A Streak of BAD LUCK - NOTHING is WORKING
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ค. 2024
- If it's not one thing, it's eight. Haha, but seriously why does everything have to go at once? This is Part 1.
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Something I learned the hard way: when connecting up a charge controller, always connect the battery first and then the solar panels. If you reverse the sequence, you can instantly burn out the charge controller.
If you need to disconnect the battery, first disconnect the solar panels, so you don't burn out the controller when you re-connect the battery.
Jenna, on the generator, low oil level or a faulty low oil sensor is always my 1st check. After that, start with a fuel flow check. Check the fuel shut off valve. Remove the bowl and empty and clean it out. That gets any water and trash out of the 1st filter location. While the bowl is off, turn the valve on. If gas flows out freely, reinstall the bowl and do a test run. (Works=finished) Dosen't work, replace the inline fuel filter. (Works=finished) Dosen't work, time to clean the carburetor. If you haven't done this before, I suggest getting a helping hand. It can be difficult the 1st time. Good luck.
I agree, water in the fuel often overlooked with outdoor equipment especially with the ethanol fuel which is a moisture magnet,I run non ethanol in my generator ,its worth it
Water in the fuel maybe, I would bet more it needs a carb cleaning. It doesn't take much to clog up those tiny ports, and if it has a small restriction. The more load you put on the generator the more fuel it needs to keep up the RPM's. That also tends to be why you see any small engine equipment on the side of the road, 9/10 times it just needs the carb cleaned.
I didn't make it to the end of the video yet, so not sure if you fixed this issue yet on the Gen shutting down? I recently had an issue with the fuel shut off solenoid where the "plunger" that blocks the main jet of fuel may be out blocking fuel or partially restricting fuel flow. That would explain when you have a load on it and calling for fuel, it is being starved and then stalled. Run the generator and turn off fuel petcock to burn off gas to carb. Remove the 2 screws to the fuel cut-off solenoid on the bottom of the carburetor bowl. Remove the solenoid and the plunger should be all the way down. If not, spray some carb cleaner over and over and clean the plunger shaft and keep spinning the plunger and push down to ....eventually it should retract. Gummed gas can make this an issue and over time it will shut down the fuel to the main jet. If a pain to remove solenoid, remove the air filter assembly, 2 nuts holding carb and carefully remove hoses, and any attachments to carb and now you can get the access to do the surgery. (It would not hurt to remove the bowl and spray some carb cleaner up the main jet while you have it completely assessable.
Dang Jenna, you're killing it. Your subs are going through the roof. Keep on keeping on.
So happy I found your channel! Inspirational, educational and entertaining. Just got the first snow of winter today and I'm trouble shooting a lot of the same issues haha. Thanks and keep up the good work
Jenna. I've learned over the years is to record everything that I am taking apart. So I can go back and look to see if there are any mistakes. Good luck great show.
wow i feel so bad for you i can relate when everything goes down at the same time, hopefully you got everything up and running , good luck jenna.
Hi Jenna👋🏻 Great to see you solving whatever issues come up👍🏻hope things settle down for a bit , with nothing else happening 🤞🏻Stay safe and take care my friend 🙏🏻 Appreciate you
Discovered your channel a short while ago and I love your content! I live in Nova Scotia as well, our winters can be brutal. I admire your resourcefulness.
I am a 70-year-old man who lives in the mountains of North Eastern California and I am new to Jenna's channel also. I watch a channel that is filmed in Nova Scotia, and I have to say you live in a beautiful country!!
Thank you, we think so as well!@@dbcooper692
Sorry that sheet gets crazy, But I learn about the bucket shower 🚿 !!! Great video! Thx for sharing
Jenna another great show. Sorry to hear about your run of bad luck hope you get it sorted 👍 Johno Darwin NT 🍺
I don't have much to contribute but I would say I am learning I'm going to be doing this in the future😊 I'm learning little things from your channel much appreciated thanks
Happy to hear that, thank you 🙂
Hey Gypsy Jenna,just found your channel recently and I really enjoy it! Greetings from New Brunswick!😃
Hello up there!
I know youre frustrated but for those of us far behind you in experience with these type things it is very good for us to see you solve these issues. You remind me that Faulkner said that (wo)man will not merely endure, that he/she will prevail.
Absolutely!
