1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Topic: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem (Read 599 times) previous topic - next topic

1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

October 22, 2013, 06:57:58 pm

I am experiencing what I believe to be a fuel related failure with my 8 KW Power Tech generator.
The rattle pump seems to prime the engine ok, but it dies out after 20 seconds and then comes back to life, dies again, and comes back to life indicating to me a fuel starvation problem.
Fuel filter has been replaced.
Based on research on the board, (using QUOTE MARKS helps narrow down the search) I have found many others that have replaced their fuel lines.
However, I have not found anyone so far with a 96 U270 that has done the replacement and i am looking for tips on getting the job done tomorrow.
I am also wondering about a method to check the rattle pump that primes the engine, as I understand they become weak.
I could use some suggestions on this situation as I plan to try to get something done on it tomorrow.
Regards,

Re: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Reply #1 – October 22, 2013, 07:10:48 pm

Quote from: Jon Twork – October 22, 2013, 06:57:58 pm

However, I have not found anyone so far with a 96 U270 that has done the replacement and i am looking for tips on getting the job done tomorrow.

Jon,

Here ya go, and it's on a '96 U270

Genset Fuel Hose Rreplacement

Re: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Reply #2 – October 22, 2013, 07:15:21 pm

And description from the Yahoo Archive

Generator Fuel Line

Re: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Reply #3 – October 22, 2013, 09:13:35 pm

Jon,
I had the same problem with mine a while back. It was the fuel pump prefilter was clogged. I dont know if yours is the same as mine. Here is a picture. Easily bought at Napa.

Mark

Re: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Reply #4 – October 22, 2013, 09:14:49 pm

Jon, try the "bucket test." If the generator runs drawing fuel from a bucket through a new fuel line, the generator is probably sucking air through the old lines. Your symptoms are similar to those of our 1997 coach. Sometimes the generator would run for an hour. Sometimes for a few seconds. New fuel lines fixed the problem. Inspection of the fuel lines to the main engine led us to replace them, also. We had the work done at FOT. Two coach bucks. You could do it yourself. I prefer to pay to experts. Search for "old fuel lines" and "fuel line replacement." Several people with coaches built in 1995-1999 have recent experienced failures of OEM fuel lines.

Re: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Reply #5 – October 22, 2013, 09:56:56 pm

I would replace electric fuel pump. Not expensive and pretty easy to replace. Also some fuel pumps have a small round short replaceable metal input filter that looks like a permanent fitting, not a filter, than can be bypassed and changed later to test for problems.

Test for fuel line problems by sucking clean diesel from a container directly to input of pump with a new temp hose.

We replaced fuel line and electric fuel pump, but fuel line change was nothing special, just a bunch of work to route it back to tank and remove/replace hose at tank fitting. Some have got around the tank access problem by splicing a new hose to the old hose after cutting out a section. It is just low pressure fuel line hose. Our bad fuel pump used to stop making sound while switch was continuously being pressed.

Good luck.

Re: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Reply #6 – October 22, 2013, 10:48:16 pm

Doing the bucket test on ours showed the gen could run both airs and charge the battery... As long as the line was in the bucket. Hooking it back up to the tank had it sputtering and dying as before. That doesn't completely rule out the pump from being weak, but my money is on the fuel lines, or will be after I cough up the two coach bucks to have them changed. The new stuff they use looks to be superior to the rubber lines, and I have no desire to do this one myself. I have seen the underside of the coach enough for one year... I will try to save my energy for more creative projects. But I would do it if I had to, just no fun. Just sayin'

Re: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Reply #7 – October 26, 2013, 06:22:13 pm

The generator fuel starvation problem has been resolved. After reviewing all of the comments, I opted for the simple fix.
We found where the fuel supply line was sucking air just outside of the generator compartment. Big cracks in the Aeroquip super hose. Cut it off back to some uncracked hose and inserted a piece of 3/8" steel fuel line and connected a piece of 3/8" Auto Zone fuel line to it and then hooked it up to the barb just before the pump. Pump primed it OK. Runs great. Actually, better than it has in about 5 years.
After examining the Aeroquip hose, which is supposed to handle 300 psi, I am not impressed with its resistance to age. I hear good things about silicone hoses. Anybody had any experience with them for this type of application?
Thanks for all the assistance.
Regards,

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1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

October 22, 2013, 06:57:58 pm

Re: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Reply #1 – October 22, 2013, 07:10:48 pm

Re: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Reply #2 – October 22, 2013, 07:15:21 pm

Re: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Reply #3 – October 22, 2013, 09:13:35 pm

Re: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Reply #4 – October 22, 2013, 09:14:49 pm

Re: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Reply #5 – October 22, 2013, 09:56:56 pm

Re: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Reply #6 – October 22, 2013, 10:48:16 pm

Re: 1996 U270 Power Tech 8 KW Generator fuel problem

Reply #7 – October 26, 2013, 06:22:13 pm

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