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Topic: Generator help needed (Read 761 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator help needed

Power Tech 10000k

Last year this thing would start and quit soon after. Through help here, we determined it was an air leak on the fuel line. (Found by using a line into a tank of fuel) new line to the filter, problem solved.

This year, as I prepare for travel, same type of issue. Starts up easy and does once warm. No faults on the gen but does have fault inside.

I have unhooked the fuel line and have put it into a tank. Runs then dies, not solved.

I really am just staring at this now wondering what the heck!! Only has 533 hours on it.

Thank you in advance for any help or ideas!!

Tom
2000 U320 36'
Build #5705

Re: Generator help needed

Reply #1 –
Is your water expansion tank full? Does your cooling fan run? I would check those 2 things first.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Generator help needed

Reply #2 –
How much fuel is in your coach tank. The generator pick-up is higher than the engine pick-up and will run out of fuel at about a 1/4 of a tank. If this happens you may have to bleed the fuel rail to purge the air out.
Brad & Melanie
2003 U320 3820 1st timer
'97 TJ and/or '85 CJ7

Re: Generator help needed

Reply #3 –
quote author=rbark link=msg=422810 date=1619885708]
Is your water expansion tank full? Does your cooling fan run? I would check those 2 things first.
[/

I do believe this has something to do with what is going on.  A point I forgot to mention before. My fan would not start on its own a couple of times before but once it was spun with a stick it would run. I have had to fill up the coolant tank (engine compartment passenger side) but it is full right now. I have stretched my head on wondering where the coolant goes because I have not seen any leaks.

Is there a capacitor for the fan that should be changed?
Is there a way to burp the coolant?

2000 U320 36'
Build #5705

Re: Generator help needed

Reply #4 –
Yes there is a start capacitor on the fan.  That was my problem.

On mine it had been relocated to the front of the fan,  If yours has not been relocated it is somewhere on the back side
1998 U320 40'
2005 GMC Yukon
MC# 17609

Re: Generator help needed

Reply #5 –
Before you bleed the fuel rail turn on the switch for a few seconds, let it go through preheat and turn it off before it tries to start.  Repeat this a few times and see if starts.  That's the procedure I use when replacing the fuel filter, I don't prefill the filter.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Generator help needed

Reply #6 –
So how long does it run. Is it shutting down over too hot. It sounds like you need to change your capacitor.
Another thing has you end bearing been checked.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Generator help needed

Reply #7 –
Quote from: oldguy –
So how long does it run. Is it shutting down over too hot. It sounds like you need to change your capacitor.
Another thing has you end bearing been checked.

When cold, it will run for 15-20 mins. Once it shuts down, on a restart it runs for a short few minutes.

I found the capacitor, what a terrible place on the back side, looks original. Headed to parts store to see if they have one.  21 yrs old isn't bad?

I will keep everyone posted.
2000 U320 36'
Build #5705

Re: Generator help needed

Reply #8 –
Any chance someone has the capacitor information? The number to cross reference is rubbed off.
2000 U320 36'
Build #5705

Re: Generator help needed

Reply #9 –
I think when you change the capacitor your problem would be over, I think it is shutting down over over hot.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Generator help needed

Reply #10 –
Here is what mine was/is
Blue is old
Red is new
15uf.
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH

Re: Generator help needed

Reply #11 –
My bet is on low coolant.  Bleed it, fill, bleed again, etc.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Generator help needed

Reply #12 –
If fan will not start without your help. Problem is capacitor. I had to replace mine in my old coach last year when fan would not start on it's own.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Generator help needed

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Journey, Roam, Explore –
My bet is on low coolant.  Bleed it, fill, bleed again, etc.
UPDATE:

I have replaced the fuel lines and have replaced the fan capacitor. The generator starts up great and runs till hot. No faults just dies. Small radiator hose on top of gen is hot and big hose on the side is not. Over flow tank is low and have had to add to coolant to the tank in the engine compartment. I have never seen a leak.

Thought now is I have to burp the coolant system. It has been referred to several times in other posts but I can not find the details on how to do this properly. Any advise on this is appreciated!
2000 U320 36'
Build #5705

Re: Generator help needed

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Farrarkc –
Thought now is I have to burp the coolant system. It has been referred to several times in other posts but I can not find the details on how to do this properly. Any advise on this is appreciated!


I can find the procedure for 2002 and newer that have the surge tank with the 2 valves on it  I'm guessing your 2000 does not have this.

The closest I could find was this older post by Dave M Help! No generator fan
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