Converter

[K0LCB]

My converter has started humming. I checked the battery, it checks ok. It hums loud enough I can hear it without my hearing aids.

[racerjoe]

Is it something we can sing to? Or is it a whistle while you work tune??:-)

[Art-n-Marge]

These are not supposed to change tune over time. I believe there are fans in the unit and this is what's humming. If it's a component humming that could be worse. I would guess, it's getting ready to go and I would replace it. The cost of the replacement would certainly be less than the cost of a potential failure from it.

There's always the small chance you can replace the fan, but if the fan isn't working right and you don't know how long it's been this way, it's then a crapshoot if over this time some electrical parts weaken from possible overheating if the fan is not working right. Just don't forget to do all this work with NO power, and while I'm guessing you know that, it's better said than not.

[K0LCB]

Racer Joe, my singing ability is serious lacking, but I think the hum maybe in low E range. Art, I will check the fan, looks like I can remove the converter from the power distribution panel without removing the panel

[Sierra 117]

When my converter went, the breaker opened with an audible snap. That was it. The breaker would no longer close. The new unit has a few bells and whistles that the old one didn't have. Seems to be quieter.

[Rondo]

LC, check with Montana or Keystone to see what the warranty is on that converter. I'd say it is still under warranty with a 2013 year unit! My converter went out on us in Florida two years ago and since we have a 2004 the warranty was null and void but thanks to the GS Extended Service Plan it only cost me the deductible and I got the smart converter out of it also, upgrading the old one!

[K0LCB]

Thanks, Ron. I sent them an inquiry, see what happens

[mtheo]

Is it the a hum from the fan, I've seen the blades get dusty and put the fans out of balance causing a hum.

[K0LCB]

Mark, I don't know. I am waiting to hear from Keystone to see if I can pull it out to check

[Art-n-Marge]

You should be able to get to the converter after you can locate and visually check the fans, warranty or not. Then vacuum the vents and fan to get out as much dust as you can, but if warranty is a concern, I'd go no further than that since they'll use that as a reason to eliminate your warranty. I'm guessing the fan will be worse off than that so good things it may be under warranty.

After I bought my rig, I opened up the basement panel to expose the converter, and power distribution unit. I vacuumed out enough dust, shavings and debris to 1/2 fill a shop vac. I think any amount of crap where there's fans running is not good. I have done this for many parts of the rig where I can remove a panel or two. It's as bad as a stickhouse - I've done this kind of thing in my house, too. The manufacturing and construction workers are notorious for not cleaning up after themselves since it costs them time and the plumbers will say the electricians need to do this and the electricians will say it's the wallboard people.

[K0LCB]

I agree Art. There is a lot of stuff in that space. I will look at it as soon as it quits raining

[Flymutt]

quote:Originally posted by Art-n-Marge

I vacuumed out enough dust, shavings and debris to 1/2 fill a shop vac. I think any amount of crap where there's fans running is not good.

Wouldn't that be something if there was a wood chip keeping the fan blade from turning? That would make sense as to why there is an unusual humming noise. Will be interesting to get the final result on this.

[Recumbent]

Leonard, their is a Recall on converters made for some of the 2013 Montanas. When you talk with Keystone I recommend you have the VIN and manufacture date available as your converter may be one in the recall. Our converter went out and was replaced under warranty.

[K0LCB]

Thanks, Garry!

[MDL]

Debris...that was a problem on the last SOB, but you can bet I'll be going over every compartment, under the stairs, and behind the panels to clean this one out from the start! It didn't cause a problem in the other unit, but I just don't like the dirt in there. I think it was a mouse that started me down this cleaning path in the SOB. Hope that won't be the case in the Monty.

[swanny]

I had one hum right from the factory new. got it swapped out before we picked it up. Tech told me they have been seeing a lot of units humming. our is a 2012

[K0LCB]

Donald Ely checked my VIN. He says there are no recall notices on my rig. I have 2 weeks on my warranty. I do have a notice with Keystone in case it fails. Time will tell. Thanks for all the tips