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Topic: 1986 Grandvilla electrical issues (Read 343 times) previous topic - next topic

1986 Grandvilla electrical issues

Thanks in advance. We are having trouble getting power to the coach. It's seems as though we have enough power to run some things but not enough to run the ACs. We have check the power coming from the end of the 50 amp cord with a multimeter and it checks out. We have changed the main breaker and gfi breaker, and that doesn't help. The interesting thing is I have moved to 4 other sites temporarily to check the power there and it worked at 2 sites and didnt at the other 2 sites.  The maintenance crew has been out and check the power from the pedestal and it check out. My next attempt to fix the problem will be to change the receptical and the cord. Please let me know if anyone has any ideas as to fixing this problem. Or if anyone can explain how to remove the receptacle. I removed the 4 screws a couple of days ago, but it would not pull all of the way out. It seems to have some sort of backing on it

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Mike T
1986 GV 36' w/ 3208T Cat
Build #2614

Re: 1986 Grandvilla electrical issues

Reply #1 –
Mike,

If you are safe working around 120/240 VAC, with power off, remove the lid to the ATS. Torque all screws holding wires and verify no burned wires.

By checking power in the ATS, both on the IN side and OUT side you will be able to determine if the issue is in the ATS or between it and the CG outlet.

Plug in and turn on CG breaker.

Normal colors are:
Hots are black and red.
Neutral is white
Ground is green

Check:

Black to white= 120 VAC
Red to white= 120 VAC
Black to red= 240 VAC

Black to green= 120 VAC
Red to green= 120 VAC
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

Re: 1986 Grandvilla electrical issues

Reply #2 –
Don't change anything out yet unless you know it's bad.

Do as Bret says and report back.

When running generator does everything work perfectly?

Not sure what you mean by some power?
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: 1986 Grandvilla electrical issues

Reply #3 –
So when the generator is running, I am able to run both AC's, the meter on the wall is all the way to the right over 180 volts. When on shore power, the microwave works, sometimes the AC fan works, once you put it on high cool there is not enough power for the compressor to kick on.

Also checking the breakers, the volt meter on the wall was good with all breakers, when I flipped the breaker on for the converter, the volt meter would peg all the way to the right.

I am about to go check the ATS, I will report back.

Thanks
Mike T
1986 GV 36' w/ 3208T Cat
Build #2614

Re: 1986 Grandvilla electrical issues

Reply #4 –
Sounds like possibly a bad neutral. 180volts is not good it the meter is correct
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: 1986 Grandvilla electrical issues

Reply #5 –
Quote from: turbojack –
Sounds like possibly a bad neutral. 180volts is not good it the meter is correct

Yup, need to verify voltage at any outlet in the coach with your digital voltmeter.

If more than 10% above/below 120 VAC, do NOT turn on any appliance.

Then, if you still get wonky voltage reading, check the CG outlet.

Absolutely, a poor connection anywhere on the neutral side can cause extreme readings.
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

Re: 1986 Grandvilla electrical issues

Reply #6 –
The surge protector is showing open neutral, when hooked up to the coach. What needs to be checked, if it's an open neutral?
1986 GV 36' w/ 3208T Cat
Build #2614

Re: 1986 Grandvilla electrical issues

Reply #7 –
Start at the CG outlet, then female end of shore power cord, then IN side of surge protector.

And, keep the main 120 VAC breaker in the coach breaker box OFF until you get this resolved or you may "let the smoke out" of some of your devices/appliances.
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

Re: 1986 Grandvilla electrical issues

Reply #8 –
OK, so i think the problem is solved.  We opened up ATS box, one of the neutrals looked to be not making great contact. Pushed on them several times, everything working as it should. Will need to replace the ATS when I get home. Thanks for all of the responses and help.

Mike T
1986 GV 36' w/ 3208T Cat
Build #2614

Re: 1986 Grandvilla electrical issues

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Michaelther4 –
The surge protector is showing open neutral, when hooked up to the coach. What needs to be checked, if it's an open neutral?
Where did you have the surge protector plugged in at?

Quote from: Michaelther4 –
OK, so i think the problem is solved.  We opened up ATS box, one of the neutrals looked to be not making great contact. Pushed on them several times, everything working as it should. Will need to replace the ATS when I get home. Thanks for all of the responses and help.

Mike T

Did you tighten the connection or just pushed on them?  If you just pushed on them, that is not going to fix the problem and you will have a great chance at "letting the smoke out" as Brett says and will be costing you big $$$ to replace items.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: 1986 Grandvilla electrical issues

Reply #10 –
If the neutral wire is not burned, or you can cut off the burned part and tighten the screw on nice clean copper, no reason to replace the ATS unless something else is wrong with it.
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
 

Re: 1986 Grandvilla electrical issues

Reply #11 –
Was the mechanical lug connecting the conductor (wire) loose or was the contacts dark/pitted thus making a poor connection?
I doubt that you need to replace the ATS unless, like Brett mentioned, the ATS is damaged beyond repair.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota