Generator and A/C unit not playing well together.

[planecrazypilot]

Ok, So I have one of those out of date and somewhat old Generac's. I have replaced the Voltage Regulator and adjusted it to show 120 Volts. My problem is, when I turn on the A/C it sounds like a rod knocking on a car and it's not cooling quite like it does on Shore power. So I went back to check my shore power and it's set on 130 Volts and then under a load it's about 120 maybe 125 on the volts. So back to the generator and I adjusted the voltage to 130, but still the same thing when I turn on the A/C. Anyone have any ideas? I've been working on the generator and it's purring like a kitten and even under a load it's holding steady on 120 Volts..

Thanks in advance for any ideas or suggestions..
Lee

 

[Loneranger]

One thing to do before getting to far involved is to get a digital voltmeter and actually measure the output of the generator. Sometimes gauges are off but not always. Do other electrical items have trouble operating on the generator also or just the AC? I am far from an expert but I have found that my voltmeter has saved numerous erroneous investigations.

John

 

[tobnpr]

I'm not an EE, but I believe that voltage, and Hertz are not related.
Your gen can be putting out 120v- but not be at the proper 60 Hz.

I think...

 

[planecrazypilot]

Thanks for the replies, I will see if I can get someone to look and make sure it's at 1800 and 60HZ and then check the output from the gen set... Everything else seems to work just fine and even with the air on it maintains the load even after adding the hot-water heater, TV, etc.. Sounds like good advice and a staring place for sure... Thanks again!

Lee