issue?
mci7
Explorer
Sep 14, 2014
It is normal for these little babes to just stop running with a large overload. There are different types of over loading, from a dead short to too much inductive loading, sometimes a large resistive overload. Seen it happen many times. Happens on larger units also.
Always nice to check the lock rotor amps / peak amps encountered. They sure make such tools, such as Fluke & some others, sure makes much easier to trouble shoot.
Dave M
Goldencrazy
Explorer
Sep 14, 2014
I would think before you go to crazy pulling things I would go back to where the problem began and the "flushing the can". Also reset the inverter. Does the generator actually stop or does it just stop producing electricity. If the motor stops it may be more on that end. If it is more on electric side the motor should run but just not produce electricity.
crasster
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2014
^^^^Oh yes, also remember to mark what fuse goes where in the 12v panel. :)
crasster
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2014
Interesting that it would happen on the converter. The problem unfortunately can stem to a lot of things. What I would do is start pulling all 12V fuses out of the 12v panel to eliminate a possible short in anything. I'd unplug where I could, and disconnect where I could. Try to eliminate all going to the converter to see if that is blowing it.

Also, try ONLY turning on the main and converter breakers and see what happens.
RedG
Explorer
Sep 14, 2014
I'd check the inverter reset button and see if that makes a difference.
xarifa25
Explorer
Sep 14, 2014
I don't use generator all that often. We went out today and it was running fine for an hour or so, then I flushed the can (its got electric water fill) and the gen shut down.
Then it started working for less and less time until it finally just does not transfer power at all anymore. It's instantaneously shutting down once the juice tries to kick in.
So, if I'm understanding you all, I am getting power but inverter is not chagrging batteries and causing the gen to shut down on a safety mode?
So if everything runs without he converter breaker on, that means the invert-er is shot?
Is invert-er an easy in out that I can do. I am handy but not overly electronically inclined. I can build a house but would not wire one.
darsben
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2014
mci7 wrote:
Sounds like a big problem with the inverter, most likely shorted, when it acts like that.
When did this start happening ?
Dave M

I agree. As a very temporary work around leave inverter switch off and connect good battery charger to battery while running generator. This is a temporary solution until you can replace the inverter.
mci7
Explorer
Sep 14, 2014
Sounds like a big problem with the inverter, most likely shorted, when it acts like that.
When did this start happening ?
Dave M

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