Does anyone know off hand if there is the option or even capability to put a block heater, like the big engine, in place? In my climate it is an experience to get it started, even with cycling the unit on and off several times before actually starting it. I ALWAYS have to reset it because it gets a fault
They make an aftermarket heater that goes into the freeze plug. After researching this several years ago we went with a stick on oil pan heater pad. Has worked down to -5 for us. Going this way saved from having to drain and refill antifreeze.
Mike
Have seen heaters you could attach to the oil pan,if it were mine I would use Amsoil 15w40 signature series oil,flows much better
then dino oil at low temps,have used it for years in mine.
Peter Check your glow plugs. I have started my generator at -15 C with 2 glow plugs shot.
I found replacements at Lordco in Burnaby. At -23 my generator would start with 2 cycles
and if I am in -30 I would cycle 3 times. I count 9 seconds for each cycle.
Oldguy
Maybe I am not letting the glow plugs cycle long enough. I usually wait 3 or 4 seconds I will give that a try. I do run 15-40 amsoil. Love the stuff
3 or 4 seconds is not long enough....... especially in what we Florida Crackers call COLD (below 50*F) ;D
Just to add a little more descriptive text. Initiate a start, wait 9 seconds before it starts to crank and cancel, repeat start wait nine seconds, cancel again, repeat start and let it continue threw to initiate start. By repeating the start sequence it allows the glow plugs to run longer and become more heat saturated. Absolutely need to make sure all your glow plugs are working. Also repeated glow plug cycles back to back will also shorten there service life. It only got up to 56 degrees today, I feel your pain
Amazon.com: Kat's Heater Dipstick 23" Part No: A-5B201 : Patio, Lawn & Garden (https://www.amazon.com/Kats-Heater-Dipstick-Part-5B201/dp/B01J6CK4HG/ref=sr_1_2?crid=S6NILQSD9S7I&keywords=dipstick+heater&qid=1670465271&sprefix=dip+stick+heater%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-2&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.08f69ac3-fd3d-4b88-bca2-8997e41410bb)
I run the Rotella full synthetic T6 5w-40 in the Cummins M11, Hydraulics for fans and power steering, and Kubota 4 cyl. in 10kw Generator. Never an issue.
I believe the started comes on after 10 seconds so that's why 9 seconds. Down to -10 degrees C
my generator starts fine with out cycling. The Onan generator in my Monaco had a temperature
gauge so the colder it got the longer the glow plugs went before the starter turned the engine
over. At minus 15C the glow plugs were on for 18 second.
The PT generator does not have quick glow plugs like a MBZ 300SD so you have to wait much longer in freezing weather. A dip stick heater works well. I have a magnetic block heater like this one Amazon.com: Zerostart 3400017 Portable Electric Heat Magnet Heater for... (https://www.amazon.com/Zerostart-3400017-Portable-Electric-Transmissions/dp/B0076DUV2Q/ref=sr_1_4?gclid=Cj0KCQiAkMGcBhCSARIsAIW6d0Aq6wsX05IOQHVnRz25MlyWbyWbHhbo05_Uqxe_Lm8DYVtOwD7zM9saAuAbEALw_wcB&hvadid=583781697772&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9032418&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=11337181101858790762&hvtargid=kwd-317194854661&hydadcr=5742_9590438&keywords=magnetic+engine+block+heater&qid=1670470165&s=automotive&sr=1-4) and it works well on any smaller diesel. They are available in several wattages so look before ordering.
The glow plugs are wired in parellel so EZ to just use a multimeter or a test light to check them fairly quickly.
I went to a synthetic oil and the engine will turn over faster with a low vicosity synthetic.
I've seen a blow torch used in the intake on large diesels and a plumbing torch with MAPP gas used on smaller diesels while cranking. HF heat gun or even a hair dryer will work but slower. .You could rotate the engine until both intake and exhaust valves are open (overlap) and push hot air through the engine and out the exhaust pipe with a heat gun but only one cylinder at a time.
Pierce
What fault are you getting?
John
To be honest with you I have not really paid attention to which red light comes on. I believe it is the over crank light but can't be certain. The red light in the dash for certain It usually is so fffffng cold that you just reset and go. I have tried old guys work around and it works ok. Next time it occurs I will freeze and make note and let you know!
Maybe try some cold weather diesel additive,if you do change glow plus change all of them.Overcrank should be the one you get for this problem.
How long have you been using T6 5w-40?