Generator Problem

[Garages]

I have a 98 Cutter with an Onan 5K generator. The unit has 200 hours on the gauge.

I have maintained the unit per manufacturers specs., oil changes, plugs etc.

However, the last time I started the unit it only put out 60volts. RPM correct and the engine in running smoothly.

I changed the voltage regulator but there was no change.

The local Cummins dealer tells me ( without looking at the unit) that the windings or stationary likely needs replacement. At 1500 plus labor I am considering purchasing a new unit.

Any one had simular problems?

[boatdoc]

Originally Posted by Garages

I have a 98 Cutter with an Onan 5K generator. The unit has 200 hours on the gauge.

I have maintained the unit per manufacturers specs., oil changes, plugs etc.

However, the last time I started the unit it only put out 60volts. RPM correct and the engine in running smoothly.

I changed the voltage regulator but there was no change.

The local Cummins dealer tells me ( without looking at the unit) that the windings or stationary likely needs replacement. At 1500 plus labor I am considering purchasing a new unit.

Any one had simular problems?

It seems that you lost half of the field windings. You may want to check for broken or loose wires. I have manuals and parts catalogs for it. Should you need them PM me. Thanks "Boatdoc"

[bfred]

be sure to check ground cable for tightness, etc. that was my problem. 2003 396XL. 8kw. onan gen.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by boatdoc

It seems that you lost half of the field windings. You may want to check for broken or loose wires. I have manuals and parts catalogs for it. Should you need them PM me. Thanks "Boatdoc"

Hi, I agree with boatdoc; But Onan / Cummins will not low ball an over the phone estimate. With an 8 year old unit that has only 200 hours on the clock, my opinion, you don't need a generator. Use it or lose it!

Bob

[Tinsel Loaf]

Could be bad ground or neutral connection or both. When you get 60 volts your main breaker will get hot and if the ground and neutral are open it is a very dangerous situation. Hot with no path to ground. Disconnect the gen set MH mains and start it up and see if you get 120 direct from the generator main output. If you do you have 120 than you have a bad connection going to or at in main breaker in your MH. If not you may have a bad connection in the generator or a faulty winding in the generator itself.