Generator Genset

[MRS]

We dry camp alot big group with Quads in the desert about two months ago the generator just quit running. I just run in the morning to make coffee and charge up batteries from night use I changed fuel pump,points,condensor,plugs and even main control board. I can start it up and it will just quit after about 2 or 3 minutes tomorrow will check the voltage reg. do you think it could be in the voltage reg. or the coil it has about 400 hrs. on it Thanks for any help......

 

[dolluper]

Re: Generator Genset

Type model number would help alot,low oil switch maybe just guessing without more info

 

[MRS]

Re: Generator Genset

Sorry forgot to put in it is BGE seriesF 4.0 1989. Genset1 I do have more info if needed Thanks.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Generator Genset

If they get low on oil, they will quit for sure.
With you not moving though, if it was low enough to shut down, it would not start back till oil was added.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Generator Genset

Tecumseh motor or Briggs ??/ What HP ?

 

[MRS]

Re: Generator Genset

Onan generator- I did check oil and it is good I do change oil and filter yearly.

 

[beerfilter]

Re: Generator Genset

FYI , if the oil level sensor goes bad , it WILL shut the engine down regardless of oil level .
If you are sure the oil level is correct , bypass the sensor and see if it fires / runs .
If it runs , replace the sensor .

Had 1 do this to me years ago , and it will cause a lot of uncouth language .

 

[Sig_Mech]

Re: Generator Genset

Hey MRS, I used to live in Lancaster and I did a lot of riding up there in the high desert, boy that was some good times. Have you checked your fuel system? With all the dirt and dust out there you stand a good chance of sucking some grit into the carb either through the air filter or the tank filler cap. Sounds like your float could be hanging up just enough to allow the bowl to fill while the gennie is off but when you start it the bowl gets sucked dry and the engine stops.
When the engine dies is it quick or does it start to sputter then slow down and stop?
Make sure you air filter is clean too. If it's not the unit will run rich and tend to foul plugs.
Good luck and watch out for those snakes and scorpions.

 

[MRS]

Re: Generator Genset

Thanks guys I am going out now to unplug low oil sensor and see what happens. If that does not do it will take alook at the carb. I do clean and change the air filter Sig you are right it does get dusty out there but we have a blast. Two years ago friend has 50 some acres near pioneer town we usally do not kill rattle snakes but had a lot of little kids there and in two days killed five snake that were in the camping area the smallest was alittle over four feet. I will update later Thanks for the help........

 

[levittownnick]

Re: Generator Genset

When it quits, will it start right up again like it was starved for fuel or does it have to cool off like it was overheating? If it don't start right up, did you check for spark? Most (but not all) problems are either fuel or spark. When it stalls, was there any relation to a sudden big load such as an electric motor start-up?

Once a year oil change sounds skimpy to me although that wouldn't be the reason it cuts out. How about the air filters?

Good luck,
Nick

 

[dolluper]

Re: Generator Genset

Check out this old thread for lots of info
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=159314&highlight=Onan

 

[MRS]

Re: Generator Genset

Thanks every one for the help I had to order the low oil sensor . I hope thats what it is will update when I get it should be here wednesday. I have missed two trips so far and we are going this weekend if the switch fixes it will let you know.

 

[MRS]

Re: Generator Genset

That was it Hey guys just got the low oil switch today and put it on. The generator ran for a hour with air on. Thanks for all the info it really helps to have somewhere to go with what ever problems we have. Beerfilter I also learned all the uncouth language with this problem Thanks again.