Onan Microlite 2.8 genset runs but no AC output

[beachinn]

I just purchased a 1990 Winnebago Warrior in very good condition, but I cannot seem to get the onboard generator to produce voltage. I have checked the circuit breakers inside and the breaker switch on the generator itself. Can anyone offer any advice?
Thanks Mark

[beachinn]

Thank you DrewE for the response. I did read in the manual that it said to leave the panel in place for cooling but it did not reference run time. Does it matter if the Motor Home access panel to the generator is left up or down (outside panel of the vehicle)?
Thanks again for your help. Mark

[j-d]

DrewE wrote:
There's no problem with running the Onan generator for hours or days continually, assuming it's properly installed and in good operating condition.

And... The cover that lets you see the side of the genny is meant to be left installed while the genny is in use. We might think that removed, it allows more cooling air. But NOT, it directs the air flow to critical components.

[DrewE]

There's no problem with running the Onan generator for hours or days continually, assuming it's properly installed and in good operating condition.

[beachinn]

OK Y'all, I know this is a crazy question, but I have to ask. I have a Onan Microlite 2.8 generator and want to know if it is safe to leave it running for hours and hours on end? Will it over heat or damaged the unit or coach? Thank you for your support.
Mark

[j-d]

Welcome to the RV Community

You're welcome for our help, and

Thanks for posting the resolution.

Our first RV had "Generator Prep" which was some wiring, not even a fuel line. I installed a used generator, and found that it was designed for "manual transfer" with a receptacle. The box was there, blank plate over it, and BARE wires inside. Not just cut, but stripped, so lots of bare. I stumbled through the install and wiring. Ended up with "manual" but there was also a convenient "generator outlet" in the kitchen. I think the idea was to use microwave or some other single appliance without having to do out and do a "transfer."

We drove that RV in "transfer" so we could start the generator (I was able to wire an indoor Start/Stop switch to wiring they buried in the wall without marking it) without going outside in a rest area, etc.

The only disadvantage I ever saw was middle of the night in a thunderstorm power failure in the campground. When THAT happened, I had to go out in the rain to "transfer" which I think happened only once or twice.

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is nice, but it's a potential point of failure that hard wiring doesn't have.

Back to it... Don't hesitate to ask questions. It's possible that a good answer isn't even on the path you're taking through the problem. Chances are, somebody has been where you are, before.

Thinking we'll be hearing from you often. Hope so...

[Mandalay_Parr]

Thanks for giving us the solution.
Jerry Parr

[beachinn]

THANK YOU ALL who responded to my question. You have solved my problem. I am a fairly mechanical individual and have a hard time asking for help, but in this case, I was out of options. The problem was all my fault from lack of RV knowledge. I did not have the shore power cord plugged in to the socket (inside the cord compartment). I am new to the RV world and my wife and I are excited. We figured we would start out with something older and not to expensive (in the event we lose interest quickly). Do not think that will happen, but anyway, I would like to THANK ALL OF YOU in this forum. I am sure I will have another question in the not so distant future. Mark In Alabama

[Sam_Spade]

If it's anything like my Onan, the breaker on the gen is hard to see and get to. If you haven't manually reset that one, do try that.

Then.....the first time I had no AC when the gen was running, I had forgotten to throw my "manual transfer switch" which consists of plugging the shore power cord into the gen output receptacle !!! Oops.

[beachinn]

Thank you for the response. This is where I am a little confused. On the vehicle dash board (ford e350) it has a switch that says "battery" Dual-MUM. Left (when pushed)is Dual and right MOM. I have the vehicle manual and the generator manual. They talk about a Battery Mode Switch. Not sure if this is what they are referring too, but I believe so. It says that if it is started while both batteries are connected, it could cause damage to the automotive alternator. Not sure what way the switch should be pushed?

[JaxDad]

Older Onan Microlites work on a 'voltage in / voltage out' basis with a safety in the middle.

If you have 12+ volts in, you will have 120 volts out.

The problem is, as little as 8 volts on the house battery will start the generator, but that would only give 80 volts output and the safety would shut off the output.

Check that with the generator running you have more than 12 volts in the house battery. It should be over 12.4 volts.

[j-d]

Does the coach have an Automatic Transfer Switch? If it does, it could have failed. If it does NOT, then the genset powers a receptacle, probably where your shore tie cable is stored. You have to plug the shore tie into that receptacle to power your coach with the genset.

[beachinn]

I did shut off each breaker in the main box inside and flip them back on. I also looked at the small fuses. As for the junction box, I am not sure where that is located? All of the wiring seems to be firmly in place.

[harold1946]

There will also be a breaker in the main distribution panel, check it also.

[gbopp]

Welcome to the forum.
Did you turn the breakers off and back on? If not, try that.
Don't just look at them, sometimes they need reset.
Always try the simple, easy things first.