Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Peter & Beth on October 05, 2010, 06:28:55 pm
Title: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 05, 2010, 06:28:55 pm
I went to the storage facility this afternoon to bring the coach to get ready for the weekend outing then to Nac for surgery.
I started the generator and it ran for about a minute then shut off. It did this 3 times, so I quit trying. Then I realized that I had the main battery shutoff in the "off" position.
Question, would having the main battery power in the off position cause this symptom?
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 05, 2010, 07:40:27 pm
The genset is a PowerTech 8 KW. I originally had the batteries connected but the main switch was in the off position. It started but would not stay running. I just now tried woth the battery switch in the "on" position, but the same issue remains. It must be a fuel delivery issue. I had the fuel pump replaced (Facet) last November during the annual maintenance. Since then, I haven't run the generator but for 1 hour.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Dave Head on October 05, 2010, 08:57:20 pm
Try taking a gallon of diesel fuel and running a hose from the electric pump suction to it. If it runs good, then replace the hose to the tank. If that hose has a crack and sucks air it won't run...
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 05, 2010, 09:01:08 pm
Try taking a gallon of diesel fuel and running a hose from the electric pump suction to it. If it runs good, then replace the host to the tank. If that hose has a crack and sucks air it won't run...
Dave, That's the first order of business tomorrow. I'm thinking that all the fuel delivery hoses & clamps need to be replaced after 13 years.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Gayland Baasch on October 05, 2010, 11:33:55 pm
Peter, did I understand you to say you're going to replace all your 13 year old hoses? How nice, thank you :D
For what it's worth, my recent generator problems re-visited. Not quite what you're experiencing. It would start, then die as soon as you let off the button. Turned out to be a bad oil pressure switch, won't let it run if the switch says there is no oil pressure. There is also the same setup on the temperature switch, won't let it run if it thinks it's hot. If your test with the fuel doesn't help, I'll be glad to give more details.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Dave Katsuki on October 06, 2010, 12:38:59 am
I have the 8 kw Isuzu (assume yours is the same.) I had a similar issue - would start and run for between 3 sec and 30 sec and then cut off as if shut off. As Dave said, the most likely cause is a cracked fuel hose sucking in air, but in my case, it turned out to be the control board. If you do the fuel line in the jug of fuel test, and it still does the same thing, I can help you with the diagnosis I did to test the oil and temp sensors and narrow it down to the board.
Incidentally, should your problem turn out to be the board, don't buy it from Power Tech (unless you like supporting them.) Got mine from partsfortechs.com for $208 vs Power Tech's price of $450. And I still have a spare fuel solenoid that the Power Tech guy was sure would fix my problem... :-[
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Duane Budd on October 06, 2010, 05:41:01 am
Try taking a gallon of diesel fuel and running a hose from the electric pump suction to it. If it runs good, then replace the hose to the tank. If that hose has a crack and sucks air it won't run...
I recently experienced cracks in my generator fuel hose. The way I discovered it was that the hose leaked fuel - about a gallon overnight - into a bucket.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Barry Beam on October 06, 2010, 08:43:21 am
Quote
Turned out to be a bad oil pressure switch, won't let it run if the switch says there is no oil pressure. There is also the same setup on the temperature switch, won't let it run if it thinks it's hot. I'll be glad to give more details.
Gayland, In case someone has this issue in the future, How did you test the Temp & oil pressure switches? 8)
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 06, 2010, 10:22:26 am
I have the 8 kw Isuzu (assume yours is the same.) I had a similar issue - would start and run for between 3 sec and 30 sec and then cut off as if shut off. As Dave said, the most likely cause is a cracked fuel hose sucking in air, but in my case, it turned out to be the control board. If you do the fuel line in the jug of fuel test, and it still does the same thing, I can help you with the diagnosis I did to test the oil and temp sensors and narrow it down to the board.
Incidentally, should your problem turn out to be the board, don't buy it from Power Tech (unless you like supporting them.) Got mine from partsfortechs.com for $208 vs Power Tech's price of $450. And I still have a spare fuel solenoid that the Power Tech guy was sure would fix my problem... :-[
Dave, When you had your genset issue, did you get the fault light to come on at the dashboard? On the genset itself there are no lights "on".
