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Topic: generator possibly fuel in the oil? (Read 1636 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: generator possibly fuel in the oil?

Reply #25 –
The one thing nobody mentioned is that the generator level is much lower than the fuel tank if the fuel tank is full.  When I changed one of my generator fuel filters I got a constant stream of fuel while changing it due to the siphon effect.  The other secondary filter doesn't seem to do this though.

But it should in theory be possible for an injector to be bad and to drip fuel due to siphon and fill up the crankcase.  Likely very VERY slowly though.  Seems like the kind of problem that would resolve itself with use and a fresh oil change on a non common rail engine.

Re: generator possibly fuel in the oil?

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Mark D –
The one thing nobody mentioned is that the generator level is much lower than the fuel tank if the fuel tank is full.  When I changed one of my generator fuel filters I got a constant stream of fuel while changing it due to the siphon effect.  The other secondary filter doesn't seem to do this though.

But it should in theory be possible for an injector to be bad and to drip fuel due to siphon and fill up the crankcase.  Likely very VERY slowly though.  Seems like the kind of problem that would resolve itself with use and a fresh oil change on a non common rail engine.


Mark, yes, I was kind of wondering about this.  My familiarity of generators is more Onan and gasoline driven so the Powertech is a bit novel to me.  It would be ideal if the oil change and regular exercise remedied the majority of the problem.

And all these reports of low temps in the south is a bit disappointing.  Was/am hoping for a bit warmer than that even for a overnight low.  OTO, as long as I don't have to shovel snow, I'll be happy with it.

Lastly, I have to report, I picked the coach up from the shop late this afternoon and drove it back to storage (about 25 miles) until the main trip next week and while it's too bad they couldn't change out the oil on the generator along with the engine, the ride, with the 8 new Konis, was VERY much improved, dramatically so.  Even in just 25 miles it was easy to feel the difference.  That was most definitely a worthy expenditure; very happy with the improvement.

Bill
95 36' U295  CAI, build #4757
—>formerly homed in the midwest, now mobile again,
      mid-atlantic for the present.

Re: generator possibly fuel in the oil?

Reply #27 –
Quote from: dsd –
Bill you need to establish a new to you baseline of operation. I would simply change oil and watch the level. You could send a sample out to get analyzed and would no longer be guessing.
Scott


 I totally agree.  Establishing a new baseline is key.  Am going to send both engine and generator oils out for analysis. 

Bill
95 36' U295  CAI, build #4757
—>formerly homed in the midwest, now mobile again,
      mid-atlantic for the present.

Re: generator possibly fuel in the oil?

Reply #28 –
For that to be true, the tank would have to be full or almost full as the injectors are almost at the elefation of the top of the tank, the diesel would have to go through the primary filter, the electric fuel pump, the secondary fuel filter but would be stopped by the pistons in the injection pump with no possibility of passing through them and up to the injectors. Many injectors will seep a little and if this scenario were to be true, every time an injector leaked a little and the fuel supply was above them, the crankcase would gradually increase in level. Not in my realm of possibilities.

If the injectors were one foot below the fuel level in the tank, the pressure would be about 0.33 psi.  At 4 inches below, the pressure would drop to about 0.08 psi. Not much head here.

I'm not buying diesel in the crankcase with the only possibility being a bad seal at the end of the injection pump drive end. Not likely. With the Cummins, a failed diaphragm on the lift pump could easily cause the oil to become diluted. This can and occasionally does happen on any ICE with a mechanical fuel pump.

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

Re: generator possibly fuel in the oil?

Reply #29 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
41F this morning in Lyons, GA.
68d F this AM in the Tropical Tip of Texas.
Herb and Willie
Escapees 90802
2014 IH-45 Build 6581
2002 U320 40' AGDS Build 6021 Sold
1999 U320 36' No Slides Sold
2007 Monaco Dynasty Diamond IV Sold
2005 Discovery 39 Sold
1986 20' Wilderness TT,  Died a natural death after floods, etc.
Walldog's Journeys
And Willie Said

Re: generator possibly fuel in the oil?

Reply #30 –
21*F here in Northern Wisconsin with 40 MPH wind gusts so 6* wind chill.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: generator possibly fuel in the oil?

Reply #31 –
In all the time it took for these posts, the generator could have been started 100x, warmed up, oil drained, filled with new oil and filter, started, stopped and using a smart phone, a photo taken of the oil level.

Unbelievable!

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

Re: generator possibly fuel in the oil?

Reply #32 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
In all the time it took for these posts, the generator could have been started 100x, warmed up, oil drained, filled with new oil and filter, started, stopped and using a smart phone, a photo taken of the oil level.

Unbelievable!

Pierce

When you don't have a handy place to change the oil you need to do some creative thinking.
I'd start by stopping at a small garage and asking them if I could change the oil in their yard with the hope that they'd offer to do the task for a small fee.  Plan "B" would be strategic parking in a low traffic location.  With a handy BS story in my back pocket just in case the authorities stopped by to chat.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: generator possibly fuel in the oil?

Reply #33 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
When you don't have a handy place to change the oil you need to do some creative thinking.
I'd start by stopping at a small garage and asking them if I could change the oil in their yard with the hope that they'd offer to do the task for a small fee.  Plan "B" would be strategic parking in a low traffic location.  With a handy BS story in my back pocket just in case the authorities stopped by to chat.
One of  those black plastic oil drain containers with the plastic spin on lid is plenty for the generator and filter oil. Then, NAPA, WalMart or other auto stores should be able to recycle it in their tank. https://images.orgill.com/large/6075683.JPG

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

Re: generator possibly fuel in the oil?

Reply #34 –

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
In all the time it took for these posts, the generator could have been started 100x, warmed up, oil drained, filled with new oil and filter, started, stopped and using a smart phone, a photo taken of the oil level.

Unbelievable!

Pierce


What good is a life without armchair conjecture on a forum!?  8)