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Generator question

Trying to chase down why the generator wont quite start and kept hearing something running. Tracked it down to the fuel pump for the generator was continuously running. Tried the start switch and it will spit and sputter but not run. The pump quit running for about 2 minutes then started up again. Why would the pump run on it's own? Sensor for fuel pressure??

Since it is running, I am of the belief that I probably have a fuel line crack, not a faulty fuel pump. Any comments on what to look for on the pump issue?

Thanks in advance,
Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: Generator question

Reply #1 –
How much fuel do you have? Generator pick-up is around a 1/4 tank
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Generator question

Reply #2 –
Sounds like a stuck relay or water in a connection.
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: Generator question

Reply #3 –
Loosen the downstream side of the pump while it's running and see if fuel comes out.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Generator question

Reply #4 –
Craneman, that was my original suspicion. I was down to 3/8 tank according to the gauge. Filled it up on Saturday morning expecting 125+ gallons. Managed to squeeze in 68.4. The gauge is off by quite a bit, but at least in my favor.

Brett, If a stuck relay, any idea where it would be located? I unplugged the pump so as not to drain the batteries.

John 44, I will try that hopefully next weekend, time permitting. I have already had to take Lola back to storage till next Saturday when she gets to take a 75 mile drive to become a guest house for my Sister in law from Texas. :thumbsup:

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: Generator question

Reply #5 –
Quote from: ohsonew –
Trying to chase down why the generator wont quite start and kept hearing something running. Tracked it down to the fuel pump for the generator was continuously running. Tried the start switch and it will spit and sputter but not run. The pump quit running for about 2 minutes then started up again. Why would the pump run on it's own? Sensor for fuel pressure??
Since it is running, I am of the belief that I probably have a fuel line crack, not a faulty fuel pump. Any comments on what to look for on the pump issue?
Thanks in advance,
Larry
Larry,

Surefire way to isolate the problem. Pull the supply hose off the electric pump, put a gallon of diesel in a container and place it close to the generator on the ground, run a 3 foot or so line from the diesel container to the intake of the electric pump. Use the glow position on the switch to operate the electric pump and to fill the generator fuel system with a fitting cracked to let the air out if you don't have a bleed valve. Start the generator and after it runs smoothly, turn on both ACs for several minutes to make sure you have found the problem. If it has, you are all set. The electric pump runs all the time the generator runs. If it keeps clicking but the generator stops, it's usually a fuel supply problem. I put a pressure gauge on the fuel filter discharge side so I can quickly tell if the injection pump is getting proper pressure.

Good time to also replace the spin-on fuel filter and eliminate it as a possible culprit.

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

Re: Generator question

Reply #6 –
Thanks Pierce. I have a diesel container which will do the trick quite nicely. Wont be able to get there till next weekend at best. That darn work thing keeps getting in the way of everything, :headwall:

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318