Generator Issue - HELP

[Doc_Vegas]

OK guys, in preparation for our first long weekend, I tested the generator at the slip. In the 9 months I have owned this boat, I have had the generator on 3 times, just to test it basically. I have always noticed that it runs smooth as silk, then sputters/runs rough for a while, then comes back. I assumed this was normal (Kohler 800 I believe).

Yesterday, I fired it up while running the AC wide open, a TV, a fan, and the stereo. The generator would run smooooth, the start coughing and back firing - sometimes sputtering for quite a while, then it smooooth out again. This kept going on and on. Then I took the load off and it went back to smooth followed by the rough/rattly period.

I really need it in tact for our long trip. Any suggestions??? The gen. set has been rarely used!

Thanks!!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Generator Issue - HELP

carb cleaning, tune up? water in fuel?

 

[QC]

Re: Generator Issue - HELP

Yeah, I agree ^^^^ the cycling is odd, but start with the basics. Do all of the accessories stay on while it is fussing? Basically, the performance is no different with or without load?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Generator Issue - HELP

A generator probably as the worst duty of any engine. It is run for a short time and then sits for long periods. This is a recipe for gum and varnish build up in the fuel system so it is very iimportant to treat the fuel with Stabil or my preference, Sea Foam. Generators should be exercised every chance you get.

 

[Doc_Vegas]

Re: Generator Issue - HELP

Thanks. To clarify, the boat is running great - doubtful there is water in the fuel since the gen. feeds from the main tank. What is involved with the generator tune-up? It did not come with a manual, so I need to seek one on-line. I suppose it could be a spark plug, but it seems unlikely. Is there an air filter or fuel filter for the generator?

Even though it poped and coughed, it seemed to keep the power flowing. BUT, it would pop badly, sounded like popcorn and sounded like backfiring through the carb. If a car were doing this, I would expect to see some fire coming out of the carb (that is exactly what it sounded like).

Any further ideas/clues would be greatly appreciated!

Doc

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Generator Issue - HELP

Check this site out-

http://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15962

 

[Doc_Vegas]

Re: Generator Issue - HELP

Well, I thought it said 800! It is definitely not from the 1940's. I will look again when I am back. I am posting from 35000 feet above Ohio (I am guessing).

 

[RollingWanderer]

Re: Generator Issue - HELP

Sounds like how my lawn mower was running this past spring. Ran some sea foam through it and no more problems.

-RW

 

[mphy98]

Re: Generator Issue - HELP

A generator probably as the worst duty of any engine. It is run for a short time and then sits for long periods. This is a recipe for gum and varnish build up in the fuel system so it is very iimportant to treat the fuel with Stabil or my preference, Sea Foam. Generators should be exercised every chance you get.

I agree, the motor home genset gets run once a month no matter what. and before it gets put to bed for the winter I run seafoam through the main engine as well. they are on the same fuel tank so this is an easy piece of maint.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Generator Issue - HELP

As for the fuel supply -- it doesn't matter what the condition of the fuel is that's currently in the boat. The fuel that has been in the generator carburetor for very long periods is what causes the varnish build up. The cycling of the engine is the governor trying to compensate for the surging caused by the gummed up carb. This thing needs to have the carb rebuilt.

 

[baggersteve]

Re: Generator Issue - HELP

I would change fuel and air filters also.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Generator Issue - HELP

Seafoam!

 

[Doc_Vegas]

Re: Generator Issue - HELP

Thanks, does the generator have its own air and fuel filters??? Also, how do you apply "Sea Foam"?

Doc

 

[mphy98]

Re: Generator Issue - HELP

Thanks, does the generator have its own air and fuel filters??? Also, how do you apply "Sea Foam"?

Doc

pour it into the gas of the generator. It is great stuff.

 

[RollingWanderer]

Re: Generator Issue - HELP

Thanks, does the generator have its own air and fuel filters??? Also, how do you apply "Sea Foam"?

Doc

It should have it's own air and fuel filters, emphasis on "should".

Sea Foam comes in a can like fuel system cleaners and can be bought at most auto parts stores. Add to genny fuel supply, which may be your main fuel tank and run the genny for quite a while to get the sea foam through the carb.

-RW