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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Sebulba on April 24, 2022, 03:13:45 PM

Title: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: Sebulba on April 24, 2022, 03:13:45 PM
Hello all,

Well, on our 950 mile journey from Santa Fe, NM to West Yellowstone we made great time and stayed at a little RV park on Devil Creek Reservoir.  Nothing fancy and it was stormy, but we got to relax and try out our new little kettle grill.

Anyway, after being there for parts of 3 days I barked her off, and as usual, she fired right up. But... the "Not Gen" and "Starter Alert" lights lit.

Well where we were there was no help, parts stores nothing, so, we were on our way to Idaho Falls, an hour away.  I figured I could probably get there on the battery, and figure it out there.  About 10 minutes after we hit the road the lights went out and all is well.

Or is it?

Any ideas?

Anyway, we made it tour finally destination, and will be here for about 5 months.

Found some Maple plywood at the Lowe's in Idaho Falls to build walls.  So that made me happy.

Thanks a million,

Seb
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: Dave5Cs on April 24, 2022, 05:28:19 PM
that will happen until the air come up a bit no big and then they go out. :^
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: Ed Hackenbruch on April 24, 2022, 06:36:16 PM
We stayed at that park for a few days about 10 years ago.  :)
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: Sebulba on April 24, 2022, 07:01:13 PM
Quote from: Dave5Cs on April 24, 2022, 05:28:19 PM
that will happen until the air come up a bit no big and then they go out. :^

Hmmm, well, I noticed it because it was aired up and they still showed for a few miles at highway speed.

I never noticed them on air up, but will watch for that in the future.

Thanks

Seb
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: Sebulba on April 24, 2022, 07:02:40 PM
Quote from: Ed Hackenbruch on April 24, 2022, 06:36:16 PM
We stayed at that park for a few days about 10 years ago.  :)

Yeah, they were talking about when you stayed there.  You sure we're remembered.  :P

Seb
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: richard5933 on April 25, 2022, 03:28:42 AM
Were you still connected to shore power when you first started? With the 120v charger still running powering your coach batteries? Or was your generator running and powering your 120v charger?

That's been known to cause the 'no gen' light to come on. The charge coming from the 120v charger confuses the bus's system and results in a 'no gen' light.
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: rancher on April 25, 2022, 05:35:21 AM
Seb   Looks like they have a pile of winter behind you in the picture up in MT. Glad you made it to MT safe and sound. Have a good summer.
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: luvrbus on April 25, 2022, 08:12:11 AM
The D's will flash those when the batteries are not equalized or when 1 battery discharges more than the other overnight also 
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: Sebulba on April 26, 2022, 11:13:55 AM
Quote from: richard5933 on April 25, 2022, 03:28:42 AM
Were you still connected to shore power when you first started? With the 120v charger still running powering your coach batteries? Or was your generator running and powering your 120v charger?

That's been known to cause the 'no gen' light to come on. The charge coming from the 120v charger confuses the bus's system and results in a 'no gen' light.

No, I'm pretty careful to unhook the charger before starting, but.....continue to Luvrbus's comment

Seb

Seb
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: Sebulba on April 26, 2022, 11:18:46 AM
Quote from: luvrbus on April 25, 2022, 08:12:11 AM
The D's will flash those when the batteries are not equalized or when 1 battery discharges more than the other overnight also

Hello Luvrbus and all,

I think you may have something here.  It was a cold night and just because I'm a bit paranoid, I put my 12 volt charger on one of the batteries overnight.

I am ordering a 2 battery trickle/maintainer.  That should be a better solution. 

Thanks

Seb
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: RJ on April 26, 2022, 03:02:22 PM
Quote from: Sebulba on April 26, 2022, 11:18:46 AM
I am ordering a 2 battery trickle/maintainer. 
Seb

NOCO Genius 2X2 is what I use. Reasonably priced, no complaints.

https://no.co/genius2x2

FWIW & HTH. . .  ;)

RJ
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: buswarrior on April 26, 2022, 03:28:02 PM
I support the Noco Genius line of smart chargers/battery maintainers.

They are brilliant pieces of kit.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: Sebulba on April 26, 2022, 03:56:00 PM
Quote from: RJ on April 26, 2022, 03:02:22 PM
Seb

NOCO Genius 2X2 is what I use. Reasonably priced, no complaints.

https://no.co/genius2x2

FWIW & HTH. . .  ;)

RJ

Hi RJ,

I'm actually looking at the one that is 5 Amps per side....unless there is a reason to go with the smaller one.

Seb
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: Sebulba on April 26, 2022, 06:07:27 PM
Quote from: buswarrior on April 26, 2022, 03:28:02 PM
I support the Noco Genius line of smart chargers/battery maintainers.

They are brilliant pieces of kit.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

Thanks Buswarrior,

You actually turned me on to them in another thread where yu recommended them.

See, I do listen to you 😛

Seb
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: lvmci on April 27, 2022, 08:13:50 AM
My 8V92 had what sounds like the same problem. NO GEN light would flash on and alternator gauge would drop dramatically and then back to normal. After months of doing that, then when the NO GEN light would flash on, then the check starter light would come on for seconds,  then they would both go off, and alternator gauge would return to 26 volts. You could stop the engine and on restart,, everything was normal.. Staurt Steven's mechanics in Denver had the experience to recognize it as a MCI recall notice, named the Dual Function safety regulator modification, Jim McClain at MCI tech support will tell you about this kit to correct the problem...
Title: Re: Intersting things happened on departure...
Post by: luvrbus on April 27, 2022, 08:34:21 AM
Quote from: Sebulba on April 26, 2022, 03:56:00 PM
Hi RJ,

I'm actually looking at the one that is 5 Amps per side....unless there is a reason to go with the smaller one.

Seb

If you are using a inverter to charge the house batteries every RV made with a inverter use the ECHO charger to maintain the starting batteries for the past 15 years ,mine does a good job maintaining 2-8D starting batteries while the inverter charges the house batteries works off the inverter only up to 15 amps if needed  made by Xantrex