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Generator starts hard cold
I have a Powertech 17.5KW generator on my ’06 Millennium. From the day we got it the generator has been tough to start when it hasn’t been used in a few days. If it has been used in the last couple of days it will start right up and idle evenly. Nobody has been able to solve the problem.
When it starts cold it idles rough for about 2-3 secs and then the solenoid cuts off the fuel and it stops. I get it to start by holding the solenoid so it can’t shut off the fuel. It’ll idle rough for up to 10 seconds or so and then usually it’ll purr like a kitten. I relese the solennoid and all is well. I have been starting it this way for years, but would really like to solve the problem. The solenoid was replaced and the coolant temp and oil pressure are good. The gas filter (and all other filters) have been replaced. I have a feeling after it sits for awhile the fuel drains back into the tank. It just feels like it’s a fuel problem for 10 seconds or so.
Any ideas?
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9 Replies
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My 15 KW Kubota starts about the same way if not started in a week or so. It will start and die. After you hit it again runs perfect. Holds good oil pressure when hot. Don’t have an answer.
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I would check and see if there is a fuel check valve that has failed and causing the problem.
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Dick,
If you take it to the generator shop the very first thing is replace the fuel filter. This is standard operating
procedure in the repair world.
Next item check fuel delivery lines are tight along with hose clamps if they are used.
Your message does not say that might of already been done.
AL
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Sounds like a small air leak is allowing the fuel system to lose prime. Installing a small electric fuel pump downstream near the fuel tank will solve this problem if you can’t find the air leak.
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I’ve had Prevost in Quebec, Tenn and Florida as well as Van Mor (Powertech’s repair folks), Millennium and our local truck shop try to fix it. As I said before all filters have been changed as well as the solenoid itself. I don’t think any of them have measured fuel pressure. When I start it, it sounds like a fuel pump is running for a few seconds before it tries to start. I’ll try looking for a check valve. An air leak may be hard to find since it’ll be a very small negative pressure.
Does anyone know what is actually shutting it off? Is the inverter looking for an AC voltage or frequency within a certain window? It’s something that drives the fuel cutoff solenoid.
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Diesels quit running when fuel supply stops. I’am not familiar with power tech but is the fuel pump electric ?
You mention taking it to many places, what was the general diagnostic of poor starting.
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I installed a low pressure fuel pump inline to pull fuel on mine and that didn’t solve my issue on dying on start up. Oil pressue comes up so it’s not oil pressur. Blower motor for radiator comes on also at start up. Hope you post the solution when you find it.
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We had the Bus at Tradewinds in DeLand. Told them the story. They said it sounded like a bleeder valve was open. They tightned the valve and the generator has run perfectly ever since. Better then it ever has for us. Such a simple solution.
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Where is the bleeder valve located? I would like to check mine.
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