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Topic: Engine Compartment - Click, click, click (Read 756 times) previous topic - next topic

Engine Compartment - Click, click, click

Woke up this AM to the sound of a loud Click, Click, Click or Klunk, Klunk, Klunk from the engine compartment under the bed.  I got up and looked at the Power Line Monitor and there were no readings. I went out to the power post and turned off then on the main 30 amp breaker then went back inside to look at the Monitor again.  The monitor showed 117 on one leg and 118 on the other.  No more Clicking.  Now my monitor shows 122 and 121.  I have heard this clicking before and think that it comes from the battery isolator trying to reset.  Does anyone know what this sound is I am hearing and what does it mean?  Thanks in advance.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Engine Compartment - Click, click, click

Reply #1 –
It is probably burned or dirty contacts in either the Automatic Transfer Switch/s or if you have an EMS. These units will click when solid contact cannot be made between the points. With all electrical turned off one can open the case and clean the points with Emory cloth for a fine file. Don't like sandpaper due to residue. Vacuum the area after refinishing the points.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Engine Compartment - Click, click, click

Reply #2 –
Thanks Kent - What does the Automatic Transfer Switch look like and where might it be located in the engine compartment?
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Engine Compartment - Click, click, click

Reply #3 –
On mine it's mounted behind the front of the bed under a lift out panel.  (Lift bed.  If you don't see it have someone turn the power on the pedestal on and on and you will be able to trace it).

Here is a pic of mine.

Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Engine Compartment - Click, click, click

Reply #4 –
Found it - Magnatech - ATS 100 - under the plywood cover.  Didn't know that was there.  I also found the speakers and the back of the breaker panels.

Now the next question: after I turn off shore power and assure that the genset will not start and also remove the cover panel on the ATS - where might I find the pitted contacts to file/smooth?  I would prefer to NOT OPEN before I had an idea as to where I was going.  Have seen many diagrams on the wiring but wish to understand the process b/4 I open and .....  thanks in advance.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Engine Compartment - Click, click, click

Reply #5 –
Click would indicate that the relay coil was not getting enough voltage to keep it closed, maybe due to poor campground electricity. I don't think that pitted contact points will cause clicking and filing the points, could damage the metal surface of the points. Careful fine filing can remove pits if they are present and extend life to the transfer switch. If this is the only campsite that caused the clicking, it could be a campground problem.

Important to know if you have an over under voltage protection, like Progress Industries EMS as it offers low voltage protection and can indicate what problems have occurred.

We have the ATS 100 and it is no longer manufactured and is not supported.

Re: Engine Compartment - Click, click, click

Reply #6 –
Scott,

I think it's probably campground electricity turning on and off.  We had the same experience a couple of times at the park when we were there, and the transfer switch contactors (plus the two Progressive units we have under the bed) will definitely wake you up.  If your Progressive EMS doesn't show any evidence (error codes) that it was protecting you from electrical evil, I would chalk it up to flakey campground power.  I definitely wouldn't file the contacts on the transfer switch contactors (big relays) without evidence that they were dirty (black smudges around the contacts), and then it's probably time to replace the contactors (they are often available on eBay.)
Dave and Nancy
1999/2013 U270 36' Xtreme
Motorcade # 16774
2013 Subaru Outback
KD0NIM

Re: Engine Compartment - Click, click, click

Reply #7 –
Thanks for the additional input Barry & Dave-  We have not had this problem at any other CG.  As discussed, CG power is marginal.  I do have a Progressive PT50C attached at the pedestal. I presume that provides protection for the coach.  I will have to read up on that.  On another note Water was out for a few hours yesterday evening.  Had a burst pipe and shut the water down for the park.  Thanks to you folks I had just filled my fresh water tanks as I circulate with city water during the course of the day/week.  Unfortunately many did not have water reserve.  We passed out a case of bottled water for those folk that needed some.

Thanks again for your thoughts/comments.  It is definitely a full time job getting to know this ol' girl. :)
When we travel through this area next time we will probably find a different location or plan to travel through.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Engine Compartment - Click, click, click

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Carol & Scott –
Woke up this AM to the sound of a loud Click, Click, Click or Klunk, Klunk, Klunk from the engine compartment under the bed.  I got up and looked at the Power Line Monitor and there were no readings. I went out to the power post and turned off then on the main 30 amp breaker then went back inside to look at the Monitor again.  The monitor showed 117 on one leg and 118 on the other.  No more Clicking.  Now my monitor shows 122 and 121.  I have heard this clicking before and think that it comes from the battery isolator trying to reset.  Does anyone know what this sound is I am hearing and what does it mean?  Thanks in advance.

If your '02 is like our '03 and you have a Maverick transfer switch, it could be the over/under (voltage) relay tripping.  The Maverick has some limited voltage level protection built in.  If the over/under relay was tripping it would cause the transfer switch relays to make/break and give you that sound as well.

We have only had it "flutter" in one campground as well, Cave Country in Kentucky.

I will ask Steve to add photos of it to this post.  ETA - according to previous postings, FT didn't start using the Maverick until the 2003 model year.

Michelle

Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Engine Compartment - Click, click, click

Reply #9 –
An external Progressive Industries EMS will instantly shut off electricity to coach if it sees too high or too low campground voltage, which will cause ATS 100 relay to open. When EMS finds campground voltage normal it will turn back on and cause ATS 100 to close.

Re: Engine Compartment - Click, click, click

Reply #10 –
If you are using the PTC-50C, loss of power should interrupt things for at least two minutes. It sounds like flakey power, but the PTC-50C should shut down rather than allow flutter.

How about the HWH leveling system? There can be some significant "clickety-clacking" in the solenoid valves when the system is leveling. Could the noise have been related to a level adjustment event?
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Engine Compartment - Click, click, click

Reply #11 –
Thanks Barry - I have since found the Progressive Industries web site and have learned what that black box actually does.  Maaavelous - and worth every penny.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320
 

Re: Engine Compartment - Click, click, click

Reply #12 –
Still getting some "fluttering" when the shore power is disconnected.  Probably 6 or 7 "flutters/clicking".  Will pull cover off of the ATS under the bed and investigate.  Barry asked for pics and part #s if observable.  Will try.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320