Generator dies

[glamperjan]

My 2017 chateau has a generator that shutters on Startup. It has run good for four months but now it does not seem to want to Startup. I thought it was the battery and have jumped it twice to get it to start. Once started it runs for about 15 minutes and then dies. Could this be a faulty battery or something else going on with the generator? Any help would be appreciated. The dealer says there may be a drain on the battery even though I have it in the store position.

[philvickie]

Put switch in use position so battery is charging.

[brianh442]

Originally Posted by glamperjan

My 2017 chateau has a generator that shutters on Startup. It has run good for four months but now it does not seem to want to Startup. I thought it was the battery and have jumped it twice to get it to start. Once started it runs for about 15 minutes and then dies. Could this be a faulty battery or something else going on with the generator? Any help would be appreciated. The dealer says there may be a drain on the battery even though I have it in the store position.

I see you are in AZ, very hot this time of year, could it be overheating? I have a problem occasionally when it is very hot, it will shut down, particularly if I'm driving and it's hot. Poor air circulation to disapate the heat. If you are parked at a campground, try opening the bay door for the genny, take the door off and run it to see if that helps. Obviously you can't run down the road this way, but at least it's a starting point.

Also, not sure what your elevation is, you may need to change the fuel mixture, especially if you are up there in elevation. There is a fuel mixture adjustment screw.

When it auto shuts down, it should give you an error code, the lights on the start switch in the bay will flash a series of blinks to alert you to a fault. If it's giving a code, check the owner's manual for a fault.

Keep us posted!!

[cmills1334]

same problem with my 2016 31w had a onan guy in arizona look at it and turned down the idle screw it had been turned up to try and keep and old carb from lopping got the carb replaced

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by cmills1334

same problem with my 2016 31w had a onan guy in arizona look at it and turned down the idle screw it had been turned up to try and keep and old carb from lopping got the carb replaced

Idle screw? They run at 3600 RPM; PERIOD. Any other speed and the output frequency would not be 60 Hz.

[SuperD]

Even in the "store" position there is parasitic drain which will kill the battery, the switch is kinda useless in my opinion. To completely disconnect the batteries you have to install a battery cutoff switch.

Once started the generator should run smoothly, try using some SeaFoam in your gas or take it in for service.

[glamperjan]

Super D it's only 5 months old. It has shuttered from day one. The service guy at the dealership said to install the battery cutoff switch so I will get one of those. Thanks

[glamperjan]

I did just put the tire covers on maybe that was blocking the circulation to the generator. I will try taking them off on that side and see if that helps to keep it running.

[glamperjan]

I'm in Ohio now so heat was not the issue. Thanks

[Bob Denman]

If an engine... ANY engine; gets fuel, air, and spark (at the right instant): it can't help but run...
Could you have a blockage in the air filter? (like a wasp's nest)
Perhaps a clogged fuel filter?

Work the simplest solutions first, and fight your way up the "complexity ladder".
Good luck!

[cmills1334]

guess i need to add to my post carb idle was increased to try and remedy the lopping when the gen started with no load it would reach the max rpm sensor and shut down the gen start stop start stop carb problem tech said old carb must have been sitting on shelf for four years

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by glamperjan

Super D it's only 5 months old. It has shuttered from day one. The service guy at the dealership said to install the battery cutoff switch so I will get one of those. Thanks

Even new you don't know how long it sat with gas in carb, it could still have deposits that would cause your problem. Guess what I'm saying is it won't hurt to try the SeaFoam and it might help. I would use a high concentration, I've seen SeaFoam cure a lot of generator problems.

[cmills1334]

i tried the sea foam helped just enough to run ok when i had it in the shop so the tech would say it's fine they have to witness the stalling out to approach thor for replacement. in calif they cant even take the carb apart to clean have dealer warranty it

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by cmills1334

i tried the sea foam helped just enough to run ok when i had it in the shop so the tech would say it's fine they have to witness the stalling out to approach thor for replacement. in calif they cant even take the carb apart to clean have dealer warranty it

Wow! You may need to take the rig to a State that has a bit more common sense in it's rules...
Can you legally remove the air cleaner, and spray some carburetor cleaner down it's throat? A couple of applications of that might help...
(Or will the Storm Troopers show up?)

[glamperjan]

Thanks for your replies. I'm in Ohio so the altitude was not an issue. I'm going to try jump starting the battery and then trickle charge it and I guess invest in a battery disconnect since the Use-Store is worthless by still causing it to have a drain to the battery.