Auto Start

What is the purpose of the Auto Start feature on my Power Tech generator?

The primary function of the auto start is to automatically maintain an acceptable state of charge in your coach batteries. When used properly, it will prevent your batteries from discharging more than 50%, which is the recommendation of the battery manufacturer. Then, it will recharge them to 100%. Before the auto start feature was incorporated into the generator, it was possible to fully discharge batteries either from the coach being stored with no shore power available or by dry camping until the charge was depleted. The auto start will help prevent this complete discharge of the batteries and increase battery life dramatically.

When dry camped and using appliances on the inverter circuit that draw a lot of current such as the microwave, coffee pot, toaster oven, hairdryer, etc. it is advisable to put the generator switch in the manual position to prevent a false start due to the battery voltage drop that occurs when heavy loads are placed on the batteries via the inverter.

Another additional advantage of the auto start feature is that you no longer have to hold the pre-heat switch to energize the glow plugs for a specified time prior to starting the generator. The glow plugs are automatically energized for the required amount of time when the start switch is depressed one time, or when an auto-start is initiated from a depleted battery voltage condition. Also, the cranking cycle of the generator is automatic after the start switch has been depressed one time. If it fails to start on the first attempt, it will go completely through the auto start process again, automatically! (It will make a maximum of three attempts to start).

If there is a fault and the generator fails to start or has a problem while running it will illuminate an L.E.D. on the start module at the generator control box to indicate what the possible problem might be. The fault can be cleared by cycling the master on-off switch on the generator control box to off, then back on.

Also, the auto start will operate with the coach battery at the entry step in the off position. This is for storage purposes. As you can see, there are many advantages to having the auto start feature on your generator…The convenience of one-touch starting, multiple crank attempts, and, most of all, worry-free battery charge level maintenance.

Generator Usage Tips

Turn the generator on by pressing and holding the dash button down until the motor starts. When you depress the generator button, a light in the switch will rapidly blink. Once the glow plugs to heat up the combustion chamber, the generator will start to crank. During cold outdoor temperatures, or if you are starting the generator for the first time of the day, it may be necessary to hold the button down for several seconds while waiting for the generator motor to engage.

After the generator has started to operate, wait three minutes and then add the load. Prior to turning off the generator, disengage the loads, wait three minutes and then momentarily press the generator off button.

It is fine to operate the generator while driving down the road. The generator is a good source to provide power for the roof air conditioner or heat pump. Fuel required to operate the generator is minimal.

Exercise the generator during storage at least one time per month. Engage the generator, bring it up to operating temperature and add a load, such as a roof air conditioner or microwave.

An hour meter is installed to help you track service intervals. Record the hour meter reading each time you perform scheduled service.

The circuit breaker may trip if the load exceeds the maximum generator output. The generator will continue to run after the circuit breaker has tripped, but there will be no a/c 120-Volt power available inside the RV.

Excess operating noise could indicate a loose exhaust pipe muffler. Check the exhaust system once each year for loose or broken brackets. A loose bolt at the muffler may cause the gasket to leak. Modifications to the exhaust pipe, such as adding an extension, can mechanically damage the exhaust system and potentially create a gas exhaust leak.

Do not store tools or cargo on top of the generator or modify the generator compartment. The generator is installed for maximum airflow and will shut down from excess temperature when airflow is restricted.

Road debris is another culprit of over-temperature problems. Litter, in particular plastic bags, can enter into the air system and lodge in front of the radiator. If you suspect a blockage, turn the generator off, engage the battery disconnect switch and crawl under the generator with a flashlight to inspect the radiator.

A loose or broken fan belt can also cause an over-temperature situation. Occasionally inspect the fan belt for wear. If the belt is broken or produces a loud squeak, change the belt. It is advisable to include a spare generator fan belt in your onboard toolbox.

Regular oil and filter changes are required. Be sure to correctly line up the new filter. Cross-threading the filter can cause the generator to leak. Change coolant through the access, not via the overflow. Air pockets can form while adding coolant. Add the required amount and recheck the coolant reservoir after fifty miles to determine if more coolant is necessary. Follow the generator coolant service intervals recommendations. Failure to change the coolant as recommended can result in costly repairs.

Dark smoke at the exhaust pipe may indicate a clogged air filter. Stumbling and dragging of the generator motor are often signs of a clogged fuel filter. The air filter must be completely replaced. Do not attempt to extend filter life by washing the filter or hitting it against a hard surface to remove dirt. Trying to recycle a used filter will weaken the construction of the filter and expose the system to an increase of dirt particles that the filter is installed to catch.