Spent the weekend in a giant mud hole, AKA Lot 1A at Indianapolis Motor Speedway where we had no electric. We ran the generator most of the time. It was the first time we've run it more than a couple hours at a time and after it had been running overight we had an odd situation. Tried to use the microwave to re-heat some coffee Sat morning - generator had been running overnight and the AC had cycled off normally. The microwave would run for about 5 seconds hen shut down and power off. In a few seconds it would re-set and could be restarted, but did the same thing. I checked the EMS and it showed 131 volts and a "high voltage" error code. All other electrical equipment was working fine. When the AC cycled on the voltage dropped to 124, but the EMS showed a "high cycle" error. When the AC was running the microwave worked fine. I'm guessing there is some calibration needed on the generator. Has anyone dealt with this before?

I am no expert but you may need to list the generator make/model/serial number to get the best answers.

Sounds likely that it's running fast, assuming it's a fixed-speed generator and not an inverter generator. Adjusting the governor should fix that. As time2roll mentioned, it would be helpful if not essential for specific responses to know what specific generator you have.

It's a Generac 6.5KW, but don't have the numbers handy right now

We still have a generator guru or two who drop by here, but most have moved on. Sadly, largely because owners didn't provide detailed make/model/spec code (all important if it's ONAN, don't know about others...).Notwithstanding, SmokStak.Com is all about engines, tractors, generators. They have a Generac section and you may get better play there.Agree with Drew, this could easily be a touch of overspeed. Wonder if a linkage got sticky or a spring came off.Every manual will tell you to have a Frequency Meter to set up the RPM (the governor, etc.) But if it's a simple fixed RPM generator: RPM, Voltage, and Frequency are locked together. In other words, an old 1800 RPM ONAN, running 120VAC (on a common meter we all have) will also be 60 hZ and 1800 RPM. But you have electronics managing your Generac, so checking stuff probably won't be that simple. Remember too, if the electronics somehow allow it to run over voltage, or you bypass something to do that, the higher voltage puts all the "customer" appliances and stuff at risk.

While I can not comment at this time on your current issue I can say this:At one time I purchased a 1,000 watt portable.. When I first used it several devices "Complained" about the quality of the power.. Ran several tests including a 'scope... Well, finally I just hooked up a light (300 watt flood light) pulled the cord and let it run out of gas.After that all was happy.. Seems sitting in the box on the shelf some components had changed value.. use restored them (Electrolytic capacitors do this, well known "Feature" and as an Electroincs techinician I know this.. or should).Every month, run Generator for at least 1/2 to 1 hour, under at least 1/2 load. This keeps those parts happy, cleans slip rings, keeps engine properly lubricated and helps prevent carb issues as well.Or as my Mechanic said "You now have an orange engine" (painted orange).. My Reply was "orange on outside ok, orange on inside (rust is orange) bad.. (It is bright and shiny on inside.. runs good too).

generator issue? | Good Sam Community

12 Replies

Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 30, 2017
"With all of the generators running 24/7 I was surprised we all got away alive haha."

Validated by Royb! Now...the noise level was?
turbojimmy
Explorer
May 30, 2017
RoyB wrote:
Got my one time fill at Talladega Superspeedway. It was party time for three solid days haha... People jumping from the top of the trailer to the next trailer hehe...

I did get to chat with some drivers however...

With all of the generators running 24/7 I was surprised we all got away alive haha...

I got RV'ers Motorhome friends here and that is what they like do all season long - Follow the NASCAR crowd around the country side...

Roy Ken

I'm headed to the tricky triangle 6/9-6/11. A lot of people shut down their generators at night, as do I. Just ordered a new muffler for the genny last night. Wondered why I smelled exhaust despite the Gen-turi. Muffler is split open...
RoyB
Explorer II
May 30, 2017
Got my one time fill at Talladega Superspeedway. It was party time for three solid days haha... People jumping from the top of the trailer to the next trailer hehe...

I did get to chat with some drivers however...

With all of the generators running 24/7 I was surprised we all got away alive haha...

I got RV'ers Motorhome friends here and that is what they like do all season long - Follow the NASCAR crowd around the country side...

Roy Ken
turbojimmy
Explorer
May 30, 2017
j-d wrote:
Notwithstanding, SmokStak.Com is all about engines, tractors, generators. They have a Generac section and you may get better play there.

I second that - they're great over there. I've gotten lots of help with mine from smokstak.com. Be sure to post the model number in your subject line - they're very particular about message formatting.

I have the manual for mine and it has a very detailed procedure for setting the governor and engine speed while monitoring voltage. It's 33 years old, but the logic still applies. I have not had a need to follow the procedures they outline, though. Last check mine fluctuated between 118-122 volts unloaded. I was kind of shocked to find voltage dropped to the high-90s with both A/Cs running but none of the other 120V stuff I had on at the time seemed to be bothered by it.
2oldman
Explorer II
May 30, 2017
Google: generac overvoltage
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 30, 2017
"We ran the generator most of the time."

You and thousands of others. This is why I don't go.
Crazy_Ray
Explorer
May 30, 2017
Fuel pump needed.JMO
wa8yxm
Explorer III
May 30, 2017
While I can not comment at this time on your current issue I can say this:

At one time I purchased a 1,000 watt portable.. When I first used it several devices "Complained" about the quality of the power.. Ran several tests including a 'scope... Well, finally I just hooked up a light (300 watt flood light) pulled the cord and let it run out of gas.

After that all was happy.. Seems sitting in the box on the shelf some components had changed value.. use restored them (Electrolytic capacitors do this, well known "Feature" and as an Electroincs techinician I know this.. or should).

Every month, run Generator for at least 1/2 to 1 hour, under at least 1/2 load. This keeps those parts happy, cleans slip rings, keeps engine properly lubricated and helps prevent carb issues as well.

Or as my Mechanic said "You now have an orange engine" (painted orange).. My Reply was "orange on outside ok, orange on inside (rust is orange) bad.. (It is bright and shiny on inside.. runs good too).
j-d
Explorer II
May 30, 2017
We still have a generator guru or two who drop by here, but most have moved on. Sadly, largely because owners didn't provide detailed make/model/spec code (all important if it's ONAN, don't know about others...).
Notwithstanding, SmokStak.Com is all about engines, tractors, generators. They have a Generac section and you may get better play there.
Agree with Drew, this could easily be a touch of overspeed. Wonder if a linkage got sticky or a spring came off.
Every manual will tell you to have a Frequency Meter to set up the RPM (the governor, etc.) But if it's a simple fixed RPM generator: RPM, Voltage, and Frequency are locked together. In other words, an old 1800 RPM ONAN, running 120VAC (on a common meter we all have) will also be 60 hZ and 1800 RPM.
But you have electronics managing your Generac, so checking stuff probably won't be that simple. Remember too, if the electronics somehow allow it to run over voltage, or you bypass something to do that, the higher voltage puts all the "customer" appliances and stuff at risk.
Tal_IL
Explorer
May 29, 2017
It's a Generac 6.5KW, but don't have the numbers handy right now

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generator issue?

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