Generator Stalls only while Driving
Hi everyone! My first post. I bought a 1999 Safari Zanzibar and I am trying to solve a mystery. Auto transfer switch kept dropping the generator power so I bypassed the switch. Now, Onan 6500 prop...
Forum Discussion
mowdoc,
I can attest to your diagnosis. I generally top-off the oil level before every trip to make sure it's right at the full line.
What I have also found is to use the thickest oil recommended for the temperature range expected. My generator manual says 5W-30 is OK, but I found on hot days the generator would frequently cut-off after hitting a large pothole or hard braking. When I switched to straight 30W oil (also recommended) the problem lessened to the point where it is rarely experienced.
Now, I'm not in Las Vegas, so you are experiencing a whole new level of "hot" compared to East Coast temps, so I'm guessing the oil will be even hotter (thinner).
On my "to do" list is to make a little circuit which will filter the low-oil switch signal such that the low oil condition has to be constant for a short period (maybe a second or so?) before sending the shut-down signal. Should be pretty easy to wire up. But honestly, so far, using the straight 30 weight and keeping the oil topped off has pushed this project to the back burner. Now....if and when we start travelling out your way, I may re-address the need. :)
~Rick
I can attest to your diagnosis. I generally top-off the oil level before every trip to make sure it's right at the full line.
What I have also found is to use the thickest oil recommended for the temperature range expected. My generator manual says 5W-30 is OK, but I found on hot days the generator would frequently cut-off after hitting a large pothole or hard braking. When I switched to straight 30W oil (also recommended) the problem lessened to the point where it is rarely experienced.
Now, I'm not in Las Vegas, so you are experiencing a whole new level of "hot" compared to East Coast temps, so I'm guessing the oil will be even hotter (thinner).
On my "to do" list is to make a little circuit which will filter the low-oil switch signal such that the low oil condition has to be constant for a short period (maybe a second or so?) before sending the shut-down signal. Should be pretty easy to wire up. But honestly, so far, using the straight 30 weight and keeping the oil topped off has pushed this project to the back burner. Now....if and when we start travelling out your way, I may re-address the need. :)
~Rick
