I looked through several pages of posts on genset problems, but did not find any like I am running into.
I crank on the genset and it runs great. After the ordinary time lag the ATS kicks in and the monitor says it is putting out good electric.
After running for 3-5 minutes the monitor shows the voltage start fluctuating, and then the ATS kicks out.
During the entire process the genset sounds like the rpms are consistent and no great bogs on the system.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Len
Would narrow it down to the brushes or voltage regulator,make sure all connections tight on ATS.If you have the manual check
the troubleshooting pages.If all else fails call power tech and try and get the tech he's been helpful.
Add, check connections generator to coach wiring to the list.
You have the same symptoms I had when I lost the regulator. And when I installed the new regulator with the same wire match up as the old one fried the generator head. Your year being the same as mine, yours is probably brushless. Jeff at PowerTech can help you trouble shoot to see if it is the regulator.
I agree with craneman, but ONLY after verifying that generator to coach wiring and connections in the ATS are clean and tight.
Are the voltage fluctuations random or cyclical? Random would point to a connection or regulator issue. If they are cyclical, looseness in the generator head could be the culprit.
They seem to come on after 3-5 minutes of fairly consistent output. Things will be going along fine and then start jumping up and down.
I checked the ATS connections and they are fine. I have not rolled out the genset to check all of the connections on it yet.
The generator has less than 900 hours on it.
Len
Last spring mine was doing the same, run normal for about 3 to 5 and then voltage jumped up to 160 or 170 on both legs, Progressive EMS would throw it off line. Isuzu engne always sounded normal. I would follow Brett's advice and then call Jeff. Voltage regulator is specific to brushless or brush generator, and according to model. Mine a late 1997 Protech 8Kw. Voltage regulator solved the problem. 625 hours at time of problem. Have put another 100 hours with clean, stable voltage. Did have to tighten the fan belt because it shut down from high temp, as it was supposed to.
Cyclical voltage swings would have me looking at the zener diode in the voltage regulator. May be getting hot and failing. I had a similar problem on my bigger standby gen. Two dollars and a few minutes soldering had it like new.
These regulators are hermetically sealed. Filled with some kind of epoxy.
You don't comment on how high the voltage fluctuates. Higher voltages are a symptom of voltage regulator failing. Changing regulator can be as simple a plug swap or as difficult as non-plugged wire connections that need to modified. Just read instructions from Power Tech new regulator.
Should put read instructions in bold print. No mention of the ground wire that fries the generator. The instructions if followed exactly will get it done. Do not use the terminal strip in the control box under any circumstances.