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Gayland Baasch on October 06, 2010, 10:32:07 am
I didn't do it personally, so can only tell you an overview. The ultimate test was to jumper across the switch, and then it would run. The oil pressure switch is on the back side, and towards the front of the engine so was very difficult to get to, but I'd suspect there would be a way to do it at the control board.
The full rant - I first took it to the Powertech dealer in Fargo. First thing they do is collect $45 before they'll look at it. He did a couple of tests, said he'd have to call PT, but he was going on vacation now and would call be back. Several days later he called, said he'd finally go a hold of PT, and to bring it back in. Couple more tests and he threw up his hands and said that was all he knew to do. Mostly checking the control board stuff. So I took it to the local Kubota dealer. There I had 3 or 4 guys looking at it for an hour and a half (it was a slow day there). They too gave up, but didn't charge me anything. They sent me to the Thermo King dealer. They're the ones that finally figured out the oil pressure switch problem. They said it was an odd ball switch, not available locally, so they had to call PT. Unfortunately, it was 5 o'clock at PT, and the parts man was not about to stay over a few minutes so we'd have to call back. Anyway, finally got the part a week later ($18 shipping, no it was not special shipping). It still took 45 minutes to get it installed, I had Thermo King do it as I don't think I could have gotten into the tight quarters. It was all their little guy could do to get in there.
What the tech said about the switch that made it an odd ball, generally they're normally open, and this one was normally closed (or vice versa) I don't remember exactly.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: P. Wyatt Sabourin on October 06, 2010, 10:58:14 am
The fuel hoses on my PowerTech 10K generator were cracked and the feed line was feeding air as well as diesel. There was never a pool of fuel under the coach overnight because the cracks were in a high spot. The genset would run for 2 to 30 minutes. Fuel hose used was 35 ft of 3/8 for the two lines going to the fuel tank and 2 foot of 5/16 for the short pieces on the genset itself. I bought 45 feet of hose and have 14 feet of spare hose. One of the 3/8 hoses is attached to the fuel tank at the top on the driver side which required removing the driverside bulkhead.
I determined that it was a fuel feed problem by running the genset from a bucket - it ran for several hours.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Dave Katsuki on October 06, 2010, 03:18:05 pm
Peter,
I never had any of the fault lights on at the generator, but the red fault light on the dash was on after the gen stopped. The run light on the gen panel came on but then went off.
I eliminated the oil pressure and temp sensors by either grounding the sensor wire (oil pressure) or disconnecting the sensor wire (hi temp) - the two sensors are different. First checked their behavior with a DVM to see what happened when the gen was in fueling/wait mode before start, and then starting/running.
Timing to get the oil pressure sensor to behave the way the board expects is: closed when initially fueling/waiting, and then open when cranking starts. High temp sensor wire is normally open and when I grounded it, the gen just cranked, board wouldn't let it start.
To verify the board failure, I jumped around the board by connecting the fuel wire to the run wire/terminal into the board, and the gen then would run for extended periods, but of course wouldn't stop on low oil pressure or hi temp, so I wasn't comfortable running it for any time that way.
Ordered a replacement board - DynaGen ES52 Control board - from www.partsfortechs.com (http://www.partsfortechs.com). The board is apparently used on lots of other generator models/manufacturers, has a 5 year warranty. partsfortechs.com looks like a great site for lots of other parts & boards that we might need, too.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 06, 2010, 03:26:04 pm
I never had any of the fault lights on at the generator, but the red fault light on the dash was on after the gen stopped. The run light on the gen panel came on but then went off.
I eliminated the oil pressure and temp sensors by either grounding the sensor wire (oil pressure) or disconnecting the sensor wire (hi temp) - the two sensors are different. First checked their behavior with a DVM to see what happened when the gen was in fueling/wait mode before start, and then starting/running.
Timing to get the oil pressure sensor to behave the way the board expects is: closed when initially fueling/waiting, and then open when cranking starts. High temp sensor wire is normally open and when I grounded it, the gen just cranked, board wouldn't let it start.
To verify the board failure, I jumped around the board by connecting the fuel wire to the run wire/terminal into the board, and the gen then would run for extended periods, but of course wouldn't stop on low oil pressure or hi temp, so I wasn't comfortable running it for any time that way.
Ordered a replacement board - DynaGen ES52 Control board - from www.partsfortechs.com (http://www.partsfortechs.com/). The board is apparently used on lots of other generator models/manufacturers, has a 5 year warranty. partsfortechs.com looks like a great site for lots of other parts & boards that we might need, too.
Dave, Thanks a million. I'll take a crack at that, but I'm not all that comfortable doing it now as I'm rushing to get things around for the trip. I gotta say, I'm spent for the day after swapping the transfer switch. It ain't a piece of cake working with the 8 AWG wire in that area. But the good news is it's DONE! ;D
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 06, 2010, 09:46:38 pm
Dave, When I went to the storage facility yesterday I connected all batteries, then started the genset and turned the boost switch on. The genset ran for about 3 minutes then stalled out. I waited a couple of minutes then started the genset and ran for about 10 seconds & stalled out. The third attempt same thing but only about 5 seconds. I quit trying.
Today I attempted to start, & doesn't even run for 5 seconds & the fault light is on at the dashboard.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Gayland Baasch on October 06, 2010, 10:24:18 pm
One other thing for those having these type problems. I had another symptom, at least I think it was. Before it died altogether, it would start/stop start/stop several times before it would finally keep running. Those problems have disappeared since I got the new oil pressure switch. FWIW!
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 07, 2010, 02:53:53 pm
Quote
Ordered a replacement board - DynaGen ES52 Control board - from www.partsfortechs.com (http://www.partsfortechs.com/). The board is apparently used on lots of other generator models/manufacturers, has a 5 year warranty. partsfortechs.com looks like a great site for lots of other parts & boards that we might need, too.
Dave, Have you installed the DynaGen ES52 board yet?
If you have installed, what dip switch settings did you use?
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: jeff on October 07, 2010, 05:13:58 pm
Thanks Dave,
Saw it was 20 pages long and that was enough for me to go to the next topic.... :P :D :))
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 07, 2010, 05:21:26 pm
Peter, I am going to try to enclose the ES52 Service Manual for all who want to get in over their head ;D Good luck Dave
Dave, Thanks...I bought the ES52 and it arrived today (just in case, and the price was right). I know what you mean. I'll be w/o a genset for a while, it seems. I think Dave Katsuki may have installed his, but I think he's one of those wiz types with a comfortable understanding of all things complicated... :))
Things are sort of complicated right now, so it may be some time before I can get to resolve this issue.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: jeff on October 07, 2010, 07:15:08 pm
A good friend of mine lives by the motto...If it's already broke how much more can you screw it up? Helps me do things I normally wouldn't think of doing..
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Dave Katsuki on October 08, 2010, 02:19:32 am
Peter,
I installed mine a long time ago (Sept 09), and I don't remember the DIP settings, but if you have the manual, I recall that it is pretty good if a little general. If you're still having trouble, I can get the manual from the coach and reconstruct the settings. (We are currently house sitting for friends in the hills above Palo Alto, and the rig wouldn't even begin to get down the road to their house, so it's parked about 5 miles away.)
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 08, 2010, 08:35:15 am
I installed mine a long time ago (Sept 09), and I don't remember the DIP settings, but if you have the manual, I recall that it is pretty good if a little general. If you're still having trouble, I can get the manual from the coach and reconstruct the settings. (We are currently house sitting for friends in the hills above Palo Alto, and the rig wouldn't even begin to get down the road to their house, so it's parked about 5 miles away.)
Dave, Thanks for the offer. I read the manual , and it may be above what I would be willing to undertake given I really don't have a place to work on it right now. I purchased the control module as a spare as I think it's a fuel delivery problem.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: ncaabbfan on October 11, 2010, 09:33:43 pm
Late last week, I was reading the post by Peter & Beth with the subject of Generator (Genset)starts but Cuts-Off (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=10887.0 (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=10887.0)).
I thought that sounded similar to the diesel generator on our U270. When the Cummins tech checked out the engine last Wednesday, I asked him to also check out the diesel generator set on the coach. It was hard to start (cranked a long time before it started). Then when it was running, it sounded good. Then all of a sudden it died. This repeated several times. He made a comment that it might have lost its prime.
