Running engine whilst on EHU

[David and Sally]

I seem to remember a thread on this.

As a generalisation UK MoHos switch off the hab electrics when engine running?
Continental MoHos leave hab electrics alone.

But, what happens when you start your engine whilst on EHU, say to get the engine warm.? I assume (always dangerous) that the various relays and charger electronics don't allow any damage?

Thanks

 

[pappajohn]

In my view its just another charge source being applied.
No different than hookup and solar together or driving and solar.

 

[CazPaul]

On our 2004 Hymer it was a big NO to do this

We had a flat van battery on site and had to start the onboard genny, then the engine on our 2004 Hymer. It knackered both the mains charger, supplementary charger and electroblock.
Was told by the countries leading Hymer expert never to start the engine whilst on hook up, as this could happen, boy did we learn the hard way.

 

[David and Sally]

Wow!!
Surely things have moved on??

 

[CazPaul]

Wow!!
Surely things have moved on??

Not sure but I wouldn't do it again, put it that way
We have a 2005 van now so could be the same, although not an Hymer.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[gus-lopez]

when starting mine whilst at home & plugged in plus the solar was always on during the day as we have sun 99% of the days. never had a problem

 

[CazPaul]

So the answer is then, on some vans it is fine to do but on others not, certainly not fine on a 2004 Hymer S820.

 

[pappajohn]

On our 2004 Hymer it was a big NO to do this

We had a flat van battery on site and had to start the onboard genny, then the engine on our 2004 Hymer. It knackered both the mains charger, supplementary charger and electroblock.
Was told by the countries leading Hymer expert never to start the engine whilst on hook up, as this could happen, boy did we learn the hard way.

Why did you have to fire up the generator if you had hookup? Or didn't the site have hookup.

 

[Lofty1]

On my swift it flashes warning lights and sounds a buzzer.

 

[CazPaul]

Why did you have to fire up the generator if you had hookup? Or didn't the site have hookup.

No hook up I remember it well, kellington manor pub CS field, which is now a car park.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[DaveandJen]

Can only comment on past and present UK motorhomes - never owned a continental.
When turning the ignition key to the point that the dashboard lights up - the control panel on the habitation side normally powers down. When starting the engine whilst still connected to a mains supply same as Lofty1 above we get a buzzer going off.

 

[monzer]

I wouldn't risk it. No one really understands what's happening with electricity. It's got a whole set of rules just of its own.

 

[Badknee]

I’m with gus-lopez on this, while parked up for the winter in Spain on ehu with 300watts of solar I start the engine once a month to give it a run an I’ve not had a problem in three years. Hobby 700.

 

[nicholsong]

Can only comment on past and present UK motorhomes - never owned a continental.
When turning the ignition key to the point that the dashboard lights up - the control panel on the habitation side normally powers down. When starting the engine whilst still connected to a mains supply same as Lofty1 above we get a buzzer going off.

Steps still down?

I have never even thought about it in our N&B Arto(2003) and there is nothing in our very comprehensive Owner's Manual.

We have a Schaudt EBL charger and panel and had no problem.

Geoff

 

[Bessy765]

The possible problem that may affect some vans and not others is dependant on the state and age of the batteries. When starting heavy current is drawn fron the starter battery, if the mains charger charges both leisure and engine the wiring/charger may try to supplement the current drawn from the starter battery. The wiring is not able to cope with this heavy demand nor is the charger,

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

But, what happens when you start your engine whilst on EHU, say to get the engine warm.? I

You should never start a modern diesel and leave it on tickover, should be started and driven off straight away.

 

[nicholsong]

You should never start a modern diesel and leave it on tickover, should be started and driven off straight away.

What about HGVs who need to get their vacuum pressure up?

 

[hilldweller]

But, what happens when you start your engine whilst on EHU,

Provided you get the paperwork right all the excess electricity from the alternator will be sold to National Grid at about £1 per unit.

 

[busbuddy]

if you have a cheap 'battery master' style unit in your van then starting it on ehu will fry it

 

[Deneb]

What about HGVs who need to get their vacuum pressure up?

If they can't do that within 3 minutes they are defective and shouldn't be on the road.

A few minutes is neither here or there for idling an engine, but if you're leaving it idling until it's warmed up, Lenny is right, it's one of the worst ways to treat an engine. Should be driven gently but under load until at normal operating temperature.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[David and Sally]

Thanks for the advice all. I take the point about just warming the engine and will avoid having the EHU on - just in case.
Cheers

 

[Littlewheels]

You should never start a modern diesel and leave it on tickover, should be started and driven off straight away.

If they can't do that within 3 minutes they are defective and shouldn't be on the road.

A few minutes is neither here or there for idling an engine, but if you're leaving it idling until it's warmed up, Lenny is right, it's one of the worst ways to treat an engine. Should be driven gently but under load until at normal operating temperature.

This idea of regular warming of the engine being of benefit is totally misguided and in a modern engine not necessary, however,it’s a great way of bunging up your Particulate Filter that subsequently leads to the Limp Mode experience.