It does seem true....everything goes at once. looking forward to you turning things around and what the main problem turns out to be. In the meantime you are not alone, there are a lot of good tips and tricks suggested. Crossing my fingers things turn around quickly for you with with little drain to your pocket book. Always enjoy seeing a glimpse into your full time camping life as we live the same life for over ten years and still enjoying it and waking up to the coastal views on the waterfront.
Thank you 😊
Could be water in the bowl of the carb. Drain the bowl and see if that helps. It happened to me a while back and now it runs fine. If not check the valve stem for blockage.
I really enjoy your channel. Keep em coming. 🎥 👌
Hi Jenna! So glad to have found your channel! I enjoy seeing others figure things out! In regards to your charge controller, I know that most charger controllers needs to have the batteries hooked up first before hooking to solar panels. Hooking the solar then the batteries tend to take out charger controllers. But I could be wrong. Another note that I would like to make is that those GEL batteries are pretty much done as those batteries start losing capacity as soon as they are manufactured. I have never had a GEL battery last more than 5 years. My last group I purchased new were done in a YEAR! Those batteries are not made well anymore it seems. I still have 2 of my batteries out of the 3, but both are coming up to 2 years old and losing capacity very quickly. I do hope that you get your generator sorted out soon though!
I believe Renogy charge controllers need to be connected to battery before putting any load from solar
I lived off the grid for 7 years in a self engineered, self contained solar powered trailer through all 4 seasons in Michigan.
I sincerely understand your frustration with equipment failures especially when the cold weather is a major concern.
You definitely know what you're doing. It just takes a ridiculous amount of time, money and knowledge to eventually work out all the bugs. That's half the fun.
Showering in below freezing outside in a shanty with a Zodi hot shower and 12 volt pump was my only running water which I was grateful for after a long day of work.
I hope you figure it all out and it all becomes 100% again.
It's frustrating but when it all runs as it should you know all the money and work was worth it. Cheers.
Thank you 🙂
Your amazing for living 7 yrs in that tiny home. Great videos and i still would insulate that battery house.
OMGosh Jenna! I am hurting for you, I think I would have had a drink long before all that. I hope you have a time out corner for Rory and Ramsey, little brats [but you got to love them]. I hope things will get better this week and it was all a bad dream.
Thanks, me too! 🙂
The generator is air cooled, it sounds like its overheating and shutting down as it runs hotter the more load you put on it. Since its outside the mice like to get into the covering on the engine and build nests. This clogs the air passages and cuts off the air flow and it overheats. You can remove the covering on the pull starter side by taking out 4 bolts and you can inspect the air fins to see if they are clogged. Could be grass or anything that has been sucked in there. Or stuff around the generator, weeds, materials etc, can be blocking air flow. Great channel, nice to see someone figuring out there problems. Good luck.
My generator did same thing and is also a 3500 we use for our camper...you will see a nut on the very bottom of your carburetor, loosen that all the way and the bowl will drop down, get some carburetor cleaner and spray underneath what that bowl was covering, then cleam out inside bowl. Worked great for ours! Come to find out it was because i never turned the feul off when i wasn't using it. Mucn love from the coast of Maine ❤31st
Thanks for the tip!
@@gypsyjenna Don't be afraid of taking the carb off and apart to clean it either, It's honestly not that hard. The jets have tiny ports, and it doesn't take much toy clog them up or cause restriction. I would say for small engine stuff, it's often the carb getting dirty that's the issue.
One tip if you do tackle taking it apart, save yourself some time and headache and just order a seal and gasket kit for it. Depending on how old it is, they will be rotted and rip.
I've been offgrid 5 yrs, Glenn Off-grid @. What I'd do is add a bit of 2 stroke oil to your gas. Second change the spark plug. Also use 2 stroke oil to season the filter. My generators . 2 champion 1500/1200 . 1 benchmark 3650 electric start/remote. I champion has over 8000 hrs the other about 1100. Hrs. The big one has 1600. Hrs all run and work flawlessly. Good luck hope I helped.
My personal regular maint on generator is to change the oil (+/- can impact the output watts), check the spark plug, check the air flow (intake filter and exhaust spark arrestor) and either run one full tank at non-eco mode or some gas cleaner.
Try hooking your solar up to opposite ends of the batteries.
To get a more even charge. And when you hook up your solar charge controller hook it up to the battery first.
