Generator breaker keeps shutting off immediately

[SHRED]

1995 Lazy Daze.
Onan generator.
Progressive Dynamics PD4645 converter.

There is no power reaching the motorhome from the generator.

I tested the leads to the breaker. One read about 170VAC with generator running. I shut the generator off and tested the other lead and it tested .266 kilohms so I don't think there is a short but I'm not very electrically literate.

I replaced the switch. That didn't fix.

AC voltage works fine when I plug into shore power.

I'm wondering what next to check.
Thanks.

[KMLsquared]

While I agree 170VAC is too high, I don't see why that would be tripping a over current device like a breaker. If all down stream loads are off and its tripping there must be a short between that generator breaker and the main breaker of the 120VAC distribution panel. Start tracing wires and opening junction boxes.

Odd the 170V as that is the peak voltage of 120VAC. Is your meter a good one or a cheap harbor freight one?

[SHRED]

time2roll wrote:
170v sounds like a regulator issue or an open neutral. Best to have a pro look at this issue.

I'm in Encinitas, CA (San Diego County).
Do you know of any good shops in my area?

[time2roll]

170v sounds like a regulator issue or an open neutral. Best to have a pro look at this issue.

[SHRED]

Dutch_12078 wrote:
You might find some help here:

Onan RV Troubleshooting Guide

With every breaker off on the converter the genset breaker trips off still after about an 8 second delay.

[dougrainer]

The MAX genset voltage is 132 volts. The Voltage range on a Onan is 126 to 132 volts. IF you read 170, why would you think that is OK? THAT either means your Onan voltage regulator is toast or the Genset SPEED is NOT 1800 RPM's at 60 htz. Increase in speed will cause an increase in output voltage. Most common cause of this is novices that increase the idle speed to stop a surge/hunt genset run. This does NOT fix the problem but does stop the Hunt/surge. But does increase the output voltage. Doug

[Dutch_12078]

You might find some help here:

Onan RV Troubleshooting Guide

[wa8yxm]

There are shorts you can't find with a VOM. They are voltage dependent.
Alas I can not list them all but I can tell you now to narrow the search

INSIDE the RV turn off EVERY breaker. not fire up the generator. Turn on just the MAIN breaker... Still good (hook a test light or volt meter to the main braker and white bus to check or have partner watch generator breaker)
Ok turn on the next breaker, and the next and the next till CLICK.