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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Paul Smith on July 10, 2011, 02:37:42 pm

Title: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Paul Smith on July 10, 2011, 02:37:42 pm
It ran fine for over an hour, then stopped. I had it running two AC's plus misc stuff (not theMicrowave)

There's plenty of diesel. The belt for the fan looks OK (this was my problem last time).

None of the breakers were tripped. But the red fault light shines on.

Any ideas?


best, paul
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on July 10, 2011, 02:56:31 pm
Paul, I would be checking on thegenerator panel for a clue. next if your unit has the fuelfilter between the genset and the main fuel tank, replace it.  That filter has the habit of acting as you describe.  If you do not have that inline filter, then change the one on the generator.  Sure sounds like a filter issue, a known happening as you descrive.
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: John Haygarth on July 10, 2011, 05:47:58 pm
if you cannot get it to run with the fault light on just switch the controls on the gen set panel itelf on and off and that restores the starting ( I now know that as Dave told me this last week ) sequence.
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Paul Smith on July 11, 2011, 10:33:33 am
Thanks! Worked like a charm.
But I have yet to run the generator so I don't know if the fault will recur.



best, paul

Quote
if you cannot get it to run with the fault light on just switch the controls on the gen set panel itelf on and off and that restores the starting ( I now know that as Dave told me this last week ) sequence.
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Paul Smith on July 11, 2011, 11:09:16 am
Thanks!
I don't know if there's a filter between the fuel tank and the generator. Or where to look for it.

There is a Fleetguard FF5394 fuel filter ON the generator, replaced by MOT last October. This is 50 generator hours ago.

I do have a Isuzu Genuine Parts Fuel Filter 2-90654-910-0. It looks like an exact replacement. Any special issues about replacing the fuel filter? It must be several years old as it came with the RV and the RV had not been driven for several years when we bought it 15 months ago (but it had been serviced according to specs).

I don't know why the Isuzu filter would not be good (it is still wrapped in plastic) but to my shock in old age I've not only discovered there are MANY things I do not know, it's not because I forgot them....;o)



best, paul

Quote
Paul, I would be checking on thegenerator panel for a clue. next if your unit has the fuelfilter between the genset and the main fuel tank, replace it. That filter has the habit of acting as you describe. If you do not have that inline filter, then change the one on the generator. Sure sounds like a filter issue, a known happening as you descrive.
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Dan Stansel on July 11, 2011, 11:20:12 am
Paul I had a simular problem and there is an inline filter at the small electric pump.
Mine had never been changed on the 99 I had so it appeared to be gray and part of the pump.  About a $4.00 item.Tks DAN
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Ted & Karen on July 11, 2011, 04:52:46 pm
My Powertech 10KW keep kicking off while driving.  It turned out to be the fan motor.  I had it replaced, with the condensor, squirrel cage, fuel filter, and then set off on a 500 mile run.  Had both A/C's going full blast with this heat- worth every penny.
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: amos.harrison on July 11, 2011, 07:56:46 pm
Paul,

I spent a lot of time this spring tackling this same issue.  It turned out to be the fuel pump(which is actually a lift pump supplying individual injection pumps at each injector.  It turned out my fuel pump had apparently been dying for quite some time but not stopping the genny, just making it run rough.

The main electrical connector behind the generator can suffer individual terminal corrosion and/or looseness.  FT cut out the connector and soldered the wires as a permanent fix.  You should also check performance of the fuel stop solenoid.  Failure of the hold in coil, or power to it, can also cause this problem.
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Paul Smith on July 12, 2011, 10:36:28 am
I put two photos on my website here:

Kathleen & Paul Smith's RV Travelblog (http://www.lazydazers.com/index.cfm?fa=ShowItem&ID=3097)
The top photo is an overall view of the generator center. It shows the small fuel pump at the bottom (I'm not sure I could easily replace it), and a fuel filter above and to the right of the pump . I have a replacement for the filter (the existing filter has only 50 generator hours on it and I could easily replace it).