Jenna who ever commented that over filling the gas tank may have caused it to mix with the oil is wrong. Completely wrong. The only possible way gas could mix with the oil on that generator is if your float in the carburetor is sticking in the down position. Over filling the gas tank would have absolutely no bearing on the oil. I've been a small engine mechanic for 30+ years so trust me on that. I would suggest a tune up and fuel filter change on the generator assuming you already checked the oil level. I'm sure you know the low oil shut down function. I would do a tune up and fuel system flush. The carburetor should also be cleaned and adjusted if needed. If you're not able to remove the carburetor and do a good cleaning you can try flushing the fuel system out and then refilling with a good quality gasoline with a mixture of Octane booster and a couple ounces of Seafoam fuel system cleaner. Run two tanks of that mixture and that should at least tell you if it's a fuel system issue.
And I’d also suggest never ever put fuel in it that contains any ethanol
Don't some carbs have solenoids that can stick open and flood the motor with fuel also? Had it happen to me with a riding mower, once.
@@thenorthshore6472 probably the needle valve on the float. Never heard of a solenoid on a small engine.
@@TheMajictech my 13 hp briggs has one. It's on a riding mower. They commonly fail and will flood the crankcase with fuel.
Because beer…. 🤣🤣👌
Man I’d be so lost with that and need help I haven’t tackled anything electrical…your great at this stuff you’ll figure it out I’m sure of it👍😁
Cheers😘
for the generator. try taking the plug out and wire brushing the gunk off it, also try adding gas treatment and octane booster say once a month to help clean the carb and jets. you can also take out the screw on the bottom of the fuel bowl on the carb to empty it out and get any bigger gunk outta the fuel bowl. all the gennys ive had have had a filter inside the fuel bowl of the carb. i have added a external see thru fuel filter onto the visible fuel line but ive never seen a external fuel filter on a genny
I just found your channel and I'll be listening to your stuff for a while. I've been doing the same thing in the forest of Atlantic Canada since February 1st in a 30 foot trailer just like yours with my dogs. We respect your tenacity 🐶🤠🐶
Edit: how thick is your extension cord from the generator leading to the air fryer? A skinny extension cord really hurts you, it's like breathing through a straw
Love this channel! I live exactly like this, and have been for 4 years and we have the same problems and obstacles! I have 2 male cats also Lenny and squiggy. It's doable, just can be lots of work. Love this show, love you too! Keep up the amazing work!
Ps. My house is a 20x8 tiny house on a car hauler. It's funny how similar the problems are.
It can be a struggle eh!? Keep on keeping on!
Oh boy. I really hope things start to get better! Bad luck, no fun! 😔
Thanks, u and me both! 😊
Hi Jenna. I just subscribed so maybe your luck will improve.😀 I saw a couple of things as I live in a cold climate too just north of Windsor. 1. Gel batteries really don't emit gas, so having them in a safe place inside the home will greatly increase their capacity, charge, and discharge ability especially in winter. 2. Those battery interconnections are probably causing a bit too much of a voltage drop or resistance especially under a load. 3. The EP Ever may have been zapped IF the panels were connected before the power on sequence finished. You can open it up and look for a blown fuse. I have learned to move away from EP Ever and their clones. I am now using a midnight KID and victron energy controllers and they are rock solid. On the generator, seems to be a run duration issue maybe a heat issue or in the old days a vapor lock. Maybe TRY installing a fuel filter in line before fuel gets into the carb and/or remove the main drain screw and clean it out it solvent. I use a product called stabil and it inhibits gunk on the carb jets. Also, possible the brushes are worn out and/or very dirty causing heat to build higher than normal and causing a disconnect. Also, check ALL of the electrical connections on the generator since it vibrates a lot. I also think that some generators have a floating ground and a possible ground loop will cause them to disconnect or turn off. Hope your luck improves as it's never easy being your own power company! Gary
Always should disconnect solar panels before changing out your batteries as the power has know where to go and will fry the controller
6:34 I had some butt biting last night, too. Tabby vs. Black cat in my household, too. USA Thanksgiving and they were fighting over turkey bits. Little farts, both of them
I know from watching your blog you had some success with the generator by changing the spark plug. I would suggest as a preventive maintenance for the carburetor would be to add a fuel additive like Seafoam to help keep the jets cleaned. I'm sure you know about adding Heet if you think there may be some water in the gas. Good luck.
I did some more research on your generator from small engine repair shops. I is the shut off valve. Some have 2 filters in them and some just one. There is a video on this and how to clean it. Take care.
Thanks
A can of liquid mechanic,mechanic in a can is awesome for keeping your jets clean and eliminating gumming from ethanol gasoline
It's always something. Good luck in troubleshooting your issue.
