Wierd Generator Behavior May 03, 2025, 03:19:58 pm '94 30' Mid Bath on a Chevy 30HD chassisso in the morning I go out to start the generator from inside. Rocker Switch to start - generator cranks and come to life but the light doesn't come on - let go of the switch and it stops running. repeat - same thing happens, it'll crank and start but light never comes on and generator stops when the switch is let go.OKGo out to the generator and start using the generator's rocker switch - starts immediately and keep running - but it wont stop running using the generators rocker switch.go back inside and the light on the panel switch is on! hit the switch to stop the generator and it obediently stops. - now here's where it get really weird... hit start and NOW it'll start, light comes on and it keeps running when you let go. for the rest of the day it will work fine...I get the feeling there's a relay somewhere that's not cooperating but since all my restoration work has been with vintage planes I thought I'd come to the experts and see what you guys (and gals) think.
Re: Wierd Generator Behavior Reply #1 – May 03, 2025, 03:42:02 pm Quote from: DesertDust - May 03, 2025, 03:19:58 pm'94 30' Mid Bath on a Chevy 30HD chassisI get the feeling there's a relay somewhere that's not cooperating but since all my restoration work has been with vintage planes I thought I'd come to the experts and see what you guys (and gals) think.Even old airplanes have some electrical.I would start by renewing every electrical connection on the generator and its controls that you can get to. Sounds like a bad connection, a sticky relay or switch, as you suggested. Try cycling the generator start/ stop several times and see if that helps.A rig this old must have sat for long periods, and things corrode and seize up when not used regularly. A small brass brush and dielectric grease are useful for this task.Have fun!Larry
Re: Wierd Generator Behavior Reply #2 – May 03, 2025, 04:34:13 pm Quote from: Larry W - May 03, 2025, 03:42:02 pmEven old airplanes have some electrical.The last plane I restored only had spark plug wires (1927)and they weren't even shielded.yup, next step I planned is to disassemble the rocker switch housing on the generator, it has a rubber protector over it and I couldn't feel the switch move to the off position.. "that aint right"Yes, it shows all the signs of both sitting for a long time and having horrible housekeeping/neglect. I've been working all day to clean the oven and stove and I'm only maybe halfway de-greasing.. I did get everything to work though..
Re: Wierd Generator Behavior Reply #3 – May 04, 2025, 07:07:54 pm Quote from: DesertDust - May 03, 2025, 04:34:13 pmThe last plane I restored only had spark plug wires (1927)and they weren't even shielded.To fire the spark plugs, the plane’s engine must have a magneto(s). Older machines of any type that have been sitting for long periods always need rejuvenation. You bought this rig at a good price, but it’s going to take some time and money to get it ready for the road. Have fun sorting things out.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Wierd Generator Behavior Reply #4 – May 06, 2025, 11:53:12 am Hi DesertDust; My opinion is that the external switch at the generator was stuck in the off position, instead of in 'Neutral'. The mid position allows the inside switch to work. When it was unstuck on the outside, everything should work normally now from the inside switch. I have the Onan Emerald Plus which should be very similar to what you have. RonB
Re: Wierd Generator Behavior Reply #5 – May 11, 2025, 11:23:58 am Quote from: RonB - May 06, 2025, 11:53:12 amHi DesertDust; My opinion is that the external switch at the generator was stuck in the off position, instead of in 'Neutral'. The mid position allows the inside switch to work. When it was unstuck on the outside, everything should work normally now from the inside switch. I have the Onan Emerald Plus which should be very similar to what you have. RonBI suspected that too - I had a plan to remove the little panel and freshen it up but guess what? it seems to have fixed itself. The problem hasn't returned...yet. I still plan to get into it but right now I'm looking at taking it in for brakes, front end refresh and engine aircon..
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Topic: Wierd Generator Behavior (Read 470 times)
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