So today, I thought I would check the hose from the fuel tank to the diesel generator engine to see if the hose looked like it had any cracks. When I tried to start it this afternoon, it cranked for a period of time then started. Then it seemed to start dying. I did this 2 or 3 times. Then I thought I would move some of the fuel hoses around to see if that made any difference. The first hose I checked was the one in the picture (in the previous post) that runs from the Facet component to the inlet to the fuel filter as it looked damp in places. When the engine sounded like it was about to die, I gently moved this hose around some. Sometimes the engine sounded like it was about to die, then I moved the hose a bit. Then it would sound better. This happened multiple times. Then on occasion I would see a small amount of fuel spray out close to the end of the hose that connects to the component on our unit that is located where the Facet component is located in the picture in the above referenced post. (Where the Facet component is located in the picture in the above referenced post, our unit has a small square component with wiring running out of the right end of the small square component. This component in our unit does not show a name like Facet or anything else. I presume it does the same function as the Facet component, but it is square and only around 1 inch or so long, not a round cylinder like is shown in the above referenced picture.
So it appears I need to replace this tubing. It has a plastic covering on it and it appears it does not have screw type hose clamps on it. It looks like the hose clamps are crimped on.
I then checked the hose that runs from the outlet of the fuel filter up to the metal tubing toward the top of the engine as I thought it looked damp where the tubing runs through the bracket that mounts to the engine block. I believe this hose is leaking slightly somewhere in that area also.
I have checked the manuals that came with our U270 and so far, I have not found a manual for the diesel generator set. Our diesel generator set is a Power Tech 8KW diesel unit (Model IDL8000) with an Isuzu diesel engine.
Since I cannot find a manual for this diesel generator set, I have the following questions: 1. Does anyone know where I might obtain a manual for this diesel generator set? 2. Does anyone know what size and what spec hose I should get to replace each hose? It looks like each hose is approx. 13 inches long. 3. I presume I can use a conventional screw type hose clamp on each end of each of these hoses to clamp the ends tightly to the hose barbs. Is this correct? (Since it looks like the hose clamps currently on the ends of both hoses are crimped on, I presume I will not be able to re-use them.)
Also, I would like to change the oil in the diesel generator unit. Per the Foretravel manual, it appears I need the following filters: 1. Air filter-Fleetguard AF1658K 2. Oil filter-Fleetguard LF3462 3. Fuel filter-?? (The Foretravel manual shows CD7901, but does not list a manufacturer name.)
Does any one know what oil I should use? Is it the same oil used in the Cummins diesel engine? (Rotella 15W40) Apparently per the Foretravel manual, 4.75 US quarts is the quantity of oil required. Is this correct?
Thank you very much.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Barry Beam on October 11, 2010, 09:53:51 pm
Quote
Also, I would like to change the oil in the diesel generator unit. Per the Foretravel manual, it appears I need the following filters: 1. Air filter-Fleetguard AF1658K 2. Oil filter-Fleetguard LF3462 3. Fuel filter-?? (The Foretravel manual shows CD7901, but does not list a manufacturer name.)
Here is all the filter numbers for the generator http://beamalarm.com/Documents/belts-filters-hoses/power-tech-idl-8000-8kw-1997.htm (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/belts-filters-hoses/power-tech-idl-8000-8kw-1997.htm)
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Harvey Nelson on October 12, 2010, 01:09:19 pm
About 2 years ago I had a similar problem: Sometimes it would start and run normally. Most of the time it would start, run about a second, and then quit. All my troubleshooting (replacing filters, etc.) was fruitless. At the Pomona FMCA convention I talked to the Powertech rep and he said it sounded like the auto-start circuit board. If I recall correctly it was behind the panel forward of the co-pilot seat, about 2x2x1". He replaced it and it's worked flawlessly ever since.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 13, 2010, 12:37:03 pm
Well, the verdict is in. The generator works fine with a field source of fuel, but there is air in the lines when connected to the fuel tank source. Cummins' Cincinnati dealer has it, 'cause with my bad back, bum wrist, etc, there's no way I can tackle the fuel hose swap. It's only money... :'( So I guess I'll be bruised after this bill, but at least I'll have a working generator which is critical for me to get the coach started after being in storage.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Barry Beam on October 13, 2010, 02:12:40 pm
Quote
Cummins' Cincinnati dealer has it, 'cause with my bad back, bum wrist, etc, there's no way I can tackle the fuel hose swap.
At the 4 Corners rally they mentioned that Foretravel now uses Nylon hoses in the new coaches. Wonder what Cummins will be using to replace yours?