Thank you
Also, when you check the manual for an oil change, make sure the dipstick is either in all the way or all out all the way. Sometimes they want them out not screwed in.
When checking the oil
Another words put more oil in it
I also had an extreme -20 condition oil freezing up In the valve cover. I'm recommending Putting in
5/20 full synthetic. This will also help with getting oil up to your automatic oil alert shut off when it's cold. If you have problems with that starting when it's cold unplug the yellow wire to your oil alert and see if it starts then. As long as you're making sure there's oil in the machine you do not require an oil shut off
Check the two bolts holding the carb to the block of the engine. Sometime they come loose and the only way the engine will run if you have the choke on. Good luck!!
Well GJ have the issues been resolved? Hope it’s working and you can get everything ready for Winter.👍🏻✌🏼
Thanks, been working on everything will update in the next video 🙂👍
I had a similar generator with the same issue. The manufacturer sent me a new voltage control module. Problem solved. It was very easy to change.
Add 1 once of sea foam to every gallon gas to help cleaning of carb,and any carbon in combustion area of piston. Plus it is fuel stabilizer I mix it with all my gas.
Have you considered a lot of rock or heavy steal for a heat sink to warm by the stove and slowly release heat over time. Might help with making the temperature a little more steady
suggestions. The 27 degree temp inside the trailer could be affecting the power control and the backlight of the weather center. Try warming them someway to see if the problem goes away. I you can run the generator motor without the generator operating do so to see if the motor still shuts off. It may be that there is some motor cut off safety if generator output is wonky or too high, sensors probably involved there. Anyway to determine of the motor is the problem itself or if the generator is the problem is key. If you have the owners manual go to the trouble shooting section and read up, this may tip you off to potential problem areas like the oil pressure sensor, the fuel sensors, generator output sensors etc. Being alone is a tough go, you obviously have had some considerable experience for the 7 years but there is still a learning curve. Wish I could be there to help cause it isn't a happy time to see you suffering. Be encouraged, it is a unusually difficult time but things will get figured out. At 75 years I look back and now am thankful for all the tough times as a DIY and chief mechanic for our cars, tractors, power saws etc.but the trials have left me with experience and capability for which I am grateful. Just came to me if you find the low oil sensor it should be able to be bypassed. If it is a two wire hook up to the sensor a jumper wire into the electrical connector when it is detached from the sensor will bypass the sensor.
Just happens like that sometimes...I call them "Wtf" days!...errrm I mean I call em "Just problems waiting for solutions"Days! 😆😆
🤣😆
I've seen some people use a garden spray bottle, you know, the kind that has a pump handle on top to pressurize the tank. Do do have to heat the water you put into it though.😟Good luck with it all.
I haven't tried that myself, but others I've seen have. You probably have to put a nozzle that works for you so it isn't too hard and you get coverage of wrinsing.
Cats fighting, everything breaking.. yikes!! Hope you get it all fixed soon. There is always something to fix/ replace etc. no matter where you live. When I win the power ball I will buy you a new generator and batteries😁
Thank you 😃😃
I can feel your frustration , count to ten. . . How much can one person take- hope your situation changes soon for you, would like to see a update . . . Wishing you good fortune.
You did change the oil in the spring but it had been a long time since the previous. It was quite thick and dirty as I recall. I would have recommended on the spot that the oil be changed within a few months, which is why this is a good time to do it again.
I might drop a few mls of carburetor cleaner with the gas as you run the generator - at least for a few weeks. And try to give it at least an 80% load now and then. Also do not open the choke fully if the engine stops.
I am suspicious of batteries that don't take long to fully charge. Usually means they are on their last legs. They have a limited holding capacity. And they won't stay charged long enough to be useful. If I missed anything, I will have to watch the video a second time to change my impression.
Those small generators need the oil changed often then as it ages it might need changed a little more often. I run a heavier oil in older worn engines and it seems to make them run a little smoother
Another comment. The generator may need new regulator and brushes. or just clean the armature with Scotchbrite. (that is a good spring time fix.) some moisture in tank will cause a problem.
As soon as your generator quits take the gas line off your carburetor and see if you are getting gas from the hose. This could also be a problem with your ignition coil which you would need help with. They can be a devil to work with at times. There are videos on utube that would help. You could also check the power wires on your key switch and other electrical connections. Hope this helps.
