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Topic: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.  (Read 557 times) previous topic - next topic

Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

   Well our 1995 power tech 10KW geny was running just fine for about 2 hours and then just quit.  Quit.  Now it will start but only run if you continue to hold the start button in.  Which I've only done once or twice out of frustration. Can't be good for it.
 
  We had a similar problem in Washington a few months ago.  Same scenario where it would run if the (start) button was held in then quit as soon as let go ??     
  We scheduled some service stuff to be done and the geny start issue was one of those things.  They changed out the air filter and claimed it was fixed. Admittedly it was dirty but I don't believe they really fixed the problem.  .... Because a short time later it only would start by holding the start button a second longer than I like to.    As in just passed the slight grinding you would hear when it starts. 
  I thought we'll maybe I just don't hold it in quit long enough. 

  I'm hoping someone else has solved this problem since there's hundreds of these genys out there.    It's also the same response from the dash or geny compartment. 
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

Reply #1 –
Oil pressure switch is one possibility.

Coolant topped up?
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

Reply #2 –
Could it be one of the safety sensors and during the start cycle they are bypassed.
I would lean to oil pressure sensor. Try and bypass it and if that doesn't work try
the overheat sensor. Just a thought.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

Reply #3 –
After checking the oil pressure sender as been mentioned you may have the start relay on the ES 52 going bad so check it.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

Reply #4 –
Not sure what the ES 52 is but guessing it's the control module or something.  I'll take pics tomorrow to confirm.
 
 The sending units I was suspect of anyway so I'm inclined to replace while it's getting done.  Seems that if one is tired the other 26 year old ones are too. So....  Oil pressure sensor and overheat sensor....

 Thanks much for the response's.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

Reply #5 –
Bob,

I should have expanded on what the ES-52 control module is. The ES-52 module is the thing that has the indicator lights attached to it that you see on your control panel on the generator. It has a couple of relays on the back side that are replaceable. One is for the fuel pump and the other is for the engine start. With your coach being a '95 you may have another system as I am no sure when the went to the ES-52 system. Here is a link to what the back side looks like and the relays.
Generator intermitten self shut down

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

Reply #6 –
If you determine it is the ES52 module there is one for sale in the classifieds here.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Pamela & Mike –
Bob,

I should have expanded on what the ES-52 control module is. The ES-52 module is the thing that has the indicator lights attached to it that you see on your control panel on the generator. It has a couple of relays on the back side that are replaceable. One is for the fuel pump and the other is for the engine start. With your coach being a '95 you may have another system as I am no sure when the went to the ES-52 system. Here is a link to what the back side looks like and the relays.
Generator intermitten self shut down

Mike

Bob's coach is like ours, no indicating lights on the Generator control panel. Es-52 must have came after 95 or not available on the GV's.
 
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

Reply #8 –
Bob......... it's highly possible its the oil pressure sending unit, ours takes two start tries when cold unless I hold the start switch for a second or two longer (which I don't like to do either). When warm its no problem, starts first time every time. Oil pressure has to be "sensed" before the run relay seals in. It takes a couple of seconds for the oil pressure to satisfy the sending unit when the oil is cold.

I just do the start twice thing........ I'll replace the generator oil sending unit too if it fixes your issue  8)
 
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

Reply #9 –
Bob,

During the '95/96 change over from the GV to the Unihome the coach could have come either way. If this one has the old system then like others have said change out the oil sensor first as it holds in the engine.
One other thought is which engine was used in this generator? Isuzu was wired slightly different than the Kubota.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

Reply #10 –
Mike. 
  It's a Kubota.  It's always been a flawless runner.
 
    Thanks.
 
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

Reply #11 –
Here's a pic of the Kubota control box and , a sending unit on the back side ?
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

Reply #12 –
Now it's running 😋.   
  And all I did was switch two of the relays on the right. I you find that your Grand Villa generator starts but wont continue to run after you release the start switch.  Good chance its the relay.    Didn't replace them yet, just switched.  Could it be that one failed when it got hot and didn't reset ??  A little spooky that it started after that but it's an electrical gadget so there's that. 

 Going to the auto parts store and buy 6 of them.    Replace all 4 and 2 spares ..... if there not too $$$. 
  I guess at 3500 hours and 26 years it deserves a complete refresh. Gen bearing included.

  Does anyone know of a good generator service in the Phoenix area.  I'd like to get it done before the Quartzsite thing. 

  Thanks to all for the excellent comments and follow up. 
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

Reply #13 –
Look like pretty standard 12 VDC RELAYS.  Be sure to get ones rated at least the same or higher amp rating (higher ratings means more contact surface).  Unless the prong configuration is unusual, any auto parts hours or Amazon will have them.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Power tech starts if I hold the button in.

Reply #14 –
Bob,

Those relays basically do the same job as the ES-52 control module only a lot more simple and cheaper to replace.  You can order them off the net just type in the part number and look for the best price. The car parts store most likely won't have them. Alllied and Digi-key are generally my go to suppliers for electrical stuff but you can even find them on ebay. 2Pcs TYCO VF4-15F11-C05 12VDC 40/30A Automotive Relay 5Pins | eBay

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."