Onan generator - low voltage

[rvpapa3@yahoo.com]

I have an Onan 6500 that will not make 120 volts. We have replaced the voltage regulator, replaced brusher and cleaned the ring brushes. What next?

[wolfe10]

Is it making any voltage? If so, what? And if the answer is zero, turn OFF and then back ON the two breakers on the generator itself.

It could also be your ATS (if you have one). Have you checked with a voltmeter at the ATS or where the Onan wiring connects to house wiring (ONLY if you are safe working around 120 VAC!)?

If gasoline (vs propane) when was it last run? Did you drain the gas out of it or put Staibl in the fuel before storing?

And, if propane is it liquid or vapor?

Does the engine sound OK (correct RPM, no surging, etc)?

Brett

[rvpapa3@yahoo.com]

it is propane liq.

What is ATS?

The engine runs great.

[wolfe10]

OK, with the generator's engine running at proper RPM, start by flipping OFF and back ON the two breakers on the generator itself.

Next is to trace power from generator to the motorhome's 120 VAC breaker box. There will be a junction box near the generator where generator 120 VAC output splices into the wire to the coach.

IMPORTANT: ONLY if you are safe working around 120 VAC, check voltage there and on further "down-line" (or have a qualified technician do it).

From there, generator output goes either to a plug that you have to manually switch to go from shore power to generator OR to an ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch). You have an ATS if you don't physically have to move plug ends around to go from generator to shore power. ATS's are reasonably easy to locate as there are three gangs of wires to them: generator IN, shore power IN, and OUT to 120 VAC breaker box. Check on both sides (generator IN and OUT) in the ATS.

Brett