Hi Jenna , Hopefully you didn't hurt the controller but always cut power from your panels first, then disconnect batteries, other wise you can hurt the controller when you arc batteries hooking cables back up, Hopefully if you disconnect panels wait 5 mins and reconnect the controller might reboot it's self,
I’m going to make a comment and a lot of people may not agree with me but here it is…I only use 100% gas in my small engine and I cut my gas cut off off and run all my gas out each and every time I use my generator.I haven’t had any problems with any of my small engines every since I stopped using ethanol.Ive owned the same lawnmower since 2006 and have never had to clean the carb and it has never failed to start.Yes the gas is more expensive but it starting every time is priceless.This is what I do and my results take it for what it’s worth.
I agree 100% 👍 I use only non-ethanol gas in all of my small engines and I always run the carb dry instead of just switching the engine off when I’m done using it. I do this because I got tired of having to rebuild or replace gunked up carbs.
We are also going through it with our generator....it can be you need to bypass low oil sensor.,also spark arrestor may need cleaned, ....we have 3600$ ecoflow, it's a workhorse, 4 solar panels 500w ea bring in about 250 max on a warm sunny day. We need to double that and will stay ahead of our useage...we killed our rv 12v system batt too....we use it dead with a trickle charger hooked to it to use while gen is on or hook to eco
The mixer tube is plugged in your carb. It's in the middle. Brass tube with little holes in the side. I gave up on the battery 🔋 struggle. I'm replacing the batteries with lithium iron phosphate batteries. I have two so far. I'm gonna order the third one next month. Cost, $1683 for three. Once you take the bowl off the carb, the mixer tube can be popped out with a screwdriver 🪛 from through the throat of the carb. A small wire from a cable like a bicycle brake cable can go through the holes in the mixer tube. Then put it back in, put the bowl on and put the carb back on. And put a filter on it so it doesn't plug up again. You might have unhooked the battery power from the charge controller, and it says not to do that on mine which is the same brand as yours. That's like the biggest no no there is. I can't tell you what internal parts to change in it. I just got tired of all the problems with the lead acid batteries, so they're going on a separate 12 volts system after I get another charge controller for that. Along with the wind generator that was the wrong voltage ⚡. So, I have to get a charge controller too, but for a different reason. You're supposed to disconnect the solar panels first, then the 🔋 battery power from the controller. So it sounds like you have fried it. I could fix your generator in about twenty minutes, but the charge controller is probably not fixable now. I've never tried to fix one. Oh by the way, you might replace the spark plug in your generator. It could be shorting out after it gets hot. It might help. I like champion plugs. I've tried frugality but for some things it doesn't work out. One of those things was my power. It's working great now. These lithium iron phosphate batteries ⚡ charge up to 26.6 volts. They were at 25.8 this morning when the Sun came up. The Aims Power inverter charger is a lot quieter now, too. It's drawing less amps because of the higher voltage. I may not even need a fourth one, I think three of them is going to replace most of the twenty lead acid batteries. I'll leave the six best ones connected, and see what happens. I like my electric oven too well. There's three little holes by the throttle blade that should be blown out with an air hose, too. The bike cable wires, one should fit through the tiny hole, then blow it out. Do all three, the bigger one may be plugged with a piece of leaf, or like that. Partly open tiny hole, lol. That's what is wrong with it. The filter is nothing, snip the fuel line in the middle and insert filter, two ends. But something is already in the carb. Might be a drop 💧 of water in the fuel bowl. Could be, just letting that out with the drain plug might do it without disassembly except you should wipe the float bowl out. But to me it's easier just to pop the mixer tube out and clean it. You don't have to take the carb off, if you can get the brass tube out. It'll have a bunch of holes in the sides of it. It might have a little o-ring on it that's to hold it in place while you are putting it together again. It has to seal, don't booger it up. A lot of those engines, you can buy a new carb for twenty or thirty bucks. If the throttle shaft is loose, it may be leaking air. With a slightly plugged hole elsewhere, that might be enough to kill the engine. If you take the breather off, you can see the tip end of the mixer tube poking up in there. Maybe just swap out for a new carburetor then you can piddle around with the old one for a spare. Well gee, sorry about your bad luck, and all. Don't know how to fix it from here. It's supposed to be -4°C next weekend for high temps, not this coming weekend but the one after. I went out to the truss company and they gave me enough lumber to finish the greenhouse. I was going to install a big window but it's cold wind today. Too much. So I'm babysitting the wood stove and going back and forth to unload the firewood. They gave me so much stuff that I decided to make the greenhouse bigger. I can store my five water 💦 barrels inside 😁👍. I don't have all the answers about the solar stuff. I'm learning it myself. The generator, I could fix. Once I get the lead acid batteries on a different controller, I will be able to tell more, but I think it will work better. I have a 12 volts, mod sine 2k inverter that I can use for the hotplate, coffeepot, electric ⚡ blankets, etc. that I'm going to run off the lead acid batteries. My charge controller is a 4215BN Epever tracer. 40 amps. I'm going to get another one just like it, $179. Then in January I'm going to get the third lithium battery 🔋 for my birthday 🎂. The wind generator has been making a lot of power lately, and if I don't get these batteries rewired, it's going to burn them up. It's four o clock, the batteries are at 26.65 volts, and the wind is blowing. So, I have to keep turning things on...oh, by the way, today is two years since I used the gas ⛽ generator for charging. I still use it for the welder and the air compressor. I'll have plenty of power after I get done, there was just a lot to it all. It was crazy that they went me the wrong voltage ⚡ of wind generator too. Can't really use it without creating a second system. So, that's what I am going to do. It's almost five p.m., the Sun is off of my panels just now. So we both have to get a new charge controller at the same time. Imagine the odds of that...😮
Wowzers, u got enough power to light up a town by the sounds! Yeah may as well treat yourself for your birthday in the new year!
