Electrical charging issue

Ok we’re on the road and here is  the issue. The house batteries charge when hooked to shore power or when we run the generator. They do not charge from my chassis alternator. I thought maybe the 40 amp Auto reset breaker under the hood might be the culprit but no dice. Anyone have any ideas on what I might check next?

You bought your PC used.  I wonder if a previous owner replaced the temp-on switch by the drivers left knee with a constant-on switch.  If it was modified and is set in the wrong position, things might behave different.

I understand there is a solenoid under the hood somewhere, possibly the driver side.  It might have become stuck.  Find it and gently tap it with a hammer (don't dent it).  It would resemble something like this.

Ron is correct.
Need to verify that the solenoid on the firewall is pulling in. The primary purpose of that solenoid is to connect the engine alternator to the house batteries when the engine is running.  Current ones are mounted on the firewall under the hood, driver's side of engine.

The previous owner was in his 80’s so it was bone stock on purchase.   The temp on to help boost the engine is in place. It’s a momentary switch .  It clicks but I can’t locate anything under the hood so far


However I had my better half hitting that momentary switch several times while I tried to locate it under the hood and now its charging from the alternator.
Thank you Ron!  If you hadn’t mentioned that switch I wouldn’t have considered it. Heck I forgot it was there.  I need to find out where it’s located in case it should eventually need to be changed out.

However I had my better half hitting that momentary switch several times while I tried to locate it under the hood and now its charging from the alternator.
Thank you Ron!  If you hadn’t mentioned that switch I wouldn’t have considered it. Heck I forgot it was there.  I need to find out where it’s located in case it should eventually need to be changed out.

Wow, internet doctoring actually works once in a while.  I am glad you got the alternator charging the house batteries again.  I wouldn't be too quick to replace the solenoid now that it's working again.  The rig might have sat too long.  Now that you woke it up, it might work reliably.  Just for the sake of insurance, I would press and let go of that momentary switch just prior to starting your PC during the season to assure it doesn't get stuck again.

Great idea, Thanks Ron. 

So it lasted a day.  I figured it had to be the isolator solenoid so I called Carol to order one. Carol said she had it but wanted to talk to the electrician Ed first to save me from just throwing money at it. Next morning I had a list of items to check but no luck. Next Carol had the electrician Ed call me. He walked me thru testing point to point till we found a connection that wasn’t being made.  Talk about a rare service in this industry. I hope the owners of PC understand the true value of employees like Carol and Ed. It’s that kind of dedication and service that brings return customers as well as new.  I am truly impressed as well as extremely grateful.

So it lasted a day.  I figured it had to be the isolator solenoid so I called Carol to order one. Carol said she had it but wanted to talk to the electrician Ed first to save me from just throwing money at it. Next morning I had a list of items to check but no luck. Next Carol had the electrician Ed call me. He walked me thru testing point to point till we found a connection that wasn’t being made.  Talk about a rare service in this industry. I hope the owners of PC understand the true value of employees like Carol and Ed. It’s that kind of dedication and service that brings return customers as well as new.  I am truly impressed as well as extremely grateful.

DIAGNOSTICS RULE!!           Good job from PC!