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Topic: Generator over crank ?? (Read 1052 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator over crank ??

I am going to replace my coach battery's tomorrow , the assumption is that they are beyond saving . Last night and again today I notice a fault light above the dash switch. We are plugged into power generator is switched to manual and off .
Looking at the generator the fault light "over excite" is illuminated , ( too many cranks trying to start " ) if I switched gen main switch off then back on the fault clears and the generator starts fine .
Is this related to dead coach battery's ??
Puzzled
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: Generator over crank ??

Reply #1 –
Forgot to add boast switch is off
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: Generator over crank ??

Reply #2 –
Sorry typing whilst thinking , fault light is over cranking
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: Generator over crank ??

Reply #3 –
Yes, the fault was caused by a failure of the genny to start, most likely caused by weak batteries.  Remember not to start the generator while plugged in to shore power.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Generator over crank ??

Reply #4 –
What happens if gen does start whilst plugged in
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: Generator over crank ??

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Jimmyjnr –
What happens if gen does start whilst plugged in

IF, repeat IF everything works properly, nothing bad. The job of the ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) is to only allow a single source of 120  VAC.  Generator is normally the "default" source, so if the generator is started, it will supply the electrical needs.


But lots of negatives to doing that, particularly if large loads are on:
Prematurely wears points of the ATS.
Hard on generator to go from off to running heavy load within a minute or so.

Better is to turn off heavy loads, disconnect from shore power, start generator and then add in the heavy loads.

Doing it the other way is more of "what I got away with" than "best practices".

Brett
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: Generator over crank ??

Reply #6 –
Thanks guys
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: Generator over crank ??

Reply #7 –
Replaced house battery's last night ,now plugged into CG power for almost 20 hours,  boost switch off . Now the dash generator "run" light has just flashed 4 times .
Busy looking for manual but any advice welcome
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: Generator over crank ??

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Jimmyjnr –
Now the dash generator "run" light has just flashed 4 times .
Busy looking for manual but any advice welcome

Jimmy,

Is the auto-start switch on or not when this happens?

I didn't see anything in the Powertech manual that covered the remote start or the auto-start.  Maybe someone has that for the 2003's?  I wonder if your autostart module might be acting up.

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: Generator over crank ??

Reply #9 –
Michele
Dash switch set to manual
No  fault lights on gen set
Page 50 in power tech manual
" if the engine does not start ( crank time elapsed) cranking stops and rest period indicated by flashing run light "
Gen did not try to start !
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: Generator over crank ??

Reply #10 –
Michele
No mention of auto start in my manual either .
Noticed head office is in Florida so will have to wait until Monday to ring them
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: Generator over crank ??

Reply #11 –
Awoke to same over crank fault light this morning , generator did not try to start during night . Could anybody recommend a phone contact for advice 
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: Generator over crank ??

Reply #12 –
I have talked with Jeff at Power Tech in Leesburg. He was very helpful.

Mark
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Mark and Tanya
Milton , Florida
US Navy Veteran (DV)
1999 U270 Special 40' CAI , 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara