generator

[joe0508]

I have a 4000 watt onan generator.I let it set without exercising it for longer than i wonted like 2 or 3 months.Yesturday when i finally got around to it i started the rv motor.After a few minutes i went to start the generator and it really didnt wont to start.After about 3 trys it finally started.My voltage regulator went off telling me low voltage.It was like 80 or so.The voltage slowly rised to normal but this is the first time this has happened and i dont know what to make of it.Could someone give some idea what is happening?I appriciate it.

[TEXAS]

The problem with the newer Onans. Is that they have voltage regulators. Which tries to push more exciter voltage through the brushes and rings.If the rings are dirty it has to work harder at it. So much that it can burn out the regulator which is not cheap.

I would run it at least once a month. Under load when possible. I think you will solve the problem. Keeps the whole system in shape.

[joe0508]

TEXAS wrote:
I will say it again. Model and serial number would help.

Most common thing is glassed over slip rings. Rotation cleans them enough to let it start producing power. This is very hard on the regulator if it has one. Can destroy it for about 300-400 dollars.

Can starting it more often be a solution?Its an onan but i dont have the serial.

[Lwiddis]

Youse don't excercise your generator, youse pays the piper.

[TEXAS]

I will say it again. Model and serial number would help.

Most common thing is glassed over slip rings. Rotation cleans them enough to let it start producing power. This is very hard on the regulator if it has one. Can destroy it for about 300-400 dollars.

[agesilaus]

Just a guess, I'm by no means an expert, maybe low flow thru the carb caused the rpm to be slowed or erratic. There may be a safety feature that cuts the power with low voltage or frequency.

[joe0508]

agesilaus wrote:
Gummed up carburettor? Try some SeaFoam in the gas, I'd dump the gas tank and use new fuel too.

I understand how this would cause hard starting but how would it make the voltage do as i explained?

[the_bear_II]

We used to camp often by the ocean. On two different types of generators I would experience what you experienced after the generators sat for a couple of months. The generators seemed to work fine once they warmed up. But for a few minutes when first started there would be no electrical power or limited power. I often wondered if the armature or brushes would have a light corrosion that had to wear off once the generator started before it would start sending out power.

[agesilaus]

Gummed up carburettor? Try some SeaFoam in the gas, I'd dump the gas tank and use new fuel too.