RV Generator; 2 down….1 to go
by Jake on Jun.03, 2006, under Other Projects
OK, so the new carburetor is working just fine and now the generator control board is working properly again. When I decided to jump voltage to the ignition coil last night, I made some incorrect assumptions when reading the schematics (they left a little to be desired). The net result was that I had burned out one diode on this control board (this control board retails for well over $200!!!!). This circuit is not “intrinsically safe” either – after that diode failed it left the logic for the generator start sequence in eternal “on”….i.e. when I pressed the starter button to crank the generator, it started but even though I released the starter button, the starter remained engaged and spinning and the stop button no longer worked! The only way I could stop the generator was to disconnect the battery. The price on this board from Onan is really silly – there’s nothing to this thing. Any rate, after testing things with a voltmeter, I found the fried diode, made a trip to Radio Shack, and soldered in the replacement. It cost me more in gas for the round trip to Radio Shack than the $0.69 pack of diodes. I’m happy to report that things are back to normal … well, except for the running problem.
After much more research and testing, I’ve reached the conclusion that the voltage regulator has died. “Ockham’s razor” tells me that I have probably not found the end of this story because it’s strange how the voltage regulator died during the time that the carburetor was preventing things from starting (unless something was damaged during my multiple starting attempts during the ice storm this past winter). There’s not yet a simple explanation for these two coincidences. At any rate, with no other ideas, I’ve ordered a $200 replacement voltage regulator. I’ll keep ya posted.
What’s next? I have a crack in the deck/bow of the F18 that needs some attention – the boat is about 4 months out of warrantee so I’ll have to get the grinder out and “dig in”. This might happen tomorrow if I feel up to it.
Originally uploaded by Team Seacats.
