New Onan generator

[Codywayne]

Purchased new Onan 4000 ultra quite generator. Had it installed last week. Worked great for 8 hrs. Now when load is put on generator it bogs down. Before any load the plugs voltage read 120v. Turn on just AC. AC comes on a few minutes then bogs down generator. Reading goes immediately down to 90v then either AC kicks off and generator builds back up or both goes off. Same outcome if I only run the microwave so it’s not a bad AC compressor.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Have you contacted the people you bought it from? Were they the same people that did the install? I assume it's warranted?

[Codywayne]

Yes. I’m a country touring musician so I’m not in one place very long. Contacted man that put it in. He said generator was new not his fault I’m overloading it. Could bring in but won’t be anything wrong with the generator. He is definitely not a nice service tech to work with and I’m seriously in a hot bind in San Antonio. I’ve turned off all breakers but main and AC still overloads. 3 year warranty. But it is hot out on the road with five dudes on the bus.

[JamieGeek]

Find an official Cummins/Onan service shop near you and call them.

[The Gritz Carlton]

This is the closest Cummins Direct shop to you. There are several other RV dealers near you that are authorized but I'd go to Cummins first. Sounds like a ground somewhere...check where generator ground strap bolts to frame. The A/C alone is not overloading the generator. Something vibrated loose over that first 8 hour period...at least that's my guess.



Cummins Sales and Service
6226 Pan Am Expressway North
San Antonio, TX
210-655-5420

[Beau388]

You probably have too much initial load on the generator before you turn on the A/C. Start the generator and go to the power panel (the one with all the circuit breakers). Turn off all the circuit breakers except for the main (probably a 30 amp) and the 20 amp A/C circuit breaker. Now see if the generator will accept the load - it should. Use this sequence - with only the two circuit breakers on - Turn the A/C on to "high fan" and let it run for about 10 seconds and then quickly rotate the switch to "low cool". An A/C needs about 40 amps for 1/4 of a second to start and then will settle down to about 15 amps steady. After the A/C has run for 5 minutes, you can switch to high cool if you desire. Now you can go back to the power panel and turn on the converter/charger circuit breaker but nothing else. You generator will only run the A/C with only one other device and maybe a TV, no microwave, no water heater. If you load it too much when the A/C compressor cycles it will stall the generator. You can buy a voltage/frequency monitor (about $50) to keep a eye on the generator. It just plugs into any 120 volt duplex receptacle.

[ComputerChips]

Originally Posted by Beau388

You probably have too much initial load on the generator before you turn on the A/C. Start the generator and go to the power panel (the one with all the circuit breakers). Turn off all the circuit breakers except for the main (probably a 30 amp) and the 20 amp A/C circuit breaker. Now see if the generator will accept the load - it should. Use this sequence - with only the two circuit breakers on - Turn the A/C on to "high fan" and let it run for about 10 seconds and then quickly rotate the switch to "low cool". An A/C needs about 40 amps for 1/4 of a second to start and then will settle down to about 15 amps steady. After the A/C has run for 5 minutes, you can switch to high cool if you desire. Now you can go back to the power panel and turn on the converter/charger circuit breaker but nothing else. You generator will only run the A/C with only one other device and maybe a TV, no microwave, no water heater. If you load it too much when the A/C compressor cycles it will stall the generator. You can buy a voltage/frequency monitor (about $50) to keep a eye on the generator. It just plugs into any 120 volt duplex receptacle.

Sounds like the generator isn't adjusting to the load. Cummins Onan is top notch. Hopefully your purchase was such that warranty will be honored.

[The Gritz Carlton]

I think they have roasted to death.....

[Codywayne]

Generator Repair
We have struggled with our new Onan generator bought at Lone Star Generator Tyler TX. After 8 hrs it quit from working. Lone Star hung up on us 3 times while we were in a 100+ degree motorhome in Odessa. They Refused to hear the problems
We found our solution with Kyle Trailer Repair out of Troup. Diagnose the problem Immediately, which was within the generator and fixed immediately. certified Onan Repair and sales.
Highly recommend!!
Kyle Trailer Repair
9035716550
Generator was under warranty received a new one. Not one ounce of problem since

[The Gritz Carlton]

"cool"!

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by Codywayne

Generator Repair
We have struggled with our new Onan generator bought at Lone Star Generator Tyler TX. After 8 hrs it quit from working. Lone Star hung up on us 3 times while we were in a 100+ degree motorhome in Odessa. They Refused to hear the problems
We found our solution with Kyle Trailer Repair out of Troup. Diagnose the problem Immediately, which was within the generator and fixed immediately. certified Onan Repair and sales.
Highly recommend!!
Kyle Trailer Repair
9035716550
Generator was under warranty received a new one. Not one ounce of problem since

Sure sounds like Lone Star is not a company to due business with!!!

Glad you found a reputable dealer and were taken care of!!!

[The Gritz Carlton]

You should follow through with Onan/Cummins and report the bad dealer by filing a complaint. It would be my mission to have them loose their authorization to sell or service those products.

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

You should follow through with Onan/Cummins and report the bad dealer by filing a complaint. It would be my mission to have them loose their authorization to sell or service those products.

I agree x2 in spades!!!

[jb1911]

Our Onan does the same thing, it's the one that came with the RV. Start gen, turn on air, gen dies out. It will work sometimes if it is warmed up really well but not always. We have an appointment next month for them to look at it.

[ComputerChips]

Don't forget to ask if yours is still under warranty. 2yrs or 2000hrs

[ComputerChips]

2yrs from your date of purchase.