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Topic: Generator Switches (Read 1022 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator Switches

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
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Generator Switches

Reply #1
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.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Generator Switches

Reply #2
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?
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Generator Switches

Reply #3
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.

Re: Generator Switches

Reply #4
Thanks Barry, I will try that Saturday when I have visitation with it  ;)
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Generator Switches

Reply #5
Not to hijack.
On my propane genset, along with the start/stop rocker, I have one labeled "preheat".
Any ideas why?
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Generator Switches

Reply #6
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?
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Generator Switches

Reply #7
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.
Randy & Connie Peterson
Carlsbad, NM
1994 Grand Villa  #4593  SOLD
U240 36' Unihome CAT 3116 6 Speed Allison
Motorcader  17988    SKP  103142
2016 Ford F150 Towed Vehicle

Re: Generator Switches

Reply #8
I take my comment back, thought you meant on the gen-set itself. I just looked on the dash, and have the switch too!
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Generator Switches

Reply #9
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?
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Generator Switches

Reply #10
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?

Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Generator Switches

Reply #11
Correct.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean


Re: Generator Switches

Reply #13
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

Re: Generator Switches

Reply #14
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
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

 

Re: Generator Switches

Reply #15
Yes, IF you have auto gen set start there are usually programmable features such as low voltage, quiet times, etc.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020