Definitely use no oxidation grease on all your battery terminals , as well as your generator battery terminals. Definitely check your load with an amp meter while running your gen. Sorry you having all the bad luck. Sending Good luck.
There's a screen in the fuel tank that gums up over time. Sometimes if you pull the fuel line off the carb and blow back into the tank and it will sometimes clear it for a while. Once generators hit about 900 hrs they get problematic.
Oh my goodness. I would probably have dissolved into a puddle of tears by now. Anyway, we are all rooting for you and I hope someone has some suggestions that will be helpful.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Jenna ,,i would put a little bit more oil just to make sure it’s not your oil sensor protecting the generator from low oil or oil starving or you can bypass the oil sensor there must be many video on TH-cam! Good luck 👍
Do you have an hour meter on the generator? Should be changed based on hours and if it doesn't have a filter, get a magnetic drain plug. An hour meter is cheap and easy to install. The air filter is usually lightly oiled to help collect fine distance. They sell expensive oil specific for air filters but not necessary.
Oh girl, this is my life. It ALL goes at once, I swear. I currently have 1 elect heater down, 1 buddy down for repair. More insulating to do, temps dropping hard. I keep extras of all heat sources, but still gotta fix those or replace ASAP. That’s my weekend. I feel your pain.
⭐️ Also, gotta add. The water in the propane tanks will freeze anywhere after -35C, I keep 1 full tank stored in a heated barn (no animals in there) area during the deep freeze months. I’ve had many ppl say it’s my regulator, but a warm propane tank always does the job for me. I hope this helps. 🤞
New sub. 💜 Love watching other trailer dwellers who deal with REAL winter, I’m always looking for things I’ve missed.
Edit: I have a strange power issue too, breaker blows now and then for zero reason, i just got bought 125 ft of 30 amp cords, cuz 3 electrician friends insisted, and I don’t have the penis to argue.
I feel like it maybe helped. But it didn’t solve it. I must have a bad ground. 🤦🏼♀️ I’ll keep watching your battery situation. Mine read fine, but still trying to figure it out.
It can be a struggle eh!? Good luck this winter!
@@gypsyjenna Fek…it is a struggle. AC blew out in the summer, i just can’t win with temperatures. Lmao..it’s not for everyone, but it’s just how our breed rolls my girl. 🙌
Stay safe and warm, you have a new friend in the Cdn prairies if you ever need. 🇨🇦
Sure hope you can figure it out soon and hoping it is something cheap to fix.
Hi Jenna. I think you're not suppose to disconnect batteries from the charge controller before disconnecting the solar.
Solar input to the controller needs a place to go especially in sunny weather. Just saying that was what I learned over time. Good luck!
Batteries first then solar yes
To clarify, when disconnecting its solar first, then the batteries. When connecting its batteries first, then the solar panels.
If it were me, I would research to see what safety controls I had on my generator. Some shut down if the oil pressure drops. (faulty oil pressure switch?) Wattage meter weak not working properly?. Things like that. I hope you find the problem! Any way have the best day possible! Here is a toast to better luck!