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 13, 2010, 03:15:57 pm
Silicone hose with fabric reinforcement is the long life improvement over the rubber type used in the past. Silicone outlasts the rubber type by a large margin. Surely the rubber hose is not really rubber, it just seems to be rubber. Nylon does sound interesting, not sure as I have not heard of it. Surely someone has and can tell us all about it, the benefits and the negatives.
I just spoke to the Cummins Service Mgr. and he is going to try to locate a fuel hose with either the nylon or silicone material. I'll report back with an update.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 13, 2010, 05:29:15 pm
Peter, I just had a go around with my Cummins Service Manger, who reminded me of a few things, and the big point is, any line used for fuel,Diesel or gasoline, must be rated for that fuel, and yes there is Silicone hose that is rated for diesel, and there is nylon hose, the big thing about the nylon, it is only seen in very high priced fuel systems, such as race cars. The high priced nylon is inside a metal woven sleeve, and it very high priced I am told. He never has seen any around a Cummins engine, they at the Cummins shop use mostly, the normall rubber type with the fabric reinforcement and in some areas you can use the same plastic (?) what ever it is made out of that is used on the air brake systems. Do not think it is called nylon, my guess it is some sort of PVC, but that is a guess, I don't know what it is called, I know where to get it, and have used it alot for lots of things like oil pressure lines etc also. So who knows , guess it is like alot of things, and do the best you can and hope for the best, at least you will learn from it. FWIW Dave
Dave, Thank you for the amplification. The Cummins Service Mgr. here in Cincinnati is a very accommodating fellow, so he'll call me when they have some alternatives and pricing, if any, to the standard diesel fuel hose readily available.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Rick on October 14, 2010, 08:17:34 am
Peter, See post, http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=7653.msg33432#msg33432, (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=7653.msg33432#msg33432,) for Aeroquip part no. About 3.00/ft. That hose lasted for 13 years and was not leaking/sucking air but I thought I would replace it when I saw the cracking. Someone also mentioned that the cracking was only at the bends, and that was my observation also. When I pulled out the old hose all of it looked good except where the bending in the generator bay was. Good luck,
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: ncaabbfan on October 16, 2010, 11:09:32 am
I wanted to give you a status update on our diesel engine on the genset running for a few minutes and then dying. After reading about cracked/damaged diesel hoses possibly causing this problem for others, I checked out the hoses earlier last week. I found by moving one hose around a bit, I could cause the engine to sound like it was about to die or to make it run smoother. So I checked further. When I moved that hose around sometimes, I would see a small spray of fuel. So I knew it had at least one hole/crack in it. The hoses on the engine looked like original hoses.
Fortunately the hose feeding the engine from the fuel tank appears good and it appears to have already been replaced. This is because it has different hose clamps (screw type) instead of the crimp type on the hoses on the engine and the hose looks good.
I wound up replacing all but one hose on the diesel engine last night. After checking/servicing the house batteries, I found I could press the rocker switch in one direction for preheat and prime. So I pushed it in that direction and heard what sounded like the fuel pump running. So I did this for a period of time and then pressed the rocker switch in the start position. I did this two or three times and the engine started running briefly. Then I repeated this and started it again. This time, it ran continuously for 30-60 minutes.
At times, it will sound like it is about to die, but it comes back and continues to run. I don't know what might be this cause. But it did not die until I stopped it last night.
So I think I have made quite a bit of progress.
I found no indication of any leaks on or around the hoses I replaced last night.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: ncaabbfan on October 18, 2010, 12:16:12 pm
Fortunately the hose feeding the engine from the fuel tank appears good and it appears to have already been replaced. This is because it has different hose clamps (screw type) instead of the crimp type on the hoses on the engine and the hose looks good.
Yesterday, I decided to pull the genset out as far as the slide would go. I checked and added coolant. Then I checked the hose feeding the engine from the fuel tank since I had a much better view of it with the genset out. Unfortunately, I found several small cracks in the hose surface. So it looks like I will have to replace this hose after all.
Quote
At times, it will sound like it is about to die, but it comes back and continues to run. I don't know what might be this cause. But it did not die until I stopped it last night.
