SuiteSuccess Posted November 8, 2020 Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 My good friend GeorgiaHybrid has given me some helpful hints but seeking any other thoughts. We just returned from a long trip and prior to that trip I tested the generator with (Onan 5500 Propane) under load of a single AC and all worked perfectly. Yesterday when unloading the trailer needed 110v for short period to activate powered recliners for cleaning purposes. Only active load was fridge and battery charger. Generator kicked in, then after few minutes kicked out supplying power. Gen did NOT shut down. Shut off Gen waited couple of minutes and re-tried. Same event. I noticed I initial draw on leg 1 was 15 amps which I thought might be charger and fridge combined. GeorgiaHybrid thought transfer switch may be the issue so I need to test so would appreciate any suggestions/details on testing the switch or other things to look for. I am not an electrical guy but do know how to not kill my self with testing. Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERO Maker Posted November 8, 2020 Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 This happened to us during a power outage in the city this last summer. A good friend Bill, pointed out that there is a sticker that says something like Check Oil Level Every Time Before Starting! OK!!!! So with barely a 1/2 qt. added, it started and stayed running! Don't you just love sensors! Quote Rocky & Sheri Rhoades '01 Volvo 770 2016 DRV Mobile Suites, HoustonHERO Makers Ministry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quickthrotl Posted November 8, 2020 Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 (edited) A common problem is that a wire falls off the breaker on the generator, they are spade connectors. Edited November 8, 2020 by Quickthrotl Quote 2004 Volvo VNL 780 2017 Momentum 376TH 2007 Harley Davidson FLHTC 2009 Smart4two Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERO Maker Posted November 8, 2020 Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 I know you said yours was running, but was it just on idle? Wouldn't run under more load? Did you try the breakers on the gen? Quote Rocky & Sheri Rhoades '01 Volvo 770 2016 DRV Mobile Suites, HoustonHERO Makers Ministry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quickthrotl Posted November 8, 2020 Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 to check the transfer switch, take the top off of the switch and there will be two relays in there, they should be marked to which one has shore power and gen power, on each relay the outer terminals will be line voltage and the center lug will be neutral, start the gen and test that you have 120 on each leg, if not your problem is at the genset Quote 2004 Volvo VNL 780 2017 Momentum 376TH 2007 Harley Davidson FLHTC 2009 Smart4two Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted November 8, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 Rocky, Going over shortly to start search. My Gen never quit running. Quickthrotl, Thank you for the advice. Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted November 8, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 Update: Generator full of oil. Breakers not tripped and all connections tight. Transfer switch apparently buried in the bay behind Cheap Heat and myriad of duct hoses so gonna have to empty basement and remove several hose connections. Of note, I started the Gen and it worked normally, supplied power flawlessly for 15 mins without cutting it off. Think it may be transfer switch as suggested. Will work on that this week. Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spindrift Posted November 8, 2020 Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 Can we assume no gen faults showing? Quote 2012 F350 KR CC DRW w/ some stuff 2019 Arctic Fox 32-5MCindy and Tom, Kasey and Maggie (our Newfie and Berner) Oh...I forgot the five kids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverEasy Posted November 8, 2020 Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 (edited) Carl, Did you get a Non-Contact Voltage tester that I demo-ed at the ECR. Easy to test where power is being lost without opening anything. Just touch the cable. https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-NCVT-2-Standard-Protection/dp/B004FXJOQO/ref=sr_1_11?crid=2AEZSQZ1LAC7W&dchild=1&keywords=ncv+voltage+tester&qid=1604864011&sprefix=ncv+voltage%2Caps%2C262&sr=8-11 If you happen to have bought the DC Clamp-on meter I also demo-ed, it has a NCVT function. Edited November 8, 2020 by NeverEasy Added info Quote Chet & Deb '01 Volvo 660 w/ Smart '19 Forest River Columbus 320RS 5th wheel 2022 Chev 2500HD Long Bed Retired CWO4, USN and federal service Electronics Tech/Network Engineer/Welder/Machinist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERO Maker Posted November 8, 2020 Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 I use it all the time! Quote Rocky & Sheri Rhoades '01 Volvo 770 2016 DRV Mobile Suites, HoustonHERO Makers Ministry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted November 8, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 52 minutes ago, NeverEasy said: Carl, Did you get a Non-Contact Voltage tester that I demo-ed at the ECR. Easy to test where power is being lost without opening anything. Just touch the cable. https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-NCVT-2-Standard-Protection/dp/B004FXJOQO/ref=sr_1_11?crid=2AEZSQZ1LAC7W&dchild=1&keywords=ncv+voltage+tester&qid=1604864011&sprefix=ncv+voltage%2Caps%2C262&sr=8-11 If you happen to have bought the DC Clamp-on meter I also demo-ed, it has a NCVT function. Yes, have the non contact voltage tester. Don’t have the clamp on. Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted November 8, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, spindrift said: Can we assume no gen faults showing? No Gen faults showing . I assume you mean on power management system? Edited November 8, 2020 by SuiteSuccess Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 Carl, if nothing else, I can bring up my amp clamp and meters and check everything out in a week or so. Or we can have a field trip somewhere and have fun as well Quote 2017 Kenworth T6802015 DRV 38RSSA Elite Suites2016 Smart Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spindrift Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 Before too much time is spent on checking line voltage and amps, I'd check all connections, terminal ends and torque to spec any lugs. Quote 2012 F350 KR CC DRW w/ some stuff 2019 Arctic Fox 32-5MCindy and Tom, Kasey and Maggie (our Newfie and Berner) Oh...I forgot the five kids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenandjon Posted November 9, 2020 Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 (edited) The people over here on this forum are very helpful with onan generators. https://www.smokstak.com/forum/forums/onan-generators.1/ Edited November 9, 2020 by jenandjon Quote Farmer, Trucker, Equipment operator, Mechanic Quando omni flunkus moritati-When all else fails, play dead I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted November 9, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 14 minutes ago, jenandjon said: The people over here on this forum are very helpful with onan generators. https://www.smokstak.com/forum/forums/onan-generators.1/ Thanks. Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted November 9, 2020 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2020 8 hours ago, GeorgiaHybrid said: Carl, if nothing else, I can bring up my amp clamp and meters and check everything out in a week or so. Or we can have a field trip somewhere and have fun as well Road trip, road trip😊! Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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