Jobo7007
Savannah
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Joined: 05/20/2012
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How do you test an Onan genset's volts and amps?
I got an used 1980 Onan AJ 3.0 genset and I changed the brushes in it.
When the generator was apart, I had the armature checked out at a electrical repair shop and they said everything was fine.
When I run my Microwave or AC system (even by themselves) I have brownouts and the power is weak.
How and where do you hook up a tester to find out if it is producing electricity like it is supposed to and what kind of tester should I get? I have never worked with automotive electrical before. --Jobo
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More To See
San Diego Area
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Most problems with generators seem to be carburetor related. They sit around all the time with old fuel in them and get gummed up. Surging is one sign of a gummy carb. I'd start there before checking out electrical items. I use portable heaters to load my generators under load once a month. When you changed the brushes did you use new springs. Did you seat them in with a stone? There are a couple real generator experts that follow these forums so maybe one of them will jump in with some pretty good advice. They will probably want some detailed info from you about exactly what you have done so far, etc.
95 Winnebago Vectra 34 (P30/454)
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1995brave
San Antonio, TX
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Joined: 01/24/2006
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Go here and look up the generator.
Being a 3.0 may mean it is a 3000 watt or 25 amp generator, this is just my guess check the Onan site above to be sure.
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Gau 8
United States
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Joined: 11/06/2009
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Jobo7007 wrote:How do you test an Onan genset's volts and amps?
--Jobo
With a clamp on meter. Do you have an EMS?
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TEXAS
Centerville Tx
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Joined: 08/17/2003
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We normally use a load bank to test them. But you can set it up with a Kilowatt meter or a volt meter that will read cycles.
Your hertz or cycles should be at 63 no load.
This will put your voltage at around 125-130
Turn on your load on.
The cycles should drop to around 60-61 depending on the load. Voltage will also drop to around 115-120.
Remember you have a small generator 3000 watts. So it is not going to carry a lot. It runs at 3600RPM so it is a screamer. This also depends on how good a shape the engine and carb or in
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TEXAS
Centerville Tx
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Don't waste your time at that site. They have no one that even knows what you have or how to work on it. Your unit is to old for them.
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MrWizard
Traveling
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turn off ALL rv CB's and try one at a time
make sure the wh is off and the converter is off and the fridge is not on ( it can fool you)
if the batteries need charging the converter can pull a lot of amps
fuel delivery (carburetor) is the most likely suspect
have you adjusted the governor nd throttle is the engine running at the right speed
Options, always have options, and the journey goes much smoother
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Generator Jim
Conway, SC
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From past experience with AJ's, the most problem is the carburetor and the governor linkage and spring. Second biggest problem is dirty spark plug and a confusing array of settings on the points, from .016 to .035. You need the service manual and all the updates to determine what the point setting should be.
JimL
Jim & Jane Latour
08 Chevy 3500HD, crew cab, dually, Duramax/Allison
05 Wilderness Advantage AX6 365 BSQS, Onan 3.6KY
Retired AF CMS (E9) Power Generation and Onan RV genset Level III tech
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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To test Volt-Amp out you need
A volt meter
An amp meter capable of handling the current
A bank of light bulbs, Switched, I recommend 100 watt and larger
Start switching on lamps till either the breaker breaks the circuit or the generator starts showing signs of "Distress".
A frequency meter might be a good idea too. (say normal -5 HZ as a sign of distress)
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
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