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scarpi's avatar
scarpi
Explorer
Aug 30, 2013

Generator question

OK, I have an 09 PW Excel class B with an Onan 2800 gen. Today while I was running my generator as I usually do twice a month for about an hour, my Lp detector started to chirp intermittently with the fault light lighting up (not the alarm light), and my CO detector fault light intermittently lit up without any alarm. The Lp gas is off and all the windows were closed. I did not smell any propane. I was also running my new Dometic AC unit on low cool as I always do to provide a load for my generator. Any ideas as to what is going on? This is a new one to me. Some kind of electrical problem?? Strange that both the CO and LP detectors were showing some kind of problem while running the generator. The AC unit was running fine. Oh and the leds on the coach battery monitor display in the RV was going from discharge to full charge. Weird, never seen this before!

New info, I just went outside to try it again and I discovered a puddle of oil under my generator! UGH!! For an 09, seems like I'm always having to fix something on this RV (I do have a list). Sorry for the rant!
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2013
    I searched that model and its a splash system so it has no filter. It wouldn't seem like the two issues are related but this is all internet diagnosis so who knows. Obviously you need to address the oil leak so you dont ruin the engine. Dont know if you or the dealer will be working on it but you need to isolate where it may be leaking. Dont tear anything apart. First step is good visual inspection for simple or obvious problems. If there is oil all over and you can't see the leak it will need to be cleaned so the leak can be pin pointed so needless steps are avoided.
  • scarpi's avatar
    scarpi
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2013
    I looked in my owners manual and there is no mention of an oil filter in this generator (Onan 2800).
  • scarpi's avatar
    scarpi
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2013
    That's an idea. The oil was changed in April of 2012 and the Generator has about 30 hours on it. The oil looks clean and the level is now a little low after the leak. The oil was changed at my RV service center. Is the oil filter hard to get at? I'll have to check its location in my owners manual. Hopefully that is it. But why would my lp and co detectors suddenly go haywire and the same time that I found this oil leak? Two unrelated issues?
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2013
    Has the oil been changed recently? Could be a loose oil filter.
  • scarpi's avatar
    scarpi
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2013
    Battery disconnect was off. I was just out there again and yes the generator is suddenly leaking oil. I checked the oil and it is between low and full in the checkered area on the dipstick. And yes I did not screw the dipstick in to check the oil as directed in my owners manual. Is it a coincidence that it is leaking oil badly suddenly and my CO and LP detectors are faulting. Leaking oil causing the generator to put out improper current? Strange.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Aug 30, 2013
    Do you have your battery disconnect turned to OFF?

    CO & LP detectors are wired directly to battery....if battery voltage low they will chirp.

    If disconnect is OFF.......generator was supplying 120V AC and the 12V DC via converter

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