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Generator question

Today we made a big move - 22 miles. As usual, I fired up the generator to keep the a/c and refrigerator going. I finished up the last things outside, and as I came in the generator died. I tried restarting it several times, but it wouldn't keep running. We used the inverter to power the refrigerator and opened windows to keep us somewhat cool.

My first thought is a fuel issue, but then why did it run for a few minutes at first? Where do I start? We were at the last park for a week, and the generator ran perfectly all the way there.

Re: Generator question

Reply #1 –
When were fuel filters changed last?Is coolant level hi enough?Is there enough oil to maintain oil pressure?Is there enough fuel
in main fuel tank?Did the fan belt come off somehow?
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Generator question

Reply #2 –
The generator was serviced at Foretravel in March, and it hasn't been used a huge amount since then. Fuel was/is full. I'll check the fan belt in the morning. A couple of years ago I had a radiator hose break, and the generator would run normally until it overheated and then would shut down. This was more of a situation where it ran normally for a few minutes, then wouldn't stay running.

Re: Generator question

Reply #3 –
Do you have a propane generator??  If so, you may just have an air pocket in your fuel line for some reason.  Have you had the fuel line off for any reason?  When I replaced my regulators I got an air pocket in the fuel line to the generator and it took several attempts of start, run, and die before I got all of the air out and it ran well.  There is no magic here, just a possible  burp in your fuel line for some reason.  Hope all goes well  ----  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: Generator question

Reply #4 –
Diesel generator. I'm wondering if the fuel pump has gone on vacation.

Re: Generator question

Reply #5 –
Do you have a preheat button to push and hold before starting?  If so it activates the small boost pump and you should be able to hear it clicking if it is working.  At least that is the way it is on my coach (different coach).  Since it died while running, could be a number of things, such as a crack in fuel line and sucking air,  clogged filters (may be a small one on the small pump), overheating, or low oil/pressure.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Generator question

Reply #6 –
When it stops does it stop like you turned it off or does it sag and surge on shudown?
A sharp shutdown would indicate to me that something has taken power off the fuel solenoid valve, such as  the oil pressure sw or coolant over temperature  sw or auto start system.
If it stumbles and surges that would probably be a fuel issue.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Generator question

Reply #7 –
We've finally arrived here in Watertown, WI where we will be until the end of September, so I can work on the coach on weekends. The generator will start and run normally for a few minutes, then shut down as if it is out of fuel.

Question: I'm hooked up to 50A shore power now. If I start the generator, what is powering the a/c - shore power or generator?

It looks like there is an electric fuel pump on the side of the generator that faces out, where I can get to it.

Question: if that really is an electric fuel pump, and it doesn't have power, would I get these symptoms? If the pump was getting power but wasn't pumping would I get these symptoms?

Re: Generator question

Reply #8 –
Replace the fuel lines. Mine did exactly the same thing. Good news is that the fuel feed line is not bad to get out 'cuz it's at the curbside of the fuel tank. Bad news is......I had to pull the fuel tank out about 1/2 way to get the return line disconnected from the tank.

The feed line cracks and sucks air. Might as well do both at the same time. Make sure you replace with diesel rated lines.

You can test it by running a line from a 5 gal. can of diesel direct to the fuel pump and see if it continues running from that source.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Generator question

Reply #9 –
Thanks, Twig. Sounds like the worst part of this is moving a FULL fuel tank. Maybe I'll see who else is on this project. Maybe there is a skinny young guy on the crew. <grin>

Re: Generator question

Reply #10 –
If it is the fuel line sucking air, it will probably be cracked between the fuel tank compartment and the generator. The lines in the fuel tank compartment are better protected. Cut and splice near the compartment new lines for now if they are bad. When I had my fuel tank out I noticed all the lines at the tank were usable but were cracked in the exposed areas.
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 #11 –
Quote from: kb0zke –
Question: I'm hooked up to 50A shore power now. If I start the generator, what is powering the a/c - shore power or generator?


It depends on your transfer switch and whether it has shoreline priority or generator priority.  Your schematics should show this if you have them.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Generator question

Reply #12 –
Quote from: kb0zke –
Sounds like the worst part of this is moving a FULL fuel tank.
Better hope for the Skinny Guy.  You're not gonna move a full fuel tank...not if you have a 148 gal tank like us.  It would weigh around 1/2 ton!  :o
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Generator question

Reply #13 –
Did the switch for the radiator fan get shut off?
95 U320 SE
07 GMC CANYON

Re: Generator question

Reply #14 –
"Did the switch for the radiator fan get shut off?" Switch? I think the radiator fan is run by the generator's engine via a belt.

Re: Generator question

Reply #15 –
Since the feed line has easy access, replace just it. When the return line cracks you will see diesel somewhere on the floor and you can attack it at that time.

Now.......I changed the tank fittings to slip on connections and double hose clamped them. No need to run out and have the same connectors pressed on to new hose. That way you can connect the old hose and new hose with a joint and just pull it through from the generator side.

When I did the return line, naturally I had a full tank also. I bought large plastic garbage cans and pumped the fuel into them and then back into the tank. Just don't tell OSHA.

OR.......a skinny guy works, too.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Generator question

Reply #16 –
Those hoses and fittings can be bought and assembled yourself,search for "aeroquip fittings". Have been using them in the
oilfield for years.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Generator question

Reply #17 –
David, I've tried to PM you but get rejects. I have owned a U 300 that had the same problems. I think I can help but not on the computer. Please call Gary O  615-849-2377
Gary O
2000 U320 4210

Re: Generator question

Reply #18 –
David,

I replaced my generator fuel pump a couple of years ago.  I was getting hard starts, rough running, and shutdowns.  I tried cleaning the old one up and that seemed to work, but after sitting a week I was still getting the same results.  On Dave M's advice I replaced it with a new Facet Gold Flo #477060E from Aircraft Spruce.  FACET GOLD-FLO INTERRUPTER TYPE PUMPS from Aircraft Spruce

After bleeding the air bubbles a few times and starting it a few times it smoothed out nicely.  I let it run for an hour with both A/Cs on and no problems.  I've had no trouble since.  I start it regularly and use Howes diesel treatment  Howes Diesel Treatment Conditioner and Anti-Gel (64 oz.) 103060: Advance... when I fill up the big tank.  My fuel lines were okay and not sucking air.  That almost 25 year old fuel pump was too weak to do the job. 

Jerry

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Jerry and Cindy Maddux
1993 U300/36WTBI DD6v92TA
build 4271  "Miss Lou"
1995 suzuki sidekick 4x4 toad
Gulfport, Ms

"Pride of Ownership"