Generator doesn't supply power to air, microwave, in cabin

[dlt123me]

Hello, I have an interesting problem. I have a 1995 Class C Jamboree Rallye which has a 4K Onan generator. The generator runs fine, but it doesn't supply power to the cabin inside the MH. It should run the air conditioner, microwave and refrigerator but it doesn't.

When I plug into land power, all works fine. Any ideas what is happening here? Is there some fuse I am not aware of or is there a connection from the generator to the cabin that may have come loose? Is there a switch on the power converter, wherever that is, that needs to be tripped or re-tripped?

How do I trouble-shoot this?

Any help is appreciated... and thank you.

Dennis

[IAMICHABOD]

[enblethen]

Thanks for the update!

[dlt123me]

Update... Update... Update... Update... Update... Update... Update... Update... Update... Update...

Bordercollie wrote:
Will the OP favor us with a response and tell us if he got it working???

You bet I will.. LOL... but first I want to thank you ALL for your input and help getting these problems fixed... All is working now... I first was not able to get power to my cabin, even though I ran the generator, but that turned out to be a user error on my part. I didn't have the power line plugged into the power receptacle that is in the power cord compartment. It must be plugged into that socket in my unit to use generator power rather than land line power..

Second, in my unit, you MUST have at least 1/2 tank full of gas to run the generator. In some you only need a 1/4 tank of gas, but in mine you need 1/2 tank to run the generator. I like that since you will not get stranded in the boondocks because you didn't have enough gas to make it into town for refill your tank.

So, everything is working as hoped and again if it wasn't for this amazingly friendly, helpful site, I would be lost in RV space. Thank you all so much for being here and helping RV newbies like me fix stupid user errors. LOL

Wishing everyone Happy RVing.

Dennis

[Bordercollie]

Will the OP favor us with a response and tell us if he got it working???

[j-d]

Always post the ONAN Model Number with Spec Code. Spec is generally the last character of Model Number.

If you have a Model beginning "4KY" then it's a single cylinder 3600-RPM generator. Removing the genny from the coach won't help much with the sparkplug unless it's in a really odd mounting location.

AND... If it IS actually a 4KY, then holding the control switch against STOP (before you try to start it) should run the fuel pump. Try it from the outside switch, the one on the genny. You have to remove that access cover. The end of the switch that doesn't have the red indicator is STOP. Hold it in STOP and you should hear the fuel pump. It's a tapping sound, not a whirr like an electric motor. If you don't hear it, something's wrong. It should run, tapping pretty loud (easy to hear from beside the genny, maybe not from inside the coach). Then it should taper off and go quiet. If it doesn't get quiet, it's either bad or not getting gas from the coach's tank.

Try this and let us know what you find.

[burlmart]

burlmart wrote:
make sure you have over a 1/3 full gas tank and that you prime the generator 15 seconds before you try to crank it

and as another advised, spark plug likely OK

[OLYLEN]

Also make sure you have enough fuel. Most run down to 1/4 tank and a few only run down to 1/2 before a no run condition. careful on the start fluid a little goes a long way. If it tries to run on the start fluid could be low fuel, needs a filter or needs a fuel pump or air leak in fuel line.

LEN

[enblethen]

The back plug can be difficult. I have to loosen the front(compartment door side) and let the genset hinge down slightly to get to back plug.
Depends on model of 4K genset.
If it turns over good, hit it with a little starting fluid.
If it doesn't turn over good charge the battery or start the MH.

[DrewE]

You should not need to pull the generator to check or change the plug! It's easily accessible from the normal maintenance hatch, next to the engine oil fill.

[burlmart]

make sure you have over a 1/3 full gas tank and that you prime the generator 15 seconds before you try to crank it

[dlt123me]

IAMICHABOD wrote:
As others has said look for the plug in like this,to make sure that it is connected.


If it is and still no power,then open the box and make sure all wires are connected to the receptacle,I had this problem once on my last RV and one of the wires had come loose.

Well, I checked the box and sure enough, it wasn't plugged in... I am unable at this point to start the generator, even though it ran a couple of days ago. My mechanic thinks it may be a fowled plug, so we are going to pull the generator and replace the plug to see if that is what is wrong.. then I will check to see if I do finally get power to the cabin. Thanks for the help everyone. I will come back and update after I get the generator running...

Thanks,
Dennis

[burlmart]

DrewE wrote:
What is your fuel level now? Most RV generators are connected to the tank such that their fuel pickup only goes partway down the tank, and they won't run typically below around a quarter tank.

I would tend to suspect a fuel problem of some sort before the spark plug on the Onan generators. That seems to be more common. Spark plugs also don't tend to die suddenly, in my experience, but gradually the engine runs less and less well.

good info for OP. also...

the toggle switch for most onan's is pressed in at top to crank it up. BUT just as important is to 1st press it in at the bottom and hold for 10-15 audible clicks - this primes the carb w/ gas.

[Bobbo]

I agree with everyone else. The order of probability is
1. plug in to generator's outlet
2. breaker on generator is tripped
3. bad connection in generator outlet box

[IAMICHABOD]

As others has said look for the plug in like this,to make sure that it is connected.


If it is and still no power,then open the box and make sure all wires are connected to the receptacle,I had this problem once on my last RV and one of the wires had come loose.