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Old 08-14-2014, 06:01 PM   #1
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Generator Dies When Air Conditioner Is Turned On

I have a 2015 sunseeker 3170ds. Onan 4k generator and dometic AC unit. I have ran the air conditioner in the past while on the generator and it worked fine. Now when I turn on the AC the generator dies. Even with everything off.

During trouble shooting. I started the Generator. Turned on the dometic AC fan (not air conditioning). Turned on the water pump and water heater. Turned on three TVs. Then I microwaved water for 30 sec. The generator died when there was 5 seconds left. I was trying to rule out the generator thinking it may be the surge capacitor on the AC. I have no way of determining my load. Does this sound like a normal load for a 4k generator to shut down?

By the way, the AC works great on site power with no issues. I am still under warranty but I would have to drive 3 hours for the service plus lose my RV for a while.

Any ideas?

Thanks!


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Old 08-14-2014, 06:06 PM   #2
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Fuel and air filter changed?
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Old 08-14-2014, 06:09 PM   #3
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I have a 4700 and it can be a challenge at times to keep running. So here is what I do.....run gen with no load for 20-30 min then turn a/c on low fan, seems to run great when gets a real long warm up.
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Old 08-14-2014, 06:11 PM   #4
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It's a guess but from the description of your troubleshooting it sounds like your generator is not putting out enough juice. The water heater and microwave should be able to run together. The other items mentioned don't take that much.

In my experience, my main breaker will trip before my generator runs short. To give you an idea of what is enough to trip it, we had ac, elec water heater, microwave and coffee pot on. All was well until the girls cranked up the elec fry pan 😀. That tripped the main 30 amp breaker. But it didn't kill the generator.
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Old 08-14-2014, 08:26 PM   #5
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The generator only has 15 hours on it. I don't think a filter can be the problem.


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Old 08-14-2014, 08:34 PM   #6
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Don't forget the electrical load of the refrigerator. If it is in Auto it will automatically switch from propane to electricity when electricity is available from either the shore line or the generator.
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Old 08-14-2014, 08:37 PM   #7
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Anyone else have a similar issue?


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Old 08-14-2014, 08:41 PM   #8
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4000 watts is roughly 33 amps.
Is that surge watts or running watts?

A/c approximately 14 amps
Microwave approximately 14 amps
Converter approx 3-4 amps
TV x 3 approximately 9 amps

I'd say your maxed out!

Look at this for help.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...aws-17300.html

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Old 08-14-2014, 08:45 PM   #9
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What is your altitude? Like all engines without a turbocharger the generator loses power with altitude. There's an altitude adjustment on the generator carburetor that will help if over 3000 feet.

I suggest switching refrigerator from auto to gas and turn off the water heater electric switch. Generator should carry A/C and all the remaining loads - battery charger, lights, refrigerator control board, lp/co detector.
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Old 08-14-2014, 08:50 PM   #10
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I have no idea. Can you tell me? See picture. Click image for larger version

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Old 08-14-2014, 08:54 PM   #11
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No idea about what? Replies seem to have crossed.
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Old 08-14-2014, 08:55 PM   #12
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Looks like 4000 watts running.
FYI

Typical power output change based on ambient conditions:
- Temperature: Power output decreases 1% for every 10° F (5.5° C) increase
- Altitude: Power output decreases 3.5% for every 1000 ft (305 m) increase

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Old 08-14-2014, 09:03 PM   #13
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Adding to Turbs standard temperature is about 60 degrees F. At 100 F would loose 4% and if at 5000 ft also loose another 18%. If loaded at sea level could be over at this condition.

I think like Turbs the TV's and other loads are just too much with microwave and water heater and/or A/C. Start with A/C only and add other loads.
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Old 08-14-2014, 09:05 PM   #14
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I am on the coast. 0 altitude. I have everything off, including fridge. When the compressor kicks on the generator dies. I verified the altimeter setting. It is on zero.

Thanks for all you help guys. I guess I may just have to take it in.


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Old 08-14-2014, 09:05 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RamblerGuy View Post
Adding to Turbs standard temperature is about 60 degrees F. At 100 F would loose 4% and if at 5000 ft also loose another 18%. If loaded at sea level could be over at this condition.

I think like Turbs the TV's and other loads are just too much with microwave and water heater and/or A/C. Start with A/C only and add other loads.
The a/c and microwave alone are quite possibly 28 amps. [emoji106]



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Old 08-14-2014, 09:23 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jlklingejr View Post
I am on the coast. 0 altitude. I have everything off, including fridge. When the compressor kicks on the generator dies. I verified the altimeter setting. It is on zero.

Thanks for all you help guys. I guess I may just have to take it in.


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with all due respect I don't think the generator has a problem.
I think you're just overloading it.

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Old 08-14-2014, 09:26 PM   #17
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There have been some bad fuel pumps. That may be your problem.
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Old 08-14-2014, 09:28 PM   #18
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that generator should trip the breaker long before it dies due to overload. I would be looking at the fuel system. The onans have had a history of bad fuel pumps.
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Old 08-14-2014, 09:36 PM   #19
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Depends on the load. I've had generator stall before breaker tripped when AC started. Was so fast breaker did not have time to respond. If AC was already running and say water heater came on which has little inrush load above normal amps breaker may trip first.
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Old 08-14-2014, 09:44 PM   #20
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I have same generator, runs everything no problems. I did have a bad fuel pump with less than 5 hours run time, in my case it wouldn't start.


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