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tpcollins's avatar
tpcollins
Explorer
Jun 11, 2015

Update - generator doesn't continue to run after starting

I brought the RV in today so I could do some more work on the genset. I found the low oil wire, disconnected it and then grounded it, but it would quit when I released the start button. So based on the link that Diplomat posted from Flight Systems, I started going down the trouble shooing list.

I removed the circuit board cover plate, and then removed the 4 screws and mylar cover that protected the soldering on the back side. While playing with it all of a sudden the genet started and continued. I put the cover back on and it would quit, take it off and let it dangle and it ran like a champ (and was putting out 126 volts).

I removed the circuit board entirely and the resister wires were green with corrosion plus the wiring is a bird's nest behind where the circuit board presses up against. I figured there was a short or hairline crack somewhere and the wiring was pushing against the board causing it to short out. I have a replacement board on it's way.

If the new board doesn't work out, I'll just let the cover plate dangle going down the road and hope it doesn't rain! :-)
Class A

8 Replies

  • tpcollins's avatar
    tpcollins
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2015
    Last update - the new circuit board came the other day and after installing it, the genet took off and runs like a top! Thanks again to Diplomat for providing the link that let me troubleshoot and find the cause.
  • Canadian_Rainbi's avatar
    Canadian_Rainbi
    Explorer
    Jun 11, 2015
    To clean electrical connections by an electrical contact cleaner at electrical or automotive supply stores. You can also clean corroded contacts with a pencil eraser.
  • tpcollins's avatar
    tpcollins
    Explorer
    Jun 11, 2015
    bhivetravels wrote:
    Do you have more than a 1/4 tank of gas? Most will not run if the tank is low


    Propane tank registers half full.



    JimM68 wrote:
    Sounds like something a good squirt with 409 and some scrubbing with a small wire brush just might fix.


    I tried a mild cleaner and toothbrush, but it didn't do a very good job of cleaning. If there was a bad connection, it would have been hard for me to find it. My boy is an electrician and probably could have found the problem and fixed/replaced it but the board did look rather crappy so I just ordered a new one.
  • JimM68's avatar
    JimM68
    Explorer
    Jun 11, 2015
    Sounds like something a good squirt with 409 and some scrubbing with a small wire brush just might fix.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jun 11, 2015
    126is only a very tiny bit high and not worth worrying about.

    Good chance one of those corrorded connctions is the culprit but as much as you can look at the other end of the wires as well

    Your symptoms scram "Screw Loose" or to be more precise...loose connection (not making reliable contact) Many RVers have a few screws loose and the electrical system is a common place to find them.
  • Dale_Traveling's avatar
    Dale_Traveling
    Explorer II
    Jun 11, 2015
    126VAC is a bit high but I don't know what the high and low voltage limits might be for you generator to force a shut down. Voltage regulator might even be part of the same board and the replacement might fix your problems.

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