When I start having problems with my generator like you describe I replace the carburetor. I used to clean it out but they are so cheap on Amazon I don't waste my time anymore, If you have a fuel filter on it that could be an issue. If you have wind on a regular basis I wonder if a wind turbine would be worth having.
Looked like your controller is hooked up to the first battery when hooked in parallel the positive from the controller should be hooked up to the first battery and negative to the last battery so it charges the hole bank not just the first battery. And pulling power from the battery bank should be hooked up the same as the controller.
I don't comment much usually but I've been a subscriber from almost the beginning of you channel.
Jenna, you are good and smart and you can do pretty much everything if you want to. Maintenance is the key to avoid problems, like many people I don't always feel like doing it but it's necessary, the good news is that the basic tools are not expensive and you don't need many.
I hope that your controller is OK but if this could make you feel better if not, let me tell you that I burnt one a few years ago, it was just a mistake, it's easy to connect the panel first and boom, it's gone. If you understand the reason the battery must be connected first it's easier to remember: the solar panel without load can generate let's say 20 volts or more, enough to cook a controller. If you don't want to forget, leave a note somewhere on the controller, I write notes everywhere, oil date change etc. I use the green tape easy to remove.
If you don't do nothing you won't make mistakes, we all make mistakes (-: some people never make mistakes (-:
Have a nice day ! 🙂
Thanks for the advice and all good points. Thanks for being here and being an OG! 🙂
@@gypsyjenna 😊 I live in Quebec (province) Nova Scotia is an incredible place, I went there a few times with my motorcycle, camping, visiting, I loved it, I still have my motorcycle but I'm too old to drive that far. I hope that you were able to figure out a few things today.
@levent8208 awesome! Slowly but surely things are being figured out 🙂
@@gypsyjenna Wonderful ! you're the girl for the job ! 🙂
10:50 sums up your entire battery and genny situation GJ 😮 😠🥴. It's arguous and tedious but your snarkiness and facial expressions simply crack me up because your snarkiness is frustration in physical form and it is sooooo relatable. I am laughing WITH you😅. I am sending positive vibes your way GJ. Keep at it sister, we need you out here!
Haha I think that was the "wtf" face and yeah it sums up most of my day around here eh? Lol it's a grind for sure, you know it!
@@gypsyjennaAND your weather station😢. Just so you know I like your channel so much I watch all the commercials ❤. Hang in there GJ
@Agent_Starling awee thank you, that definitely helps big time and I hope there aren't too many. TH-cam made some changes this month with ads so I hope they aren't adding a bunch throughout
Not sure why your not using the built in RV converter charger for your battery charging. They run 30+ amps and can safe charge lead acid or Lithium if you put a basic disconnect on them for 14.4 volts. Replace your batteries with the Walmart MAXX 29 series, they are made by Exide not Johnson Controls and are cheap enough to do your needs.
Might consider getting a home 🏡 forget the travel trailer idea
You should check your manual. Use it when you check oil on a generator or even a motorcycle.
You do not screw the dipstick all the way in. You just push it in until it stops at the top of the threads. Just a thought.
In that case you would be shy oil by threading and in
Yes you should check the manual or look it up. Some say screw it in, some say don’t.
Hey girlie when you hook up your batteries make sure they're all fully charged before you connect them all together and then that way it keeps your batteries last in a hell of a lot longer
I believe it is the oil, even though you changed the oil, you may not be putting the correct amount.
Find the manual or Google your model to see the oil capacity.
Mine is 500ml and that's how I change my oil, I dump the old and add my 500 ml and that takes away the guesswork basically don't even have to check the dipstick.
The oil sensors can be pretty sensitive especially if the machine is a little off level.
I hope this helps.
Hey girlie on your carburetor what you need to do is get some Lucas injector cleaner and pour half a bottle into a full tank of fuel and let it run for a while and that will help clear up your jets and everything
Thanks
Jenna, sorry to learn you are having electrical problems. Check and be sure your generator has a good ground, try this first. If this does not help, look in your generator manual and see if you generator has a load limit switch. Some generators have a switch or cut off devise. If it senses the load is too much, this will turn the generator off to prevent damage. This switch may have become faulty. I also have the when it rains it pours luck. Hang in there, take care.
Thank u for the info 🙂
I use a pump up sprayer, fill it half full cold water half hot water pump it up. It's not fancy but it works.
Some times it is necessary to adjust the valves. Most likely you have overhead valves. You might investigate the tolerances of the valves. I have a champion generator. After a year I had the same problems. I investigated and found out I needed to adjust the valves. It worked perfectly. I also live totally off grid. Have for ten years. I’ll gladly give any advice I know to help you.
