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Topic: Generator Shutting Down (Read 697 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator Shutting Down

Morning all,

Had the coach out for some exercise yesterday, and after running the generator for about 1/2 hr. it shut down.  This has happened to me a couple of other times in the past, but is intermittent.  Every time this happened, I check the fan switch on the control panel and find it in the "off" position.  So this means the fan is not running and the generator shut itself off before it overheated, I assume.  Funny thing is: fan was running when I started the generator, as I always check this. 

I flipped the switch to the "on" position, started the generator, and it ran fine for the remaining 1/2 hr. I drove the coach.

So, it appears that for some reason the fan switch is flipping to the "off" position and I don't know why this would happen.  Anyone have any ideas?  My research is turning up no good answers.

Thanks,
Chris
1996 U295 36' WTBI

Re: Generator Shutting Down

Reply #1 –
FWIW,
I realize that this may not be the issue, check the coolant.  I have changed out my rubber coolant hoses as they were getting old.  Just a thought.  Best of travels. 
Best of Travels

Re: Generator Shutting Down

Reply #2 –
Hi Doc,

I should have mentioned - coolant level was at the "FULL" mark when the generator shut down.

Thanks
1996 U295 36' WTBI

Re: Generator Shutting Down

Reply #3 –
Quote from: bogeygolfer –
So, it appears that for some reason the fan switch is flipping to the "off" position and I don't know why this would happen.  Anyone have any ideas?  My research is turning up no good answers.
Chris,

That "switch" you are talking about should be a breaker. Either the fan is drawing too many amps or the breaker is getting week due to age and tripping. We had to replace our fan breaker several years ago after we had the same symptoms.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Generator Shutting Down

Reply #4 –
Interesting, thanks Pamela and Mike.  Are you referring to the toggle switch, which on mine is on the front of the generator control panel near the hour meter and Start/Stop switch?  I always thought this was just a switch that controlled the fan, and it never occurred to me that it was a breaker.  I should have snapped a photo, but didn't.

Thanks,
Chris
1996 U295 36' WTBI

Re: Generator Shutting Down

Reply #5 –
Quote from: bogeygolfer –
  Are you referring to the toggle switch, which on mine is on the front of the generator control panel near the hour meter and Start/Stop switch? 

Yes
Take and roll the generator out and this will give you access to the 4 screws that hold the cover on the control box. Remove the screws and you will be able to see the back side and tell that it is a breaker. I don't have a part # handy that was the replacement for our unit.  Yours may have a different breaker than ours as you may have an 8 kw rather than a 10.  We were able to pull ours and get another from someplace like  Allied Electronics - Industrial Automation & Control Products Distributor for cheep. (they are close to us)
P & M
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Generator Shutting Down

Reply #6 –
If the breaker for the fan is flipping off ( no pun intended) , you could have a bad fan motor.  If it starts getting hot, and the fan will not cool the engine, it is supposed to shut down before you destroy your engine.  I was getting an overheating signal and the Powertech people said it was a bad blower motor- replaced the squirrel cage with motor- works great since then. 

Hope this helps.
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Generator Shutting Down

Reply #7 –
Good thought, thanks for the information.

Chris
1996 U295 36' WTBI

Re: Generator Shutting Down

Reply #8 –
Also ck the inline fuel filter.  This may not be your issue but this is one of the most overlooked items.  On the 99 I had the original was still on the gen and painted the color of the gen so not one cked it.  DAN
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

Re: Generator Shutting Down

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Ted & Karen –
If the breaker for the fan is flipping off ( no pun intended) , you could have a bad fan motor.  If it starts getting hot, and the fan will not cool the engine, it is supposed to shut down before you destroy your engine.  I was getting an overheating signal and the Powertech people said it was a bad blower motor- replaced the squirrel cage with motor- works great since then. 

Hope this helps.

I second this.  I have had to replace mine. Went to Grangers bought a complete new fan and motor.
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: Generator Shutting Down

Reply #10 –
If this is a toggle switch that in mounted with the on in up position most likely vibration is turning it off, I would replace the switch and see what happens.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Generator Shutting Down

Reply #11 –
It might be worth checking the connections (and grounds) at the switch and at the fan motor before spending any money.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Generator Shutting Down

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Pamela & Mike –
Chris,

That "switch" you are talking about should be a breaker. Either the fan is drawing too many amps or the breaker is getting week due to age and tripping. We had to replace our fan breaker several years ago after we had the same symptoms.

Pamela & Mike
Ditto. I had the same symptoms and replaced that breaker that looked like a toggle switch. That solved the problem on our genny.

Check first with FOT for the switch. If they don't have it, you can probably get it from Powertech. It is easy to change the switch/breaker.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Generator Shutting Down

Reply #13 –
I'm nodding along with John D @ #11 with the switch. Mine did the same and it turned out Keith R at MOT spotted the loose connection. Removed the case to expose the switch(es) from the backside. Cleaned 'em and cranked them back down. Good to go.
Paul & Kathleen
1995 U320c SE 40'
Build 4681 --Cummins M11 /17511
"That Irish Girl"
Red MINI " 40"