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Topic: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds (Read 1676 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

My Powertech 10KW is giving me fits- starts and dies in 60 seconds , sometimes less.  I thought it was a fuel issue, changed both fuel filters, no joy.  I checked my coolant level, added a little and that did  not help.  I checked to be sure my fan was running and I could see it turning after the engine died when I walked over to the side to check.  No fault codes of any kind and I felt the radiator which was warm but didn't stay running long enough to get hot. 

I have no idea what to look at now- hope you can help out.  In a few weeks we head out and it is in the 90's now, not good running with no air conditioning.  Thanks in advance for your help.

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #1 –
10 to 1, it's your fuel feed hose. That was my exact same problem. Do the short fuel line to the electric pump test with a couple gallons of diesel in a container while running at least one AC at the same time. Did you see my generator fuel pressure gauge? Install a temp gauge at the same time. EZ, EZ, EZ.

Heading out for a few hours but I feeding a new hose from the tank is a 15 minute job if your generator is in the outside compartment. Don't use the old fuel line to pull the new one but something line a long and straight brake line. Crow's foot on the fuel tank fitting make it pretty easy. Old fuel line snakes around a couple of other fuel lines so that's the reason not to use it to pull the new one through. Don't need to pull generator out, just leave it in place.

Pierce

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #2 –
I will check it out - thanks Pierce.  I had new fuel lines put in 4 years ago, but I realize that doesn't mean anything.  Cant do the fuel test here in this campground- they frown on people working on their rigs.  This is a disadvantage  of being full time, trying to work on coach is not always an option.       

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #3 –
How much fuel in your tank?  Less than (roughly) 1/4 tank and your genny fuel pickup tube is designed to be sucking air.

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #4 –
Had the same thing happening a couple of years back. Called Powertech and they told be to unhook the temp. Sending unit and see if it would stay running. It did stay running so that indicated a bad sending unit that I ordered from them. Put it in, no problem since. As always this sensor is located on the backside of the engine towards the front part of the head. If you need assistance, Powertech has good customer service. Hope this helps.

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #5 –
Mine developed a bubble and would not circulate coolant - shut down in 60 seconds and faulted overheat -

Smart guys at  Power Generation Service in Albuqurque ran tests on unit (including sensor) and figured out issue - drained, refilled, burbed, etc and running fine again - got it fixed a week ago toady on way back to Seattle - wonderful people - owner is "Tad" - found them on powertech web site.

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #6 –
I have over 3/4 tank of fuel, so that is not the issue.

I was checking lines and tried starting it again and got a squealing noise from the air filter area of the generator for a few seconds.  Generator started, ran smooth for maybe 30 seconds, then died.  My belt is on the opposite side of the generator engine so I have no idea what that squeal could be or if I need to be concerned about it.     

Thanks for the thoughts and ideas............... ^.^d

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #7 –
what fault is on control panel when it dies???

should have a red light on your dash and the control panel on the unit itself will have a light lit indicating why it shut down.

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #8 –
Thats the crazy part Tim- no fault lights at all.  Not inside nor on the generator.

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #9 –
fuel becomes more suspect - who changed your lines, Bernd?

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #11 –
Yes, but I have put a lot of hours on since they were changed.  At this point I am not ruling out anything, just funny how it happened all of a sudden.

If it was fuel lines or pump why does it start, run for a little bit and then die?

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #12 –
Dan- wouldn't I get a fault light from the oil pressure switch?  I am getting no fault lights at all.

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #13 –
Check the fuel shut off solenoid.  Replaced mine when generator would start and shut down.  Easy to check and change out.

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #14 –
Check that all wire connections to controller are snug/tight.

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #15 –
Tom- thanks for the idea.  I can see it but how do I test it?  Did you order it from Powertech?

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #16 –
Quote from: Ted & Karen –
Dan- wouldn't I get a fault light from the oil pressure switch?  I am getting no fault lights at all.

On my 1994 Bluebird 10KW  Powertech (Kubota engine)I had no fault light, just a inop oil pressure switch. Yours may well be different. My records say I ordered a new one from Power Technology SE.

From memory this is likely the one I bought: Oil Pressure Switch (2 Pole) - Power Tech Mobile Generators

A jumper across the 2 poles (or connect the 2 wires w/o the pressure switch) will reveal whether or not this is the problem (short run only in case of a real oil problem)

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #17 –
Dan- the Powertech trouble shooting manual says the same thing.  I don't know where the oil pressure switch is or how to test it- any help would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #18 –
would expect that to trigger low oil warning on panel if shutting down due to erroneous low oil pressure indication

suggest call to Powertech support while they are still open....

Re: Generator starts and dies in 60 seconds

Reply #19 –
Quote from: Ted & Karen –
Dan- the Powertech trouble shooting manual says the same thing.  I don't know where the oil pressure switch is or how to test it- any help would be greatly appreciated.
Looks like this:  Oil Pressure Switch (2 Pole) - Power Tech Mobile Generators  A jumper across the 2 poles (or connect the 2 wires w/o the pressure switch) will reveal whether or not this is the problem (short run only in case of a real oil problem)

A bad pressure switch kills power to the shut off solonoid, closing it and ending the gen run. No time for the light to come on as generator shuts off right away (in my opinion).