Forum Discussion

PapPappy's avatar
PapPappy
Explorer
Oct 27, 2013

4Kw Genset won't put out power.

I went out to exercise the genset today.....had some trouble starting it (it's been almost 2 months) and ended up removing the carb. bowl and then disconnecting the gas line and putting it in a container to flush with a fuel mix with SeaFoam. Priming pump worked fine.
Finally got it started, and running well (after a few minutes of hunting rpms)....but wasn't getting voltage at the meter I have plugged into an 110VAC outlet in the galley.
Normally, this would "kick on" after a couple of seconds, once the genset gets up to speed.

I checked the breakers....all were OK, and when I plugged in the shore cable, I got voltage at the meter.

My MH doesn't have a transfer switch.....I have to plug the shore cable plug into an outlet from the genset.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
  • mikebo's avatar
    mikebo
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2013
    I had the same problem a few weeks ago. The wire from the generator to the circuit breaker at the generator had come losse. Also the tech said the neutral wire in the box where the power cord plugs in was loose. I had mine repaired by the dealer since it was still under warranty.
  • PapPappy's avatar
    PapPappy
    Explorer
    Nov 02, 2013
    Thanks for the replies....I'm away at work, so have to wait until I get the chance to check it out again......but I really appreciate the help!
    This is a great forum!:)
  • Handbasket's avatar
    Handbasket
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2013
    Bobbo wrote:
    CloudDriver wrote:
    Did you check the circuit breaker on the generator? It's to the right of the start/stop switch and toward the back. Did you check for voltage at the AC outlet for the generator (where you plug in the shore line to get power from the gen)?

    +1

    This is the primary culprit in this circumstance.


    +2. If a Micro-series generator (assumption, that) actually isn't generating voltage, it loses spark when the start switch is released. The engine stops.

    Jim, "My mind works like lightning. One flash, and it's gone."
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Oct 28, 2013
    CloudDriver wrote:
    Did you check the circuit breaker on the generator? It's to the right of the start/stop switch and toward the back. Did you check for voltage at the AC outlet for the generator (where you plug in the shore line to get power from the gen)?

    +1

    This is the primary culprit in this circumstance.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Oct 28, 2013
    I think you have and ONAN micro 4KW, Model KY. Please confirm that from the plate on the unit, and include the Spec Code. For example our 2002 genny is 4KY Spec K. Hopefully it's just the breaker.
  • RedRollingRoadb's avatar
    RedRollingRoadb
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2013
    Had a similar problem, one day everything fine, next day nothing. In frustration I opened up the generator circuit breaker cover and found that the hot input wire to the breaker used a spade connector and it had vibrated loose. Cleaned it up and pinched it a slight bit and had power once again. Good luck.
  • PapPappy's avatar
    PapPappy
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2013
    I never saw a circuit breaker on the genset....and I've got the RV parked back against the fence again, so I can't check it today.
    I wasn't getting voltage at the outlet where I normally plug in the 30A plug.....so I'm figuring that the voltage isn't coming out of the genset.
    Thanks for the suggestions.
  • CloudDriver's avatar
    CloudDriver
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2013
    Did you check the circuit breaker on the generator? It's to the right of the start/stop switch and toward the back. Did you check for voltage at the AC outlet for the generator (where you plug in the shore line to get power from the gen)?

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