Forum Discussion

tnmotonana's avatar
tnmotonana
Explorer
Apr 15, 2015

Generator problems

We are STILL searching for our perfect used class c!!! Have found one that we may be possibly interested in but the seller states there is an issue with the generator. It will not run unless the motorhome is running? Anybody know what this problem would be? And maybe a rough estimate on a fix?
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    There's a device that lets the road engine charge the house battery. The house battery starts he genny and he genny can recharge it.

    Just guessin' there's a bad connection, positive or negative, at the house battery. This is probably an ONAN, 4KW, series KY? Also has a logic board that could have one batty.

    A coach I was looking at had a genny problem. I described it to a generator tech and he didn't think it was serious to not buy the coach over. There should be a price concession though.
  • This is part of the ad
    1. mechanical- the generator shuts down when the vehicle engine is shut off. This is a recent issue that began at the end of our last trip. Probably a simple fix, but I don't have the time or capability of doing it.

    He also states that all the batteries are new.

    Thanks for all your in-put

    Sorry that this question posted twice....guess my question from last night finally went thru from my cell phone. Still a little new at this but really like all the helpful feed back









    Reply to Topic | Subscribe | Print Topic | Post New Topic | Oldest firstNewest first
  • Doesn't make much sense to me - not something I recall reading before. Maybe the generator starter is hooked to the chassis battery and the generator fuel pump i hooked to the coach battery which is dead? If that's the case then the fuel pump would operate when the engine is running because turning on the engine connects the chassis and coach batteries. However - can't image an owner not knowing his coach battery was dead.
  • You should continue with your other post. I know others may respond to new one.
    Other post
    Sure like to know how genset shuts down. Does it run for a while or does it shut down instantly with ignition switch?
    Does it start with the main engine off?
    Does it turn over with main engine off? This would show that it is getting 12 volts to the unit.
    What make is the genset and was it factory installed or aftermarket?
  • The ad actually states "the generator shuts off when the motorhome is shut off."
  • Dead house battery, would be a consideration. Is he saying it won't run without the MH running? or it won't start without the MH running. If the latter I would suspect the house battery.