Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Ben and Bonnie on May 03, 2015, 03:24:11 pm

Title: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Ben and Bonnie on May 03, 2015, 03:24:11 pm
Hi all,  I am having problems with my Kubota 10KW Generator in my 1999 U320.  It was running fine, then I cut it off. When I restarted it, I had no electricity from the generator.  What are some things that I should check? The fuses are all ok. Thanks for any suggestions you could throw my way.

Ben Harris
1999 U320
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Pamela & Mike on May 03, 2015, 03:59:17 pm
  What are some things that I should check? The fuses are all ok. 

Ben,

When you mention fuses are you talking about the breakers on the front of the generator, the ones at the foot of the bed, or both places?  If these are not tripped have you pulled the cover off your transfer switch and check the lugs with a meter to see if you are getting power from the generator to the transfer switch? If you are getting power to the transfer switch but not through it you could have a bad set of contacts/burnt contacts in the transfer switch.  This is just a couple of things to check that are easy,

Pamela & Mike


Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Ben and Bonnie on May 03, 2015, 04:32:33 pm
I checked both sets of fuses and they are good.  I have no power at the transfer switch. I do not detect any electricity at the transfer switch. I thought that the transfer switch was bad, so I have one coming to me from Foretravel, but now I do not think that is the problem.

Ben Harris
1999 U320
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on May 03, 2015, 05:16:16 pm
Ben, A quick check is to see if the electric fan on radiator is runnng, make sure the switch for it is ON.
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Ben and Bonnie on May 03, 2015, 05:17:48 pm
Thanks Dave, yes it is on and running.

Ben Harris
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on May 03, 2015, 05:40:29 pm
That is  great, check both breakers on the generator panel, if fan is running, it is making power.
So start with the two breakers, a meter would be nice.
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Ben and Bonnie on May 03, 2015, 06:49:14 pm
 Dave, I checked all breakers with a meter and they were good, also I pulled on wires for loose or broken connection, then I started gen and every thing was working  fine,so tomorrow I will pull off wiring clean and lube . I have a loose connector or corrision some where around the breakers.
Thanks for the help
Ben Harris
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on May 03, 2015, 07:05:50 pm
Good, am sure you will find the issue, at least it is making voltage.
Cheers
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Ben and Bonnie on May 03, 2015, 07:24:57 pm
Another question, where do the large black wires at the bottom of the main breaker go??

Ben
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on May 03, 2015, 07:42:33 pm
Do not know your generator setup, but the normal would be for the bottom wires on breaker to to direct to the
 transfer switch ATS, the wire on top of breaker would come from the generator stator.
Maybe someone has a wiring diagram for your model to make more clear.
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Pamela & Mike on May 03, 2015, 10:22:30 pm
Ben,

On our '97 there is a junction box located on the back wall of the generator compartment. A flex conduit comes from the generator and this is where they tied into the wiring that goes to the transfer switch. I guess this is where they expect you to unhook the generator wiring if you need to take your generator out. This is shown on our print # A-2700 but the description of location is vague. To get to ours we have to pull the generator out on the slides and come in from under the bottom to get to this area. If yours has this same set up you may need to check there for a bad connection.

Pamela & Mike
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Ben and Bonnie on May 04, 2015, 06:36:57 am
Thank you Pamela  and Mike,  That will be my project today, chase down this loose connection.  Wish me luck.

Ben Harris
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Ben and Bonnie on May 04, 2015, 01:47:20 pm
Update: I fixed my generator problem. It ended up being a wire on the main breaker at the bottom was too long, and it had broken off. Generator is now running like a champ. Thanks to all, especially Dave M.

Ben Harris
1999 U320
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Jim Frerichs on May 04, 2015, 06:16:17 pm
Hi Ben,

I remember hearing that a too tight wire on the switch is a previously reported problem.

Jim
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on May 04, 2015, 07:13:59 pm
Ben,
Glad you were able to find and solve the issue, also am hoping to see you folks at Roanoke Rapids
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: Ben and Bonnie on May 04, 2015, 07:50:10 pm
Hey Dave, glad you are trying to make the rally at Roanoke Rapids,  it should be a fun time at the rally.

Ben Harris
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Problems with Generator, No Electricity
Post by: amos.harrison on May 05, 2015, 09:30:34 am
Congratulations, Ben.  I know how difficult it is to work inside that control box.