After adding the coolant and doing the various visual checks, I decided to start it up again to see how it would run. It ran smooth as silk....no instances of it sounding like it was about to die at all. It sounded great and ran very smoothly for 1 hour and then I killed it. It looks like replacing the hoses has helped a lot.
How does the engine cooling do any good at all when the diesel genset is back inside the compartment? It looks like foam from the compartment sidewall fits tight against the radiator shroud. I don't see how it cools any at all due to no or very little air circulation with the foam against the radiator shroud.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on October 18, 2010, 12:52:37 pm
Morris, On the GV's air is drawn in from below and behind the generator and the radiator fan exhausts it to the rear thru a box directed to the ground. I am sure the bus types have a similar arrangement even though they are front mounted. It is important that the foam around the fan shroud be kept in place to ensure good air flow. While you have the genny pulled out do a close inspection of the fan belt, its a PITA to get to and is easily neglected.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Dave Katsuki on October 18, 2010, 01:56:04 pm
On ours (99 U270, Isuzu 8KW), there is an opening in the foam on the drivers side that allows the radiator air to exhaust into the space beside the steering box.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: ncaabbfan on October 18, 2010, 02:57:24 pm
Do not over look the fuel filter between the body and genset. It also shows up acting a lot like you describe when it gets plugged up with dirt. Dave
The fuel filter on our Isuzu 3LB1 engine is on the right hand side of the engine between the oil filter and the oil filler on the side of the engine. I have replacement filters on order for the oil, air and fuel. I hope to replace them and the oil later this week.
Thank you.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: ncaabbfan on October 18, 2010, 02:59:37 pm
Morris, On the GV's air is drawn in from below and behind the generator and the radiator fan exhausts it to the rear thru a box directed to the ground. I am sure the bus types have a similar arrangement even though they are front mounted. It is important that the foam around the fan shroud be kept in place to ensure good air flow. While you have the genny pulled out do a close inspection of the fan belt, its a PITA to get to and is easily neglected.
Checking the fan belt is a good reminder. I have not done that yet. I will make sure I check it. I bet it is a PITA!!! Thank you very much.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: ncaabbfan on October 18, 2010, 03:01:01 pm
On ours (99 U270, Isuzu 8KW), there is an opening in the foam on the drivers side that allows the radiator air to exhaust into the space beside the steering box.
I will have to check again. I didn't see any opening, but maybe I did not look close enough. But there almost has to be one somewhere. Thank you.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: ncaabbfan on October 18, 2010, 05:16:32 pm
Right on about the fuel filter, most units have an additional fuel pre-filter between the fuel tank and the generator. This filter is the one that gets over looked a lot.. I guess it is possible your unit does not have this additional filter. Sorry for the confusion. Dave
Thank you for your comments. I will double check. But I believe the hose from the tank connects to a block of some sort then goes to the inlet to the fuel pump then from the fuel pump directly into the inlet to the fuel filter. From the fuel filter the fuel then goes on to the engine. But I will double check when I have the compartment open again.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Dan Stansel on October 18, 2010, 10:22:25 pm
I have a 8.0 in my U270 99 and I had problem with the genset not starting or run for few seconds and cut off. I didn't know there was an in line filter right before the block electric fuel pump. Mine had never been replaced. It didn't look like a filter but part of the hose. $5.00 item and fixed the problem. DAn Stansel U270 99 36
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: ncaabbfan on October 18, 2010, 11:32:22 pm
I have a 8.0 in my U270 99 and I had problem with the genset not starting or run for few seconds and cut off. I didn't know there was an in line filter right before the block electric fuel pump. Mine had never been replaced. It didn't look like a filter but part of the hose. $5.00 item and fixed the problem. DAn Stansel U270 99 36
Do you have the Isuzu diesel engine on your genset? If so, is it possible to post some pics of the inline fuel filter? I don't recall seeing anything that looked like an inline filter.
Ours has the Isuzu diesel engine on the genset....
