Generator is cutting out ??

Topic: Generator is cutting out ?? (Read 1792 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator is cutting out ??

January 06, 2014, 12:06:53 pm

I've been traveling 75 N from Florida and am now at exit 134 in Tennessee. Last night I filled the 150 gal fuel cell and only had enough diesel winter treatment for 100 gal. I put it in and have driven until now and am down to 3/4 of a tank. The temp outside is 11 and for what ever reason, my generator keeps shutting down. We've been cruising along with fans, dash heat etc going and I know those things arent affecting the generator. The only thing different today is that the front overhead a/c is in operation using the heat strip to move heat forward to the windshield. The generator has always been a die hard and never had any issue with it. The oil was just changed a week ago but the inline feul filter has never been while I've owned it for 4 years.

Is there some specific filter needed or if I take it off and give it to a parts guy, will he give me what I need?

Im currently at an Advanced Auto store.

Could the generator be cutting out because of geling fuel?

Or the filter needing replacing?

Im also going to top off the fuel and buy some more winter fuel additive.

Thanks

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #1 – January 06, 2014, 12:42:22 pm

I assume you have the 7.5KW Onan diesel generator? I have the same one.
There's a small "fault" trip button on the front panel of the generator that will pop out with any of the following: coolant high temp, low coolant level and low oil pressure.
Once the button pops out, the generator will not start(will not even crank) until it is reset by pressing it back in. The button normally sits flush.
If this button has not been tripping then I would have it say it is a fuel issue: no fuel, bubbles in fuel, or gelled due to the cold. I would have thought that a 2/3 solution would be enough to protect you at 11 degrees.
Another thing is normally sealed pipe joints (like on the fuel system) might leak a little air in overnight in very cold temperatures.
Keeping the tank full and adding more winter additive are good ideas.
If you continue to have problems give us more details on how long it runs and how much cranking is involve to get it restarted.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #2 – January 06, 2014, 12:58:22 pm

That is the generator we have. It does start after a bit of crank time then cuts out kinda like its not getting fuel. Its got a small in line tube filter and looks like its been about a quart low now that I've got things level.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #3 – January 06, 2014, 01:05:07 pm

If I take off the inline filter will fuel continue to run out?

Aslo there is a round bowl type gizmo with what looks like a drain plug on it. Should I take it apart? If so what might I find?

I cannot believe how cold it is outside!

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #4 – January 06, 2014, 01:44:06 pm

I put in a 32 oz bottle of the red 911 deice additive and changed the inline fuel filter. I could hardly blow through the old and the new is really easy. I also drained some fuel out of the water / fuel filter plug and it flowed freely. Ican not get the gen to start now.....I assume because of opening the line. Would really like to get back on the road....any Iideas?

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #5 – January 06, 2014, 02:13:54 pm

I had this same problem in recent single digit F temps.

The fuel lift pump would run and pull fuel up to the filter allowing the engine to start but the engine was not able to keep pulling the fuel up on its own once the lift pump shut off. I have an inline glass filter to witness this. I think it is the gelled fuel clogging up the fuel filter. I removed the filter and brought it inside for awhile and bringing it to room temperature which allowed the genset to run for awhile but once the cold fuel had been running through it for awhile it would shut down.

I am looking into fuel heater/ filter combinations. The big engine doesn't seem to be affected by this to the degree that the Isuzu genset is.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #6 – January 06, 2014, 02:19:19 pm

Carl,
I would keep the main engine running to make sure it stays warm and if the coolant gets temp starts to drop use something on the gas pedal to hold to about 1000 rpm fast idle.

I would crack the bleed screw a little and crank the engine. You should see fuel come out more when cranking and you should be able to see if there is air in the line.

Attached is an annotated picture of my generator. I don't have an inline fuel filter that you changed. There is a fuel pump that is 12 volts and will only show voltage when running (I think all the time) or cranking. The fuel filter is a spin on style. The bolt on the bottom is to check for water in the fuel. Both of these are below the fuel level in the tank so fuel will flow (even though the hose is attached up high) due to siphoning action. Another requirement to run is the shutdown solenoid. Unpowered, an internal spring will push the lever to the right. When cranking or running the solenoid is powered and should move to the left.

