Quicksilver Generator Electrical Problem

[Larskeller]

I have a 1990 Sundancer with a 6.5 kw Quicksilver Generator. The gen has been working fine up until this issue. Last weekend I cranked the gen and set the breakers to allow electrical power to the main electrical panel to use a small electrical applicance. Everything worked fine and then I turned off the main breakers and powered the genset off. A few hours later, again I started the genset, it cranked fine, but after I swithched the main electrical panel breaker for the generator to "on" only a very minute movement of voltage registered on the voltmeter. I stopped and started the genset several time but always the same problem, no electrical current. Upon returning to the dock, I tried once again. The genset started right up and when the breaker was closed, it registered normal electrical voltage. I ran several 110 volt items with no problems.

Does anyone have any idea about my issue? Is there a component of the generator about to go out permanently? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Lars

 

[PlayDate]

I have a 1990 Sundancer with a 6.5 kw Quicksilver Generator. The gen has been working fine up until this issue. Last weekend I cranked the gen and set the breakers to allow electrical power to the main electrical panel to use a small electrical applicance. Everything worked fine and then I turned off the main breakers and powered the genset off. A few hours later, again I started the genset, it cranked fine, but after I swithched the main electrical panel breaker for the generator to "on" only a very minute movement of voltage registered on the voltmeter. I stopped and started the genset several time but always the same problem, no electrical current. Upon returning to the dock, I tried once again. The genset started right up and when the breaker was closed, it registered normal electrical voltage. I ran several 110 volt items with no problems.

Does anyone have any idea about my issue? Is there a component of the generator about to go out permanently? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Lars

It would appear the control board shut down generated power. I will speculate that it might be on the edge of an overspeed condition which permits the generator engine to keep running but shuts down generated power. The other possibility is that the control board took a spike when you closed the breakers and shut down generated power.

One way to isolate this is to start it and record the voltage at an outlet with a multimeter. What I am looking for is voltage and hertz with no load and with a heavy load.

-John

 

[Larskeller]

John:

Thanks for the tips. I'll try that. Is there any particular way I should sequence the main breakers when running the genset. Such as main electrical system (not A/C side) first? Them individual item breakers. I have two A/C units and a main A/C breaker, then an aft unit and a fwd. unit breaker.

Lars

 

[PlayDate]

Lars,

Generally speaking you should build up the load which allows the generator to match speed and power. The A/C is best applied after the unit is warmed up since it's draw is material.

The problem you describe seems more related to the controller board responding to an overspeed condition which creates too much voltage. One area of weakness on the Quicksilver generators is their mechanical governor which seems to have issues over time. They contain oil and their linkage needs to be lubricated to maintain the delicate balance of engine rpm and generated power. There are a few threads on Quicksilver maintenance on this site which would be a good read for you.

Let me know what you find out about the voltages/hertz. Do you have the Operators manual for your unit?

-John

 

[Larskeller]

John:

I do have an owners manual for the Generator, it's on the boat. I'll look at it next weekend when there. Thanks for the help. I wil keep you posted as I look into the suggestions.

Lars