Troubleshooting guide

STARTING AND STOPPING PROCEDURES
Your Onan
®
or Camp Power
™
generator can be started and stopped from the
standard control panel on the generator, or from the optional remote control panel
inside the vehicle if your RV is so equipped. Your Operator’s Manual outlines the
simple steps for starting and stopping. Remember to:
• Turn off air conditioners and large electrical loads before starting the
generator.
• Turn off all appliances in cold weather before starting for best long-term
performance.
• Let the generator warm up for a few minutes before turning on appliances.
• Turn off air conditioners and large electrical loads and let the generator run
for 3-5 minutes before stopping, to allow it time to cool down.
BREAKING IN YOUR NEW GENERATOR
Your generator will perform better if you follow the break-in procedure
recommended in the Operator’s Manual. The break-in process typically involves
running the generator at about 50 percent load for two hours, then at about 75
percent load for two hours, then letting it cool down. You should change the engine
crankcase oil after the first 20 hours of operation, and every 100 to 150 hours
thereafter. (See the Maintenance Chart on page 15 for specific intervals.)
EXERCISING YOUR GENERATOR
It may seem strange that “not” using a machine could cause performance problems,
but with RV generators that’s exactly the case. Regular “exercise” is an important part
of keeping your generator healthy. Lack of exercise can cause moisture build-up and
fuel system damage that make it run poorly. In fact, in as little as 30 days, the fuel in
gasoline-powered generators can begin to break down into gums and varnishes that
clog the fuel system. Fuel varnishing results in hard starting and surging. (A surging
generator never settles at a stable operating speed.)
To prevent such problems, we recommend running gasoline generators at a minimum
of 50 percent capacity (2000-watts, or one air conditioner for a 4000-watt set) for
two hours at least once every four weeks. A long two-hour exercise period is
preferable to several short periods.
OPERATING MOTOR DRIVEN APPLIANCES
When using an appliance with a motor, turn it on and let it reach normal running
speed before starting other appliances. Air conditioners, like all electric motors, can
draw up to three times more power during start up than during normal operation.
While this is true for all electric motors, it can be especially true in air conditioners if
the compressor tries to start against built-up high pressure in its refrigeration system.
AIR CONDITIONER “SHORT-CYCLING”
When an air conditioner runs, the compressor builds refrigerant pressure. If the
compressor is then shut off, either manually or by satisfying thermostat demand,
it must stay off for some period of time, usually 3-4 minutes, to allow pressure in
the system to equalize before it can be safely restarted. Trying to restart the air
conditioner compressor before pressure equalizes is known as “short-cycling”. If an air
conditioner is “short-cycled” the results may be; 1) tripped air conditioner circuit
breaker; 2) generator shut down on overload; or 3) tripped air conditioner thermal
overload. The air conditioner thermal overload will reset itself after the compressor
cools. It cannot be reset manually.
Some, but not all, RV air conditioner thermostats have built-in time delays to prevent
short-cycling. Short-cycling occurs in some RVs when the thermostat is mounted so that
cold air blows directly on it. If this happens, the thermostat shuts the compressor off
before the cabin has cooled, but quickly warms back up and signals the compressor
to restart before refrigerant pressure equalizes. In this case, the flow of air from the air
conditioner should be directed away from the thermostat, or the thermostat should be
relocated. Short-cycling can be prevented by always being sure the air conditioner
rests for 3-4 minutes after the compressor shuts off before trying to restart it.
EFFECTS OF HIGH ALTITUDE AND EXTREME
TEMPERATURES
If you frequently travel at high altitudes or in extreme temperatures, be aware that your
generator can lose power in lower-density air caused by such conditions. You won’t
be able to operate as many electrical devices in those circumstances as you could
under normal operating conditions.
• Power decreases 3.5% for each 1,000 feet above an altitude of 500 feet. For
example, to operate at 4,500 feet (4,000 feet above rated generator altitude)
multiply 3.5% x 4 (4,000 ft) = 14% power loss. Then multiply .14 x your
generator’s power rating. Example, 4,000 watts x .14 = a loss of 560 watts
at that altitude.
• Power decreases in extreme temperatures by 1% for each 10°F (5.5°c) above 85°F.
NOTE: The carburetor on a non-EFI gasoline generator may require adjustment at
high altitudes. (See your Operator’s Manual or your Onan Authorized RV Service
and Parts Dealer.)
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