The second photo apparently shows the three fuel pumps (one for each cylinder) Brett referred to.

Ant suggestions one next steps would be appreciated.

I cleared the fault light as another poster suggested and it appears the generator would start, but I have not yet tried starting it. I'll try starting at the next RV Park later today (a Casino with free stays and 50 amp electric) that is not likely to be offended by the sound of a generator.



best, paul

Quote
I spent a lot of time this spring tackling this same issue. It turned out to be the fuel pump(which is actually a lift pump supplying individual injection pumps at each injector. It turned out my fuel pump had apparently been dying for quite some time but not stopping the genny, just making it run rough.
The main electrical connector behind the generator can suffer individual terminal corrosion and/or looseness. FT cut out the connector and soldered the wires as a permanent fix. You should also check performance of the fuel stop solenoid. Failure of the hold in coil, or power to it, can also cause this problem.

Regards,
Brett
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Michelle on July 12, 2011, 10:43:26 am
I put two photos on my website here:

Paul,

We prefer that folks post their photos on ForeForums, where they can easily be accessed by others (especially in a future search), rather than sending them to a different website.  It's much easier to have everything in one place.

Just a suggestion, especially when asking a question of the folks here. 

Michelle
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Dan Stansel on July 12, 2011, 10:46:16 am
Paul:  In your picture what is the small gray item between the fuel hose and the newer in line filter.
Could that be an old inline filter>> just a thought  DAN
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Pamela & Mike on July 12, 2011, 10:59:21 am
Paul,
 In your pic. there is a little filter that is threaded in the inlet side of the electric pump with the fuel line hooked to the other end.
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Paul Smith on July 12, 2011, 11:04:06 am
That appears to be the inline filter Dan Stansel had a problem with. A $4 item.

Anyone knows where I can get one?



best, paul
Quote
In your pic. there is a little filter that is threaded in the inlet side of the electric pump with the fuel line hooked to the other end.
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on July 12, 2011, 11:14:52 am

This is the fuel pump that solved my erratic issues when I had the pump that looked like the one in your picture. 
Check around they sell from about $35.00 to $200.00 depending where your dealing, Napa is one of higher price.


Welcome to Motor Components, LLC - Gold-Flo (http://www.facet-purolator.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=7&id=14&Itemid=36)
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: MAZ on July 12, 2011, 04:53:14 pm
Paul,
  It should be NAPA# 3046. I had the same problem with mine stalling. It was the pre-filter just prior to the lift pump in your picture. Runs great now.

https://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?A=FIL3046_0289037411&An=0

Mark
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Paul Smith on July 12, 2011, 06:30:52 pm
Thanks! Looks like they're only $2.37 (or less) at:

( Wix 33046 & Napa 3046 Fuel Filter: FleetFilter Secure Online Store (http://www.fleetfilter.com/filter/wix-fuel-filters/33046.html) )


best, paul
Quote
Paul,
It should be NAPA# 3046.
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Paul Smith on July 26, 2011, 08:49:04 pm
Well, it gets more confusing. I took the FT to the Pacific Power folks here in Kent, WA to sample fluids. They recommended their sister company, Pacific Power Generation in Kent, where they suggested I look at few things and set up an appointment for two 7/27/11

After checking their suggestions I tried the outside switch to start the generator and it started right up. I let it run a bit and shut it down.

I then tried to start the generator using the dash switch and it did not start. I checked the contacts on theback of the dash switches and none were loose to the touch. It still did not start.

I started the generator from outside and let it run about 30 minutes under load and shut it down. I then went inside and started it with dash switch and ran it for more than an hour.

The biggest change I can think is that it's cooler here than when the generator stopped suddenly on its own.



best, paul
Title: Re: 1999 U320 Generator Stopped
Post by: Ritterbeck on April 15, 2012, 09:53:44 am
The problem of the power tech generator shutting down with the red on? If the engine is not exceptly hot check the overheat switch. This cheap part drove me crazy over a period of three years. I changed all parts related to overheat and bled the air out of the system to many times to mention.