Thank you.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on November 02, 2010, 11:50:10 pm
Here's the update on my PT generator repair: Picked up the coach today. Cummins replaced the fuel hoses to/from the generator. Standard fuel hose was used ($1.30 per foot; sounds reasonable). Charged 13 hours to diagnose & replace the hoses @ $102 per hour. To me that sounded a bit much.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Kent Speers on November 03, 2010, 08:34:43 am
Sounds just like Cummins to me.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: jeff on November 03, 2010, 09:48:09 am
Peter,
Prior to picking up our "new to us" 95 Foretravel I had MOT change oil, belts, filters, etc. Also told them if they found anything that looked questionable to repair or replace. They found only a few minor things. One being the top bracket on generator radiator fan guard was broken, they welded bracket back together and reinstalled, replaced leaking hose on generator. TOTAL COST=$294.00
Sure would question Cummins on that price...
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on November 03, 2010, 09:56:33 am
Prior to picking up our "new to us" 95 Foretravel I had MOT change oil, belts, filters, etc. Also told them if they found anything that looked questionable to repair or replace. They found only a few minor things. One being the top bracket on generator radiator fan guard was broken, they welded bracket back together and reinstalled, replaced leaking hose on generator. TOTAL COST=$294.00
Sure would question Cummins on that price...
Yup!
Question? Try an outright rant with the service manager! Sometimes I think I would be money ahead to save all the repair stuff for one trip to MOT. The $1,000 trip cost too Nac & back may pay for itself.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: jeff on November 03, 2010, 10:19:09 am
My sentiments exactly. Either MOT or FOT. We schedule our service appointment whenever we plan on being in East Texas.
I have been lucky with our Cummins dealer in Harrisburg. Always been treated fairly and work done is tops. PA has a yearly inspection for motor homes and I always have service done at the same time.
But, I never leave my motor home when having service work done....ANYWHERE.. Although I do understand it is not possible in all situations.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: George Stoltz on November 03, 2010, 10:50:48 am
Here's the update on my PT generator repair: Picked up the coach today. Cummins replaced the fuel hoses to/from the generator. Standard fuel hose was used ($1.30 per foot; sounds reasonable). Charged 13 hours to diagnose & replace the hoses @ $102 per hour. To me that sounded a bit much.
Sounds like there was some serious "hosing" going on.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on November 03, 2010, 10:52:06 am
Jeff, The quality of the work at Cummins in Cincinnati is excellent. I just think they take "liberties" in hours charged. For example: 5 hours to diagnose the problem & 8 hours to do the fuel hose swap?
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: bbeane on December 06, 2010, 11:59:54 am
Hello all, My generator on my 1999 U295 starts and runs then shuts off (it may run 30 min or 5 min) with low oil light, ES52 Dynagen auto start controller, oil pressure is 60psi hot, oil pressure sender is new, fuel pressure is 4.5 lbs. It will also do the same thing with the o/p sender unhooked, I have ran a new wire to the sender directly from the controller no joy. I am thinking the controller is bad. Anyone have any thoughts or experiance with these? Thanks
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Barry Beam on December 06, 2010, 12:20:27 pm
Hello all, My generator on my 1999 U295 starts and runs then shuts off (it may run 30 min or 5 min) with low oil light, ES52 Dynagen auto start controller, oil pressure is 60psi hot, oil pressure sender is new, fuel pressure is 4.5 lbs. It will also do the same thing with the o/p sender unhooked, I have ran a new wire to the sender directly from the controller no joy. I am thinking the controller is bad. Anyone have any thoughts or experience with these? Thanks
Check below, I merged your message with a previous thread on the subject.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Mike Baldacchino on December 06, 2010, 12:24:20 pm
My gen-set used to shut down along the same time frame, but with no lights. I found that the blower for the radiator had an on/off switch. When I found it in the off position (probably for winter), I turned it on and the problem went away. The gen-set was just overheating for lack of cooling.
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on December 06, 2010, 12:26:49 pm
Your Power Tech problem should be a very simple fix. I am enclosing the service manual for the ES-52 and you should be able to follow the whole system and find your roblem. Good luck :)
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Dick Lokar on July 14, 2012, 01:44:48 pm
Peter & Beth
What did the fuel line replacement cost you? I'm about in the same position you were in.
Thanks, Dick Lokar email: foreroven@gmail.com cell(813) 690-5968
Title: Re: Generator (Genset) starts but then Shuts off
Post by: Peter & Beth on July 14, 2012, 05:08:44 pm
Dick, I sent you a PM, but for those inquiring minds...Cummins Coach CARE charged around $1,000 for the job. There was some charge in there for diagnostics, which was a waste as I told them what the problem was. But we all know how that goes. Peter