Generator quitting

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Generator quitting

September 07, 2022, 05:16:40 pm

Our generator on a 1996 foretravel U295 Runs for a while and then just shuts down. Solenoid on Injector pump gets warm. I can't believe this all went wrong when I took it to the mechanics to have oil change and fuel filters and everything changed and after that it started with this problem. Does anybody know what we can do to correct it or if you've had the problem let me know.

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #1 – September 07, 2022, 05:27:50 pm

First check and make sure the fan is running. If like in the 1997 U295 it is in front drivers side compartment.
If not running check breaker on the front of generator control box.
If still not running go to fan and take a screwdriver and try to spin the fan blades. If it starts turning then you will need a new capacitor.
If fan was running
Check and make sure fuel filter is on tight and not leaking. Also verify that the old gasket got removed when replacing fuel filter.

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #2 – September 07, 2022, 07:14:52 pm

I second what Turbojack said. But would add that since the fuel system was messed with, I would be very skeptical of air leaks in the fuel lines somewhere. Check all the clamps, even try loosening them, twisting the hose and then re tightening the clamps.

Richard

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #3 – September 07, 2022, 07:15:24 pm

Check the oil level.

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #4 – September 07, 2022, 07:31:18 pm

Did they change the coolant? If so, air is "probably" trapped in the system causing shut down.

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #5 – September 07, 2022, 07:44:36 pm

Quote from: LRK – September 07, 2022, 05:16:40 pm

Our generator on a 1996 foretravel U295 Runs for a while and then just shuts down. Solenoid on Injector pump gets warm. I can't believe this all went wrong when I took it to the mechanics to have oil change and fuel filters and everything changed and after that it started with this problem. Does anybody know what we can do to correct it or if you've had the problem let me know.

Runs for a while and then just shuts down

More info would be helpful,
1. How long does it run before shutting down?
2. Is the time before shutdown consistent or does it vary?
3. Does it shutdown as if using the shutdown switch or does it sputter and die?
4. Will it start right back up or does it take a few minutes to restart?

Answers to these questions may help the diagnosis.....

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #6 – September 07, 2022, 08:24:44 pm

Take a close look at your fuel supply line. It's old enough to develop tiny cracks and let air in. If you have the small T handled valve above the injection pump, open it a bit. Our fuel line was bad and caused ours to shut down.

If you have an electric fuel pump that looks like a beer can, use a 5/8" wrench to remove the bottom and check or clean the filter.

Check the belt driving the fan to make sure it's tight and check the condition of the hoses.

Pierce

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #7 – September 07, 2022, 09:27:30 pm

Linda & Randy, how about sharing what generator you have and is the radiator attached to the generator or in a separate compartment.

Fuel filters were changed, and any air leak could react. Also if you do your own maintenance, others who have never seen your generator before can't bugger it up. Who knows what others touch or don't touch when we leave the coach with them.

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #8 – September 09, 2022, 03:59:25 pm

The generator is a diesel power tech 10,000 KW. It may run for half an hour to two hours and then shuts down. The solenoid on the fuel shut down seems to get pretty hot. I can't tell if it's closing and causing the engine to quit or not, can't catch it at the right time.

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #9 – September 09, 2022, 07:38:31 pm

Do you have the 3 cylinder Isuzu or the 4 cylinder Kubota?

Mike

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #10 – September 09, 2022, 08:04:27 pm

Try running it with it extended out so the fuel lines are free of any kinks. Then when you push it back in make sure it doesn't fold over like a garden hose does with not enough fuel getting through.

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #11 – September 09, 2022, 09:23:18 pm

You say it will run for 30 min or 2 hours. What is the load that is on it when it quits?

Recently, my PT 10K would start and run fine with the fridge, TV and lights, but once 1-2 ACs were on, it ran for a time, anywhere from 5 min to 1 hour, before quitting. The air/water separator was clogged and not getting enough fuel. This is not the filter on the generator itself but inline with the fuel line. Mine is located between the fuel tank and the generator and you can see if if you peek under. Did they change this too or just the two filters on the generator itself.

