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Topic: Powertech Generator Fuel Filter (Read 1394 times) previous topic - next topic

Powertech Generator Fuel Filter

On the first day out on our current trip, the generator quit working properly. I discovered the problem when I left "autostart" engaged while I started the main engine with "Boost" switch engaged. The voltage dropped enough to fire the autostart. The generator almost started three times, then autostart gave up. I tried starting manually. Symptoms indicated fuel starvation. Ancillary lesson: turn off autostart when using "Boost" to start.

The big engine was fine and I've had no indications of fuel problems other than the immediate problem with the generator. I studied Generator Topics Recap. I expected the problem was either a fuel filter or air leaks in the fuel lines. I chose to try the simplest solution first.

I bought a Wix 33046 fuel filter at the local O'Reilly's store. Using a small crescent wrench, a medium crescent wrench, and a phillips screwdriver, I replaced the filter. I held the preheat/prime switch for a while and did not get a start. I then opened the purge port on top of the "big" fuel filter for the generator and operated preheat/purge until fuel came out of the port. After a bit more cranking, the generator fired and smoothed out to normal operation after a few seconds. Joy!

I have had the generator serviced a couple of times at FOT and once at MOT. From the appearance of the little filter, I don't think anyone replaced it during the three years I have owned the coach. The appearance leads me to believe that the little filter may have been on the coach since 1997. I expected that "change fuel filters" would mean to change ALL the fuel filters. Apparently, that little filter may be overlooked. In the future, I will specify that the little filter be changed as well as the big filter.

The pictures are: 1) the generator showing both of the filters on the front; 2) the new (in place) filter and the old filter lying below it; 3) the purge port on top of the "big" filter that I opened in order to get fuel into the lines.

J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Powertech Generator Fuel Filter

Reply #1 –
Dave, Its strange that we have the same Kubota but mine does not have the little filter.  Wonder why some do and some don't ?
Gary B

Re: Powertech Generator Fuel Filter

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Gary Bouland –
Dave, Its strange that we have the same Kubota but mine does not have the little filter.  Wonder why some do and some don't ?
Gary B
My Kubota does not have it. If you want one it looks like an easy install. JD's may have been added by a previous owner. I guess you can look at it two ways, 1) an added layer of protection, 2) just another filter to clog/change
Rick

Re: Powertech Generator Fuel Filter

Reply #3 –
                 When I bought our 2003 , 320 from MOT , I made it very clear to change every filter on the coach , period . Well guess what . When I got the coach home in the shop , I raised it as high as the air bags would go , got on a creeper roller under the coach to have a look at grease fitting location etc etc . And there was that small filter untouched with the date a year before I bought it scratched on it . Not a good feeling . Next issue was when I bought our 06 Phenix , had MOT again change all filters . Again , the same filter got missed . I caught it , pointed it out and they changed  it . At the same time , I noticed that the Aqua-Hot was low on boiler antifreeze.A mechanic gets a gallon of automotive antifreeze and is going to pour it in,  I got that stopped in the nick of time .So , I know the drill , and make it my business to make sure all is done properly .  Our present coach was bought at FOT and have not had any such issues there .If I get another coach it will be bought at FOT . Not angry with anyone , but I have learned a thing or two .                Brad Metzger     
Brad Metzger
2010 Phenix 45'

Re: Powertech Generator Fuel Filter

Reply #4 –
The 2001 gensets & others have an additional fuel filter between the fuel tank and the rear of the genset, a small Racor that frequently is forgotten.  You need to crawl under to see it.  It is worth changing. At least see if your setup uses it.
FWIW
Dave M

Re: Powertech Generator Fuel Filter

Reply #5 –
I didn't realize there was a filter there until I studied the collection of generator topics. The filter number and description were in a previous topic. Thanks to contributors and folk such as Barry B who collect and display the information. I fixed the problem with a $4 part ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT! I bought a spare filter a few minutes ago.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Powertech Generator Fuel Filter

Reply #6 –
Here is an update on the generator issue. Unfortunately, I did not fix the problem on the first try. :(

It now appears that the problem is a fuel line issue. The generator is sucking air. It runs for a little while after I purge air from the big filter, but then fails. The electric pump purges the air if I open the purge port on the fuel filter.

I plan to try for an appointment at FOT. I am not confident that I'm qualified, or motivated, to fix the problem by myself. We hope to spend a few days at Quartzsite, but won't be going unless the generator is in good working order.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Powertech Generator Fuel Filter

Reply #7 –
Would suggest using a Vice Grip and pinching the hose at the tank and then using a MityVac, sucking a vacuum to check for hose/filter integrity at the generator end. MityVac can also be used to check for internal leaks in the fuel pump, etc. EZ to watch the gauge to see if it falls or remains stable. Electric and mechanical pumps can develop a leak so don't overlook them. It's usually just a matter of eliminating each section of the fuel supply until you find the leak.

If everything goes according to plan and we make it this year, I can bring my MityVac with me to check your hoses/connections.

Pierce

Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Powertech Generator Fuel Filter

Reply #8 –
Air leaks frequently come from the installation of garden variety worm hose clamps that NAPA, hardware stores, etc. carry. Make sure to use only camps that are designed for fuel injection systems. Mercedes uses this type on all their hoses. Sometimes when fuel hoses are replaced they may not be exactly the same size and with the wrong clamp, leaks are common. Here are some posts from another forum: Worm clamps on fuel hose = NO GOOD

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Powertech Generator Fuel Filter

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
If everything goes according to plan and we make it this year, I can bring my MityVac with me to check your hoses/connections.

Pierce
Pierce, thank you for the excellent suggestions and offer to help. It we don't have reliable generator operation before leaving home, we won't make the trip to Arizona. We'll try to get things fixed up, make some plans, and see what happens.

We have a saying in our family, "If you want to hear God laugh, make some plans." We make plans, listen for the laughter, and try to maintain a good sense of humor.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Powertech Generator Fuel Filter

Reply #10 –
Update -- again. I snugged about five clamps on the hoses that I could see. I purged the air again and fired up the generator. It ran for an hour, so I declared it fixed and shut it down.

Now to see if the replacement air regulator for the stair well cover fixes the balky cover and an air leak.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX
 

Re: Powertech Generator Fuel Filter

Reply #11 –
Update -- again -- again. D'oh! Generator kept failing to run. See Old Fuel Lines for the resolution.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX