Generator Woes, Onan nhe emerald + 6500
While driving down the road with generator running and the air conditioner on and running, suddenly the electricity goes off, I jump out and realize the generator was still running, drive on and sudde...
Forum Discussion
eldondo,
Not sure if your Onan is similar to my Emerald 7kw model (gas), but mine seems to be VERY sensitive to oil level and oil viscosity. If the oil level is low OR if the oil is thin, mine will do what your describe. I believe that when you hit a good bump, the oil sloshes around and the oil pressure sensor sends a signal that the oil is low, the generator begins to shut down. This immediately cuts off the AC power. If the sensor then sends an "oil is OK" and the engine is still spinning, it'll keep on running. But the AC power won't be restored until about 30 seconds later when the timer kicks it on. I listen for the microwave to beep indicating power is back. If I don't get the beep, then I restart it.
I now run straight 30W oil in it (per Onan's oil viscosity recommendations) as I don't generally run it in the very cold temps. (IF I knew I wanted to do winter camping, I'd drain it and put in some thinner stuff.) I used to run one of the multi-viscosity oils they recommend year-round, but then I would notice the issue quite frequently, ESPECIALLY when running in the summer heat.
So, check the oil recommendation chart for your generator and try using the thickest, single viscosity oil recommended for the temperature range expected.
Good Luck,
~Rick
P.S. I also assume you know that once the fuel level in the tank starts getting down around 1/3-1/4 tank mark, the generator pick-up tube may not get a steady supply of gas, and that might cause your problem as well. So make sure you have enough gas in the tank. :)
Not sure if your Onan is similar to my Emerald 7kw model (gas), but mine seems to be VERY sensitive to oil level and oil viscosity. If the oil level is low OR if the oil is thin, mine will do what your describe. I believe that when you hit a good bump, the oil sloshes around and the oil pressure sensor sends a signal that the oil is low, the generator begins to shut down. This immediately cuts off the AC power. If the sensor then sends an "oil is OK" and the engine is still spinning, it'll keep on running. But the AC power won't be restored until about 30 seconds later when the timer kicks it on. I listen for the microwave to beep indicating power is back. If I don't get the beep, then I restart it.
I now run straight 30W oil in it (per Onan's oil viscosity recommendations) as I don't generally run it in the very cold temps. (IF I knew I wanted to do winter camping, I'd drain it and put in some thinner stuff.) I used to run one of the multi-viscosity oils they recommend year-round, but then I would notice the issue quite frequently, ESPECIALLY when running in the summer heat.
So, check the oil recommendation chart for your generator and try using the thickest, single viscosity oil recommended for the temperature range expected.
Good Luck,
~Rick
P.S. I also assume you know that once the fuel level in the tank starts getting down around 1/3-1/4 tank mark, the generator pick-up tube may not get a steady supply of gas, and that might cause your problem as well. So make sure you have enough gas in the tank. :)