Mine takes this type of filter, there is a plastic housing that goes on the bottom though, you can see it in the Frequently Bought together section. Amazon.com: WIX Spin On Fuel Water Separator w/Open End Bottom : Automotive
Or you may not have the reusable plastic piece but a single unit like this
Baldwin Filters BF1379 .66 Fuel Filter, 4-19/32 x 3-1/32 x 4-19/32In |...

I did have to crack a line and prime it. I worked my way back from the generator to the filter, undoing the fuel pump and observing the output. If it is trickling or not squirting far, the aforementioned filter could be the cause. It could also be a weak fuel pump that cannot keep up with load, you may try swapping that out. If the output is the same as before, it's most likely the separator.

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Re: Generator quitting

Reply #12 – September 09, 2022, 11:41:58 pm

Filtered diesel at the correct pressure is the key to most everything. Here is a photo of the generator compartment now with additional filters, a pressure gauge where the fuel leaves the secondary and the T handled valve that can be used to send trapped air back to the tank in case of a supply line introducing air into the system.

Pierce

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #13 – September 10, 2022, 12:01:06 am

That's a nice setup Pierce. Did you move the separator there or is that factory?

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #14 – September 10, 2022, 01:36:44 am

No, ebay! It was cheap there but like many things, it required a bit of work to get it to work correctly. After putting it together with the supplied fittings, the generator shut down. So, I put a MityVac on it and could see it leaked air. It had metric threads so I tapped it for NPT and went to the hardware store for the fittings that matched my tap. Works perfectly. I used a 3/8" steel bar to mount the new filter on. Stainless bolts. Filter was less than $20 delivered but another $12 for the four fittings I ended up needing.

If there is no primary filter in the open and the electric fuel pump is as pictured, remove the bottom with the 5/8" and check and clean.

The stainless shut off is used to shut off the supply line to change it, etc. It's has a locking tab so it cannot be accidentally closed.

If the generator has not been started for a while, I open the T handled valve, use the glow position on the start switch which runs the fuel pump and pushes any air out of the generator fuel sysem and back to the tank. After about 20 seconds, I close the valve and start the generator.

The fuel pressure gauge shows the pressure to the injection pump. Typically, about 3-4 psi when the engine is running.

Pierce

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #15 – September 10, 2022, 02:06:18 am

Ours would run for a while and then quit. Ended up being a plugged up radiator. As soon as I blew it out with the onboard air hose , it ran fine.

When I got home I washed it out with the water hose also. I could pull the radiator and pressure wash it proper but I haven't yet.

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #16 – September 10, 2022, 11:00:56 am

If it has kubota like my powertech 10kw, my full shutoff selonoid failed. Pretty coom on problem local diesel shop had on the shelf. Plug and play. Kubota dealer probably has it or can get it. Powertr check Web site also. If it's hot to touch windings are failing then denergizes and shus off like normal shut down.

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #17 – September 11, 2022, 12:44:38 pm

Hi Linda & Randy.

I was having a problem with my generator, and it displayed "High Temp".
So, after researching on this board, I learned about the possibility of an air pocket in the cooling system. I opened the petcock on the radiator and placed a garden hose in the fill tank. It took a minute or two before liquid began to flow from this petcock. I then closed it, replaced the radiator cap and started the gen. I ran for around 20 minutes and once again shut down indicating HIGH TEMP. So again, I open the petcock placed the garden hose in the fill tank until liquid once again began to flow from it. Now I started the gen, with hose flowing and petcock open. With a few seconds the water flowed a steady stream, and I closed the petcock, filed the tank and all has been good since. A mechanic told me that by running the gen it allowed the thermostat to open and completed what is called "BURPING THE SYSTEM"

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #18 – September 11, 2022, 01:10:05 pm

You are needing to put coolant in your system, water will cause issues.

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #19 – September 11, 2022, 01:21:06 pm

RWE- Using water from your hose can cause rust and form deposits in the system over time. You should do a flush and refill with coolant/antifreeze and distilled water. I prefer concentrate coolant but the premix works ok too, it just cost more. If you go with the premix, you don't need to buy distilled water.

Re: Generator quitting

Reply #20 – September 11, 2022, 01:34:27 pm

Actually, unless you can get 100% of the current "liquid" out of the system, better to to do a final rinse with distilled water. Then add 50% of capacity in coolant concentrate and merely top off with distilled water.

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