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Topic: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over (Read 783 times) previous topic - next topic

Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Had a bunch of work done over the winter including alternator , regulator and exhaust. Been sitting a couple months since. Went to start it a week ago and starter batteries purchased this year  were dead. Charged them at home . Brought them back to the storage place and hooked them up yesterday. The engine fired right up as did the generator. This morning tried to start and got zero power until I hit the boost switch. At that point I was showing 11.7 V. I turned the key off and noticed the inverter panel was showing the overload warning. Usually it would have been off . I disconnected starter batteries and house.
Also yesterday after running the engine I noticed an odor standing behind the engine compartment. Could be coincidence since the exhaust was replaced and maybe something was burning off. Didn't see any sign of melting wires.
Any ideas on what to look for ?
Build 5477
99 3602 WTFE U270C

Re: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #1 –
The odor (burnt rubber smell)seems to be either from the new belt at the alternator or the alternator itself both of which are new.
Build 5477
99 3602 WTFE U270C

Re: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #2 –
Alternator sounds overloaded.  Suggest turn off motor and run genset to bring both batt banks up to charge.
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #3 –
Think you need to open the back engine door and start engine and watch the belt to get a idea of what's going on.Did they do all
this where the coach sits?If you have AGM start batteries you should get a seperate trickle charger designed for AGM batteries,
and what alternator did they install.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #4 –
. 160amp leece Neville .
Also 200 amp battery isolater. Don't see new belts . Thought they did those as well. There's a hole in the alternator belt too. Thought it'd been replaced but not listed on the receipt.
Build 5477
99 3602 WTFE U270C

Re: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #5 –
Will the trik L start work out of the box on agm? Starter batteries? I have 3 in the garage I am going to change out for starter batteries so anything else need changed? Wet cells now

Re: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #6 –
I use a Battery minder 2012 AGM for my 2 optima red tops,charge them both at once,works fine.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #7 –
Quote from: DavidS –
Will the trik L start work out of the box on agm? Starter batteries? I have 3 in the garage I am going to change out for starter batteries so anything else need changed? Wet cells now
Let the experts comment, but if the house batteries are agm's and the charger is set for agm's I believe the trik L start would work on the engine batteries. I am using it that way.
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: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #8 –
The smell might have been the alternator trying to pump massive amounts of amps in the batteries.. getting hot because the batteries were dead. I would stick a charger on them and let it run for a few days maybe a week if you can. See if you can bring them to life . If not , time for new ones.

Re: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #9 –
Both house and starter batteries are less then 2 yrs old. I charged my red tops for a week. I think it's something electrical. Yesterday everything was behaving normally. I'll have to see what the charge is on the batteries.
Build 5477
99 3602 WTFE U270C

Re: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #10 –
If the starter batteries were bought this year they are only 4 months old,try and get warrenty.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #11 –
I ran the generator for several hrs. My starter batteries don't look like they're charging. However the inverter seems to be working fine and not showing AC overload.  I put the boost switch on to start it with and without the generator running.
Without the key in the ignition, with the boost switch engaged, the dash lights are dimly lit and the check engine warning bell can be heard at a low volume. When I turn the key the dash lights up normally and the check engine light functions as it usually does.after it goes out and the key is turned to start the motor, the starter sounds like it's trying to turn and then it stops.
Why would the dash light and warning bell come on at a much reduced volume and dimmed dash light without the key in the ignition. Should the boost switch even work with no key? Thanks.
Build 5477
99 3602 WTFE U270C

Re: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #12 –
Sounds like a stuck solenoid.Would take the 2 start batteries to Autozone and have them test them,may be dead.Also would make sure the house batteries are fully charged.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #13 –
Put a separate charger on the chassis batteries overnight.

THEN run through all this again.

Good chance that will solve the issues (but also likely the chassis batteries are materially harmed due to being stored fully discharged).
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: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #14 –
Reading another post on the forum it occurred to me I may have had a non DUVAC alternator installed. Would that account for any of this? I had the alternator installed along with other work and then the coach has sat unplugged for 8wks.
Build 5477
99 3602 WTFE U270C

Re: Inverter Flashing ac overload. Noticed when engine didn’t turn over

Reply #15 –
It sounds to me like that could be your problem. The chassis batteries are not charged by the inverter unless the boost switch is on or there is a trik l start or such other device installed.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins