Northstar Generator problems

 

Hello:

I have a question regarding my Northstar 8000 Watt generator (with 13
HP Honda GX390).  Recently we had to use this generator extensively and
during that time, the generator quit on us as if we hit the kill switch
on it.  Now, I cannot get it to run more than about 5 minutes with any
load on it (even something as small as a fridge and freezer).  Without
a load, it seems to run fine without any problems.  I've already taken
it to the nearest Honda dealer which replaced the Low Oil Sensor
switch.  However it is still doing the same thing after I got it back.
The last test I did was hook up an air compressor to it.  The air
compressor motor tried to kick on, however the motor only turned over a
couple times and quit, and the generator shut off at that exact moment
as if I hit the kill switch.  I did this test 3 times and got the same
result.

Does anybody have any ideas or suggestions on what could be the issue
with this thing?  I will be calling Northern Tool to see what the next
step is, but I wanted to see if this group may have more ideas.  This
is pretty frustrating.

I appreciate any and all feedback.

Best,
--
Chris

 

szilagyic wrote:

what does "extensively" mean? did you change oil before and after?

 

By "extensively", I meant that this was the first time I put a pretty
good load on it by running my central A/C on it.  Up to that point I
had used it a few times with a minimal load (a fridge/freezer, and a
few lights, etc.).  However I have never needed to use it for more than
about 30-45 minutes at a time.  We would have used it quite a bit more
this last time but it would not stay running with any sort of load on
it (even the fridge/freezer alone, it would only run for about 5
minutes then stop).

The engine has had 2 oil changes and the problem still persists.  I
should mention that the whole generator probably has about 8 hours on
it total (5 of which were from testing at the shop when I took it in),
and has hardly been used since it was new.

Thanks in advance for any additional feedback that anybody can provide.
 I hope this is enough info.

Thank you,
--
Chris


Dampy wrote:

 



 [snipped]

How many amps does your central air draw at startup and at run?  An 8,000
watt generator is kinda small for this work, especially the startup load.

 

Newby wrote:

I have not been able to find this information.  I can tell you that
it's a low efficiency furnace, with an A/C system with an outdoor
compressor.  I just assumed that the generator could handle it as the
blower motor and compressor motor started up just fine and ran fine
until the generator quit (after about 20 minutes).