If you think the fuel might be gelled you could pour some hot tap (or kettle) water over the lines.

You could verify voltage to the electric fuel pump. There's a connector on the wire to it where it's easy to check. Should be voltage when cranking. Verify shutoff solenoid moves to left at same time.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #7 – January 06, 2014, 02:59:09 pm

Thanks for the info. I was wondering if I keep trying to start it (it seems to want to stay going but still won't) will I burn something out? I'm trying to make the best use of day light hrs on the road. I was thinking of stopping at a Napa & changing my water separator filer.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #8 – January 06, 2014, 03:34:34 pm

Quote from: Carl Sandel – January 06, 2014, 02:59:09 pm

I was wondering if I keep trying to start it (it seems to want to stay going but still won't) will I burn something out?

The starter might be the only thing - it can be overheated and burned out. Unless you think you're going doing something productive by cranking (like work the air out of the lines when the fuel filter is changed) there's usually nothing gained by trying to start it after about 3 tries. You should let the starter rest a little between starts to allow the starter to cool and dissipate heat.
If you don't get it resolved by the end of the day, and assuming you are going to find hookups where you overnight, I would put a heater or a light bulb in that compartment and a towel in the bottom inlet opening under the actual generator during the night just to see if it is just gelling fuel.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #9 – January 06, 2014, 03:50:58 pm

Im about 30 miles from Richmond Tennessee and it looks like theres a Napa there. I thought I'd stop and see if they have that separator filter unit....and hope I dont damage anything. I'm not sure if the large nut that the drain plug goes through is to remove the metal container or if the whole container un screws. Still a long ways from home and have lost a lot of time.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #10 – January 06, 2014, 04:25:59 pm

Quote from: Carl Sandel – January 06, 2014, 03:50:58 pm

I'm not sure if the large nut that the drain plug goes through is to remove the metal container or if the whole container un screws.

The whole thing unscrews just like a standard car oil filter. Nut on bottom is just a drain.
Onan p/n 149-2106
Napa p/n 3392
Wix p/n 33392

I don't remember if I did anything to try to shutoff the fuel while changing it. I think I just used a catch tray under it while quickly changing it out. You might shape a piece of aluminum foil into a bowl to fit into the area under it. The bleed screw will need to be cracked about 1/2 a turn while cranking to get the air out. As soon as you see a steady flow (while cranking) close off the screw. Good luck.
A good way to get ride of the diesel smell on your hands is to wash them with soap, dry them, then "wash" your hands with just lotion and then wipe off excess with a paper towel.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #11 – January 06, 2014, 04:35:12 pm

Question: Would it make sense to run on a half tank of fuel and fill to half more often to maybe raise the fuel tank temperature to prevent the fuel from gelling to the genset?

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #12 – January 06, 2014, 04:39:45 pm

Right now napa dont have the 3392. Ive not removed the old yet to know 100% if it will work.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #13 – January 06, 2014, 04:42:31 pm

Carl, have you tried running it using a fuel line out of a gallon jug of diesel. That would let you know for sure if it is gel fuel or not.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #14 – January 06, 2014, 05:08:16 pm

Quote from: Peter & Beth – January 06, 2014, 04:35:12 pm

Question: Would it make sense to run on a half tank of fuel and fill to half more often to maybe raise the fuel tank temperature to prevent the fuel from gelling to the genset?

The fuel will get warmed by running the main engine via the return fuel line from the injector pump.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #15 – January 06, 2014, 05:15:37 pm

Quote from: Carl Sandel – January 06, 2014, 04:39:45 pm

Right now napa dont have the 3392. Ive not removed the old yet to know 100% if it will work.

