3500 AC DELCO GENERATOR,RUNS BUT HAS NO ELECTRIC CURRENT.

all the operator can ck on this if ckt breaker is closed on genset panel , this controls output power to all the outlets on genset , if that's not to be found as cause then a qualified serviceman will be needed to further diagnose problem

Has it been sitting for a long time?

Could be lost exciter current. This is how to restore it - Connect 16 or 18 gauge wires to a 12 volt battery. With generator running, insert bare ends of wires into AC outlet - one to Hot, the other to Neutral. Insert and remove quickly. There should be a flash and power will be restored. If not, repeat until you get that flash and output current restored. Using light gauge wires is so that if you are too slow to remove them once AC is restored. they will burn out before the battery suffers from the AC incoming. Be quick and be careful.

Check the rotor rings for cleanliness, they should be shiny, check the brushes and the capacitor, located in the end of the alternator bell housing cover

What type of load (electrical) was hooked up to this generation?? If the surge voltage and current was exceeded above the generator maximum for any length of time. There problems, it could be the regulator, insulation burnt off the windings.


I am taking a guess here. Now, 7100 Watts is it typical surge wattage. This mean that the generator will deliver 7100 Watt (voltage times current) this is know as the power factor. The actual operating load would be 6800 Watts and I would even operator the generator at its peak wattage. Something in the neighborhood of 10--15% less the peak wattage. Therefore a good positive theatrical Wattage would be 5800 to 6350 operating wattage. Then this generator would run all day.



Just remember Ohm's Law. Current plays a big factor in loading of a generator while the operation voltage is at 120 AC Volts. Example: electric motor; Now electric motor when starting will pull three time its operation current. Operating current for a 1/2 HP AC motor is 6 amperes but start this electric motor will require 18 amperes. This is one reason why they starting capacitors on smaller electric motors. Larger three phase electric motor can literal stop a generator cold...in its tracks. It put such a large demand on the generator it stops the engine powering the generator. I have seen crankshaft break because the generator could handle the heavy current load.



Remember, any time you are running a small gas powered generator. All ways figure what the load and surge current load will be before hooking up any generator. Normally this is figured in VA (volt/amps). Wish you lock. GB...stewbison

The voltage regulator for the generator is not work, replace it. Why, if there no dc voltage to excite the stator it won't any output. GB...stewbison

What size circuit breaker is on the generator that is tripping? You'll need a 20amp for AC alone, then consider other things that are drawing current when RV plugged in like , converter, fridge etc that may be drawing current at same time. Make sure fridge is on propane, as well as water heater if you have electric element option on water heater. AC may only draw 12-15 amps when running if good and clean and wired properly, but will draw 17-18 amps when compressor kicks in. Perhaps generator not designed for that surge?

the fuel level sending unit in the tank has gone bad. there is an electrical contact on these that wear out, very common problem. however, some models are integral with the fuel pump, which means the whole assembly will have to be replaced. beware the inexpensive pumps, as they can cause running issues soon down the road, and the gauge sending units are often inaccurate. stick with the ac delco brand.

Glad to hear it was easy :-)
Here is a link to my trouble shoot solution so that this will get marked as solved.