Generator question Onan versus Honda

Question

I have 2 generators. One is built into class C Onan.  Other one is an 1985ish Honda.   Honda was used in 5th wheel but is now back up for house.  I use a "kill a watt" gauge. The Onan puts out a steady 117 volt, needle on gauge doesn't move, just hums along.  On the Honda, the gauge moves up and down between 110-117.  Gauge moves up to 117 then back down to 110 then up again to 117.  Engine rpm seems steady.  Any ideas why? Is it because the Honda is plugged into the elec cord like shore power where Onan is built in? Both are going thru same elec system IMO. Difference in manufactures?  1985ish technology versus 2005? Simple adjustment on(something) Any input, thanks in advance.

old-biscuit · Answer

Difference in the voltage regulators.How do they react to load increases/decreases?

d___m · Answer

I would think its a combination of things like vintage, size, technology, wear, etc.

The way the power is connected is the same. The electrical circuits are "plugged" into the generator - the Honda connects manually and the Onan "plugs" in through ab automatic transfer switch.

I'm not a gen set person, but I'm guessing that the gen set built into your rig is probably a 5500 watt generator with a larger 4 cycle engine engine, so at idle it is just loafing along at a nice steady pace. The Honda is a 1000 or 2000 watt unit with a smaller engine. The voltages you measured are not out of line with the nominal output that Honda has in their specs.

deleted-2 · Answer

Our old EM1000 did this also.The older Honda's will "hunt" because of the way the engine governs frequency.Honda's older units were built to regulate engine speed in order to maintain 60hz.The slight up and down rpm on the wound stator would affect voltage output, plus there might be some winding breakdown in the generator of that vintage.

path1 · Answer

Old-Biscuit wrote:Difference in the voltage regulators.How do they react to load increases/decreases?Good question, I should of thought of that.  The load that I did notice was constant with a/c and lights etc.  Good point! And now the Honda is back buried in shed, I'll have to dig it out and see, later in the week.

path1 · Answer

D &amp; M wrote:I would think its a combination of things like vintage, size, technology, wear, etc.The way the power is connected is the same.  The electrical circuits are "plugged" into the generator - the Honda connects manually and the Onan "plugs" in through ab automatic transfer switch. I'm not a gen set person, but I'm guessing that the gen set built into your rig is probably a 5500 watt generator with a larger 4 cycle engine engine, so at idle it is just loafing along at a nice steady pace.  The Honda is a 1000 or 2000 watt unit with a smaller engine.  The voltages you measured are not out of line with the nominal output that Honda has in their specs.The gen in rv is 3,500 micro quiet.  The Honda is 2,500.  Old style type 1 or 2 years before they came out with the super quiet plastic case ones that most people have today and are better IMO

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Generator question Onan versus Honda

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