Did you see any dirt or water come out of the fuel filter earlier when you check it for flow? If not, there maybe no issue with the filter - but it's not conclusive.
Since the generator pick-up line in the tank is above the bottom (at the 1/3 or 1/4 mark) it is less likely to pick up dirt. Something to think about.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #16 – January 06, 2014, 05:40:31 pm

I've done all I can to be out in the cold with my arctic carhartts on. Have not tried out of a jug...fingers have been so painful. Nothing but fuel in the old filter. Let fuel fun out but still suspect air....bummer batteries are dead. Was hoping somehow to run down the road and maybe charge something somehow...but dont know what to do.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #17 – January 06, 2014, 06:27:10 pm

Quote from: Carl Sandel – January 06, 2014, 05:40:31 pm

I've done all I can to be out in the cold with my arctic carhartts on. Have not tried out of a jug...fingers have been so painful. Nothing but fuel in the old filter. Let fuel fun out but still suspect air....bummer batteries are dead. Was hoping somehow to run down the road and maybe charge something somehow...but dont know what to do.

Carl,
So your main engine is running with good voltage but the house batteries (which the generator starter pulls from) are dead?
That means your battery isolator is not working. You can use the boost switch (with main engine running) to charge your house batteries but with them dead you will overload the alternator over time and risk burning it up. You can't afford that with your generator out too. You could regulate it with 5 minutes on and 5 minutes off (the boost switch). I would suggest you find a hookup somewhere and get your house batteries charged up and get everyone warmed up - must be getting cold without your furnace (since it runs on the house batteries too). I'll PM my phone number to you.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #18 – January 06, 2014, 06:46:23 pm

IMPORTANT QUESTION! The engine is running great & I believe the alternator is charging. I am wondering if we can stay in the coach over nite w/the main engine idling & the furance going if its ok? I REALLY don't want to shut the engine off. I'm afraid if I do every water line I have will be broke! My understanding is the furance runs on the main battery. We are 50 miles from Cincinnati - does anyone know of a place I can plug in (I don't need 50amp). HELP PLEASE!

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #19 – January 06, 2014, 07:12:01 pm

Yes, you can run the engine all night but it's not recommended for the engine. Yes, truckers used to do this all the time but the engine manufactures advise against it now. IIRC, the engine gets too cold for proper combustion and carbon builds up. Your furnace (rear unit if you have two) will keep your water lines from freezing and it needs good battery voltage from the house batteries which you could provide if you leave the boost switch on and the engine idling. Much better if you can plug in somewhere and get your house batteries back up and turn on your engine block heater for restart in the morning. When you do get back on the road leave your boost switch on to keep your house batteries up with the alternator. And hopefully you can get your generator running too.
Do you need help finding an RV park? If I were you I would pick the next RV park I saw.

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #20 – January 06, 2014, 07:16:02 pm

Quote from: Carl Sandel – January 06, 2014, 06:46:23 pm

We are 50 miles from Cincinnati - does anyone know of a place I can plug in (I don't need 50amp). HELP PLEASE!

Carl - are you FMCA members? they have some back-in sites at the HQ in Cincinnati. Peter and Beth are in Cinci and hopefully will chime in as well

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #21 – January 06, 2014, 07:20:19 pm

Thank you this is carls wife & he has had his hands full driving. We could use some help w/ in finding a place to plug in where its safe & not real pricey. Please let us know we are currently at exit 171 in Ky

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #22 – January 06, 2014, 07:22:49 pm

No we do not have any memberships to anything

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #23 – January 06, 2014, 08:02:13 pm

Carl, if you are at Walton, Ky there is a RV park called Oak Creek Campground at 13333 Oak Creek Rd, Walton,Ky Phone # 859-485-9131
That's what came up on my RV Parking.com app

Hope this helps

Re: Generator is cutting out ??

Reply #24 – January 06, 2014, 08:05:08 pm

Quote from: Carl Sandel – January 06, 2014, 07:20:19 pm

Please let us know we are currently at exit 171 in Ky

Which Interstate? 75?

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