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Topic: Onboard generator 1987 Lakeview Suncrest
Posted By: nuget102 on 07/19/16 12:21am

So I recently bought this RV for $2000. They guy threw in a generator that needed a pull cord replaced (which he didn't know how to do) but the RV had a onboard generator.

I really want to get it working, if for nothing else as a backup in case the other one is stolen, which may happen since the locks on the rv are kinda... iffy.

Far as I can tell the generator is stock, and if it's not it seems to have been put in properly. The guy I bought the rv from says the generator has never worked. He's owned it for five years. I'm not too savvy with generators, I've dealt with motorcycles and cars. But never a generator. Don't know if they're really different at all, I get the concept that it basically runs an alternator but beyond the actually look and interior I know nothing. In fact I've never even seen a generator in person until I bought this RV.

So aside from the obvious of changing oil and draining the has, which is redundant since it runs off the has tank. What else should I do? For all I know it's possible this thing hasn't ran since the 80s. Should I strip it down and wd40 the hell out of it? Or should I try to actually getting it running? It has a starter so maybe it's just as simple as the starter motor?

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* This post was edited 07/21/16 12:23pm by nuget102 *

Posted By: gbopp on 07/19/16 05:13am

First, I would pull the spark plugs and see if the engine turns over and is not seized.
If it turns over:

Replace the fuel filter. It's probably clogged.

The fuel line may be collapsed, replace it.

Replace the spark plugs.

Clean the battery electrical connections.

Use Seafoam or Berrymans to clean the carburetor and fuel line. Don't waste your time with WD-40. You need the inside of the carb cleaned. There are small ports that will probably be clogged.

Charge your batteries and try to get it started.

If it has not been used in years, it may start but not put out any power. You may have to Flash the Generator.

These are simple, relatively cheap steps to get the generator working. Try them before you spend a bunch of money.

Make sure the RV has at least 1/4 tank of gas. The generator pick up can only use the top 3/4 of the tank. That's so you can't run the generator and drain the fuel tank, leaving you out of gas.

Keep us updated on your progress.

Posted By: Golden_HVAC on 07/19/16 05:14am

Will the starter turn the motor over?

Chances are that the prior owner never ran it as frequently as they need to be run, and the carb is full of crud. Remove it and clean it out. Just like a motorcycle. Check or change the spark plug. Does the hour meter indicate how many hours are on it?

When you are driving down the road, the fuel tank has some pressure in it, and that is a good time to try to start it. You might also try it with some starting fluid, to keep it running until you get gas to the carb.

Good luck,

Fred.

Posted By: TEXAS on 07/19/16 05:46am

What generator is it.Saw the pictures. I wouldn't waste my time with it. That model was a problem when new.Control relays and voltage regulator failures were common.Was only made by Kohler for a couple of years.Parts are costly if you can even find them. I would look for a good running Onan. Plenty of them out there for around 500.00 dollars. Look for a BFA,CCK,NH,BG they are old but better than the new 3600 rpm screamers.

* This post was edited 07/19/16 06:20am by TEXAS *

Posted By: westend on 07/19/16 05:57am

We can't see your images unless selected and opened in a new window. Use the Advanced Post Form and the image icon to post your images.

The genset appears to be a Kohler but I can't read the rating plate from the images for a model #.

'03 F-250 4x4 CC
'71 Starcraft Wanderstar -- The Cowboy/Hilton

Posted By: Chris Bryant on 07/19/16 06:14am

I could not read the model from the pictures (I turned them in to links at the end of this- I don't know how imgur works to get the actial img url).

Anyway- I have 2 service manuals- one for the 4ckm et. al. and the other for the 4.5ckm

http://imgur.com/J8NFAQC
http://imgur.com/Ov5DdzF
http://imgur.com/9WRDt1O
http://imgur.com/DHu3bGk

My gut feeling is that is a really good genset, and should be easily repaired, sans any serious internal engine problems, or a shorted rotor/stator.

-- Chris Bryant

Posted By: nuget102 on 07/19/16 09:32pm

Sorry took me so long to get back to y'all. Been working on the RV today. The model number is 4.5CKM21-RV.

It turns over fine, but the fuel pump seems like it might be weak. It's pushing a little fuel, but I don't think enough to actually start. I was planning to dump sea foam in the gas tank anyway due to my carb having issues on the rv itself.

I'll try starting the generator while going down the road, see if that'll help. Plan to fill the tanks up in the morning. The previous owner didn't flush the black tank so...

Posted By: nuget102 on 07/20/16 10:49pm

Forgot to mention. Generator makes painful grinding noise when i try to start it.

Posted By: j-d on 07/21/16 01:58am

See if you can get the spark plugs out. Then find a place to turn the crankshaft from. Hopefully you can get a socket wrench on one end.

We aren't expected to "exercise" generators with a monthly run under load to only keep the fuel fresh in the carburetor. Stale fuel is probably the one biggest reason for genset trouble, but... That monthly run is also to drive moisture out of the generator windings, keep corrosion off the slip rings, etc etc.

If the painful sound is the generator rotor rubbing inside the stationary windings, it may be only surface rust, but it could also be the windings swollen from expanding rust/corrosion. If that's the case, the thing is probably (at least economically) done for.

If God's Your Co-Pilot Move Over, jd
2003 Jayco Escapade 31A on 2002 Ford E450 V10 4R100 218" WB

Posted By: nuget102 on 07/21/16 10:06am

Thanks for the help. Would I be better off getting the extra generator working? It runs but stopped putting out voltage... I'm worried I may have overloaded it somehow, there was white smoke and it just stopped putting voltage out.

Posted By: j-d on 07/21/16 12:11pm

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Posted By: nuget102 on 07/21/16 12:18pm

So I checked the generator. The starter motor isn't making contact with the crankshaft. Causing that unbearable noise. I have to some how readjust the starter to make full contact.

Posted By: nuget102 on 07/21/16 12:22pm

j-d wrote:

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Thanks. I'll put that in the main post, hopefully pictures will work then.

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