Generator question.
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
Generator question.
Since there seem to be plenty of RV guys in here, I figured this question would be appropiate. I am working on my mothers 1986 30' Suncrest RV. It has a Kholer 2 cylinder generator motor. I think the fuel pump is going out and was thinking of replacing it with a universal electric pump. I have no idea what kind of fuel pressure the motor needs though. Most pumps are in the 4-7psi range. Would this work or would I need a regulator?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Since there seem to be plenty of RV guys in here, I figured this question would be appropiate. I am working on my mothers 1986 30' Suncrest RV. It has a Kholer 2 cylinder generator motor. I think the fuel pump is going out and was thinking of replacing it with a universal electric pump. I have no idea what kind of fuel pressure the motor needs though. Most pumps are in the 4-7psi range. Would this work or would I need a regulator?
I'll try to look up the pressure later today, but when Onan was behind on pumps, they were telling folks to just pick one up at NAPA. I am not suggesting I think that is a good idea though, as I also know some pumps are rated at too high a pressure.
Steve
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
I have been told that it will run good for awhile, up to 12 hours sometimes and then just stops and wont restart. I still need to replace the starter cable(doing that today) since it fell apart when I went to test it, but I can still turn the fuel pump on and it sounds erratic. I believe the fuel line was replaced last year from the tank to the pump but I will double check this claim.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Is it drawing off the RV's main tank? Once the fuel level drops below about 1/4 tank, the generator won't get fuel. They are designed this way so you can't run yourself out of gas with the generator.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I have been told that it will run good for awhile, up to 12 hours sometimes and then just stops and wont restart. I still need to replace the starter cable(doing that today) since it fell apart when I went to test it, but I can still turn the fuel pump on and it sounds erratic. I believe the fuel line was replaced last year from the tank to the pump but I will double check this claim.
A run of 12 hours is a heck of a long time for a bad fuel pump to operate. Lots of things can cause those symptoms. You really need to catch it when it fails to restart. When it is running has anyone put a meter on it to check the output voltage? A lot of older genset has therma relays that opened when they got hot. Once it opened you could crank em all day and they would never fire.
I would also check the converter output to make sure the battery is not running down, if by chance there is any question about 12-volt power to appliances at the same time the genset craps out. Lots of folks think generators have chargers built in, but very few ever had and those that did had a very small charger.
I know this sounds obsessive, but I never replace parts unless I am sure they are bad and I do not think you have enough information yet to make a diagnosis.
good luck,
Steve
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
Ok, I checked the fuel line and it all looks good, no cracks that I could find. I got it running and for the most part it runs pretty good. Every now and then the idle speed will get erratic for a few seconds and then smooth out. I've had it running for an hour though and every 30 minutes it will die. It has restarted both times with only 2 tries and just contiues to run. The battery guage inside is maxxed to the "Good" side while its running.
I was not aware of the 1/4 tank rule as it does run off the main tank. As it sits right now, the main tank is 1/2 full.
I was not aware of the 1/4 tank rule as it does run off the main tank. As it sits right now, the main tank is 1/2 full.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Ok, I checked the fuel line and it all looks good, no cracks that I could find. I got it running and for the most part it runs pretty good. Every now and then the idle speed will get erratic for a few seconds and then smooth out. I've had it running for an hour though and every 30 minutes it will die. It has restarted both times with only 2 tries and just contiues to run. The battery guage inside is maxxed to the "Good" side while its running.
I was not aware of the 1/4 tank rule as it does run off the main tank. As it sits right now, the main tank is 1/2 full.
I was not aware of the 1/4 tank rule as it does run off the main tank. As it sits right now, the main tank is 1/2 full.
Steve
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
Right now there is no load, I was running the A/C earlier(the 1st half hour) and it seemed to be fine. After my last post, the motor stopped after 20 minutes. I restarted it, ran for about 30 seconds then died. It started and died a couple times until it finally ran for a couple minutes before stopping again. Now it just keeps running a few minutes then dying but always starts back up.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Right now there is no load, I was running the A/C earlier(the 1st half hour) and it seemed to be fine. After my last post, the motor stopped after 20 minutes. I restarted it, ran for about 30 seconds then died. It started and died a couple times until it finally ran for a couple minutes before stopping again. Now it just keeps running a few minutes then dying but always starts back up.
You do have ample oil so it it not shutting down on the pressure switch?
Steve
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
I let it sit for a few minutes and cant get it to restart now. I checked for spark(good) and I removed the fuel line from the carb and just ran the pump and there is plenty of fuel coming out. I checked the oil earlier and cant remember how much was in there. I know it was real clean like it had just been changed. I will let it sit a bit longer and double check the level.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I let it sit for a few minutes and cant get it to restart now. I checked for spark(good) and I removed the fuel line from the carb and just ran the pump and there is plenty of fuel coming out. I checked the oil earlier and cant remember how much was in there. I know it was real clean like it had just been changed. I will let it sit a bit longer and double check the level.
Steve
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
Just a little update, I was unable to find any literature on the generator. When I was returning it though, I noticed the fuel guage had dropped to 1/4 tank. I filled up the main tank, but all the generator will do is start, run for 2 seconds then die. There is a triangular **** on the side of the carb that swivels as the motor is running, it seems like it would control a butterfly valve in the carb. I found that if I hold it in the middle of it's travel path the motor will continue to run. I think I am gonna pull the carb off and get it rebuilt since it probably hasn't been done in a long while.