Tom.
Ethanol mixed fuels absorb moisture from the air like no other. It causes a white hard crusty buildup in the carburetor and eats aluminum through some sort of elvin magic (acid buildup) Eventually it will even eat a hole in the float bowl. I always use ethanol free fuel in small engines.
Hello Jenna
I had similar issues with my whipper snipper
Try to replace the spark plug. It helped me.😊
I'm full time living in RV in the EU, as I see I'm not alone with that bunch of problems. Keep on on perfection of your RV, don't give up.👍
Over time the plugs that you connect to the generator and to the trailer will become corroded and will not allow it to generate fully as this could be the reason it is shutting down. Unplug and clean with some steel wool then wipe off clean. Also, there could be some moisture in the fuel tank. Get a bottle of Heat from auto parts store and put in about a quarter as it will displace and remove any moisture. Ethanol gas can over time ruin a small engine. Try to find non-ethanol gas for your generator. Will email with more info.
I have a water pump that was doing the same thing. Come to find out it was the oldest center, did not have enough of Motor, oil In it?
To keep the center going. And I am surprised you have not got all 6 batteries hooked up. You may wanna try to put one negative wire on 1 end of the battery impositive on together End?
You don't wanna own the same side. Because you're only draining one battery.
Your testing the batteries the right way, but jell batteries when they get old they die very quickly. And they also create an internal short bad for your inverter. Time to change them.
make sure the fuel line valve is all the way open. If fuel is just seeping to the carb it will run for a bit off the fuel in the carb bowl then die-like your getting?-maybe You can pull the line off the carb and it should just run out of the fuel line/hose.
Had the same problem on my generator and my neighbor suggested that I change out the receptacles so I did and have had no problems ever since.. I think if it was the carburetor it would have trouble starting up and it seem to start up fine.. over amping the receptacles
Solar charge controller needs to see battery hookup first then solar. Reverse order for disconnected. Hope it's all good.
Yes. OMG. Ran into nothing but flies from SoCal and all along i40 right up into Arkansas. 🤦🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Unplug what you have plugged into the generator. Then plug directly into the generator your highest watt appliances. This will tell you if it’s the generator or something in yiur camper. My guess you have a short in your camper. Like a bad ground.
Hey if them batteries are all about the same i would have them all hooked up so you would get more storage witch is a nice pluss good luck & god bless &. The cat sounds like hes in heat lol
Doubble check you connected everything at the batteries. Also it sounds like your fuel filter may need replaced on your generator. Also when was the last time the spark plug was replaced?
You solar charger you old needed to disconnect the solar panels when you were changing out the batteries. I wish I was there I would of help you setup a badass solar system.!
GEN sounds like a carb float OR NEEDLE. Choke can hold in the different level so gen can work. Then the engine gets warm and wants to be in the less choke postion. Controler has order to wire disconnect. Panels off or covers then unplug first the remove batteries. I am not sure if it blows a fuse or overloads the controller. I have not kill mine yet so i had to open the controller to figure out what is bad.
Next check and clean spark plug
I know how ya feel, I was having a similar day yesterday here in England …. with a few different things to yours, got it sorted with a few phone calls though.
Not sure if your in the states or Canada, loving ya accent.
Hope you get things figured out, if not I got a large spare room at my house in England.
Have a great weekend 👍
Thanks, u too. Canada here
Do you run ethanol mixed fuel in the generator? If yes try replacing the fuel line from the tank to carb. The ethanol causes the rubber to swell on the inside and restrict fuel flow.
As for your generator I would take the carb off give it good clean inside can be partial blocked jet
Disconnect the fuel tank and dump ALL the gas into a white bucket. You’ll be surprised at all the shit inside. Refill the tank with a bit of gas, shush around and dump again. Then disconnect the fuel lines, fuel shutoff and clean out with a spray can of carb cleaner. Replace the fuel filter even if you think it looks good. You can get a generic fuel filter at almost any hardware store in the lawnmower section. (Note: fuel filter may be directional) re-assemble and run it under load. If it still fails proceed with carb cleaning.
I had a lawn tractor once and it would randomly just die. Turns out the guy who used it before me would check the fuel level with a stick. Pieces of bark was in the tank and would intermittently plug the fuel line at the base of the tank. Fuel filter looked clean. I cleaned the tank and lines with carb cleaner and never had an issue again.