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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Super8mm on January 31, 2018, 10:10:18 pm

Title: Generator Switches
Post by: Super8mm on January 31, 2018, 10:10:18 pm
I have been looking in my books and searching on here for the proper way to set the switches on the generator so that I can start it from the dash but my Google foo is lacking?  I can start it from the outside and it runs fine.

Thanks
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: craneman on January 31, 2018, 10:37:32 pm
You have other problems, as the dash start is not affected by the generator switches except that the switch must be on. If you can start it at the generator it should start at the dash also. If there are separate fuses or circuit breakers for the remote start I haven't seen them.
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: Super8mm on January 31, 2018, 10:46:16 pm
Thanks craneman, so as long as I have the breakers on on the generator all I have to do is toggle the dash switch to Start?
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: Barry & Cindy on January 31, 2018, 11:36:19 pm
On our coach, we push & hold 'down' left "Gen" switch for about up to a one-half to one minute to power glow-plugs and run fuel pump.  This pre-heats cylinders and circulates diesel fuel from tank.

Then push 'up' on same switch to crank & start engine.  After running generator, push same switch 'down' to turn off fuel flow, stopping engine.

These are the same actions as we use on the generator itself.
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: Super8mm on January 31, 2018, 11:44:27 pm
Thanks Barry, I will try that Saturday when I have visitation with it  ;)
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: Moby on February 01, 2018, 03:19:24 pm
Not to hijack.
On my propane genset, along with the start/stop rocker, I have one labeled "preheat".
Any ideas why?
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on February 01, 2018, 03:57:56 pm
On my propane genset, along with the start/stop rocker, I have one labeled "preheat". Any ideas why?

Odd, my Onan has no such switch. Got a pic?
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: Peterson143 on February 01, 2018, 05:07:37 pm
My propane generator has the "preheat" rocker switch as well.  As far as I know it doesn't do anything.  I remember reading somewhere that they installed diesel gen sets on some of the units that year and that was why they were even on the dash.
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on February 01, 2018, 05:33:00 pm
I take my comment back, thought you meant on the gen-set itself. I just looked on the dash, and have the switch too!
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: Moby on February 01, 2018, 05:53:19 pm
I take my comment back, thought you meant on the gen-set itself. I just looked on the dash, and have the switch too!
Perhaps we can modify it to a mother in law ejection seat,  a la James Bond?
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: Super8mm on February 03, 2018, 09:33:50 pm
I got my switches figured out today.

With the Master and the 2 Breakers turned on at the Generator I push this switch to Start and it runs the fuel pump for a bit then starts the Generator.  Then the shut it down just switch to the Off position.

I take it that if I push it down to Auto that it will start the Generator if the Batteries get low?

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Foretravel/Forums-post/i-ZwXckk5/0/60b506f7/M/20180203_143129-M.jpg)
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: craneman on February 03, 2018, 09:56:40 pm
Correct.
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: Super8mm on February 03, 2018, 10:07:58 pm
Thanks
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: Miz Dani on February 04, 2018, 08:26:02 am
Same year/model coach but I have different switches: pre-heat & the gen toggles...(directly below the monitor switches) one of the million-and-one things Gary O taught me back in the beginning was to press the pre-heat toggle down for a count of seven (seconds) then start the gen....release pre-heat toggle soon as gen starts. So far so good....  ^.^d
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on February 04, 2018, 10:41:40 am
I take it that if I push it down to Auto that it will start the Generator if the Batteries get low?

A lot of coaches have that feature, Prevost comes to mind. The negative to that feature is being parked next to someone and have their gen-set come on while you are (were) sleeping soundly.  >:D
Title: Re: Generator Switches
Post by: wolfe10 on February 04, 2018, 11:07:49 am
Yes, IF you have auto gen set start there are usually programmable features such as low voltage, quiet times, etc.