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Topic: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues (Read 695 times) previous topic - next topic

Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Hey.... our 86 GV has a gas generator .. genny runs good but getting NO electrical power to transfer switch... talked to Cummins / Onan in Atlanta and have steered us to replacing the breakers (2)

Anyone done this and are we on the right track.. 

We were using a Shark vacuum and motor binded and we lost coach power... thought breakers had tripped but not the problem


Advice??? 
1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #1 –
If the Onan Emerald is running, it's making AC, so find the first junction box after the generator and probe for line power.

There should be two circuit breakers on the generator itself.

I'll take a look at mine tomorrow.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #2 –
Look and see if you have power on the inline of the breaker. That's how you trouble a breaker.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #3 –
Now it has been a long time sense we had our '92 with a 6500 Onan but seems like there was a push button resetting breaker for the exciter. It was hid on the side of the control box almost out of view. Look around and see if yours has one and if so if the button is popped out see if you can just push it back in to reset it.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

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

Re: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #4 –
I'll say it again, if the Emerald is running the alternator is producing 110VAC.  If it doesn't the engine shuts down.

There are two AC circuit breakers on the right side behind the control box.  The On position is when they are pushed away from you.

And for those of you wondering if something is too old to use, Lynn and I are a decade older than anything listed below.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #5 –
Thank you...  we are going to replace the breakers over the weekend.  We have reset the breakers but still no power when genny running.  We have a brand new Progressive Dynamics transfer switch and all was good until we plugged in the Shark Vacuum cleaner .

1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #6 –
One other failure point would be where wiring from generator joins wiring to the ATS.
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: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Subsilked –
We have a brand new Progressive Dynamics transfer switch and all was good until we plugged in the Shark Vacuum cleaner .

Ruh Rho . . .

While you're changing out the Onan breakers, and only if you're comfortable doing so, check for output right at the generator.  You may find a problem with the installation or operation of your new transfer switch.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #8 –
Replaced the breakers... easy with just plug and play... but NO GOOD on getting electrical current... the transfer switch was just replaced a few months ago... we have been starting up Genny biweekly since November and putting a load on the genny with AC, Mircrowave, etc...  than last week we think using a Shark Vacuum we lost 120v power ... we plug into shore power and all good.. but not from genny.    The generator is hard wired to transfer switch.  Using my layman's skills with a multimeter we find NO current on the genny side of ATS.   

What's next.  We leave for a 3 week 5000 mile trip in 10 days.

1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #9 –
When you say the generator is "hardwired into the ATS, have you inspected where the wires go from generator to house wiring?
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: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #10 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
When you say the generator is "hardwired into the ATS, have you inspected where the wires go from generator to house wiring?
Like ???  Genny is in basement under passenger side twin bed. We see conduit coming up thru the floor of under bed and it runs to ATS.. where would we check 120v current ?   

Is there another breaker or a fuse line that will stop the 120v

1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #11 –
Where does the conduit lead in the generator compartment/where do the wires connect to the generator.  Has to be some place where generator is wired to the wired in that conduit.  May be in the generator itself or in a junction box likely in the same compartment.

Said another way, the generator did not come from Onan connected to your coaches electrical system.  There HAS to be a place the  two are tied together.
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: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #12 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Where does the conduit lead in the generator compartment/where do the wires connect to the generator.  Has to be some place where generator is wired to the wired in that conduit.  May be in the generator itself or in a junction box likely in the same compartment.

Said another way, the generator did not come from Onan connected to your coaches electrical system.  There HAS to be a place the  two are tied together.
So... find the junction box and take the box cover off and test the voltage there ??? 

1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Subsilked –
So... find the junction box and take the box cover off and test the voltage there ??? 



YUP-- if there is a junction box.  If not check where wires from coach go directly into the generator.  WILL BE one or the other.
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: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Subsilked –
So... find the junction box and take the box cover off and test the voltage there ??? 


It's on the back side of the generator.  Your problem could be as simple as a loose wire nut.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
It's on the back side of the generator.  Your problem could be as simple as a loose wire nut.
I will check this out.    These old generators did not slide out. 
1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #16 –
Quote from: Subsilked –
I will check this out.    These old generators did not slide out. 
If you are lucky a floor jack and some plywood may help you get the job done.  Maybe a second pair of hands to maintain balance while in transit.  And a spark plug for the rear cylinder.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Genny 6.5 Emerald issues

Reply #17 –
We just do not have the acuity to continue exploring why our generator runs but no electric power to transfer switch.

We will take our 5000 mile trip booked with RV parks over a 3 week period with shore power and skip the generator options

We are not electricians... cannot reach and access the " back" of generator to multimeter test the running generator.

Hate to drive the country with a 250 hour generator ( OEM) and not have the use of the power when needed

Thanks folks...  end of summer. We might pull this genny out and install a plug and play honda generator for 30amp service
1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman