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Generator issues on the road
We always run our generator for our entire trip. We have been running it for about 7 hours, it has started to sputter every 10 minutes and shuts off everything electrical, then surges back up. We need batteries cannot invert, please advise.
It it is a 17,000 K Kubota Powertech. It is full of fuel.
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12 Replies
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What’s the make/model, etc. of the generator and total time on it?
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My first thought would be to change the fuel filters. Also do you have more then 1/4 tank of fuel? If there is a small electric fuel pump on the generator, that could be going bad.
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The first thing i would do is open the bay and watch the stop solenoid plunger on the side of the fuel rack. If it is pulling the fuel rack closed during the episode then the generator is sensing a problem with voltage temp or oil and is trying to shut it self off. Or… The fuel stop solenoid itsef or its signal has a problem. If it isnt pulling the rack closed during the episode it is trying to stay running but may be starving for fuel or air. This will tell you where to start looking.
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We are sitting in the Walmart parking lot in Springville, Al. It is a 17,000 Kubota Powertech. It is full of fuel. I am working on finding a fuel filter.
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Your description of the problem sounds like the genny engine(Kubota?) is starving for fuel.
Causes: Clogged fuel filter(s)(my gen has 2 fuel filters); bad electric fuel pump; fuel line leak; fuel shutoff solenoid failing or bad electrical connection.
Call PowerTech @ 800-760-0027
Their website is: PowerTech linkThey can guide you to one of their service providers
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Good advice John. My vote is with fuel filter also. I do not know what fuel pump Powertech uses, but on some model generator engines the fuel pumps have been an issue.
Unrelated is old batteries can be a real problem if not replaced because they can heavily work your DC charging system as it tries to keep up with batteries that just will not take a proper charge.
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I had similar problems. I had a leaking fuel pump, replaced it. Fuel pumps are available at any auto supply store. Still had the problem. I replaced all the fuel lines running from the incoming fuel to the two filters and up to the engine. But, not the fuel line from the tank to the filters. The problem has not re-appeared. The lines were 15 years old and I believe were collapsing under heavy load restricting fuel flow. When the electrical load would shut off the generator would surge. My next move was going to be replacing the line from the tank.
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No directly related … my brother had an old log skidder sitting in the woods in Wisconsin for fifteen years. Wanted to take it to Florida. Duetz aircooled diesel. Couldn’t get it started. Then got it started, couldn’t get it running. Our BIL who just retired from his the construction biz that his Dad started had lots of experience with old diesel stuff (his Dad never bought anything new). Our BIL and another really old diesel guy said often old fuel lines get soft and collapse as stated above and/or get pin holes in them over time which allows air into the line and the engine doesn’t like that.
Both the BIL and the old guy said the same thing … being lazy … often the fuel lines are the easiest to replace. Start there after you have new fuel filters. My brother actually bypassed the fuel filter by putting a new line to fuel pump into a milk jug full of diesel fuel and it ran fine. Then he replaced the fuel line that he could, the one from the tank to the electric pump he couldn’t get at. Then it ran fine.
You’d think on a newer coach like the OP has the fuel lines has should be OK, but you never know. I’m sure the OP will let us know the solution.
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I think over the years I have had every issue possible with a Genny . Every post above is spot on as to areas to search . I did not see air filter listed . Look for a collapsed air hose . Remove the air filter for a moment and see if the problem goes away . Air or fuel just like most motors .
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Well after fuel filters, air filter, checking all fuel and air lines…… we are back at Jeff’s!
I will update results when he has it ready. Thanks for all the replies while we were roadside!
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Jeff is like Allstate … you’re in good hands!
Having a Liberty, why are you running the generator on the road when traveling all time?
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While looking for fuel filters, very if you only have one filter, or two. I recently ran into the same issue as you. Changed both filters and the Gen runs like a champ now.
I think I found my filters at NAPA. Mine is a 20kw.
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