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Topic: Generator problems (in Yosemite Valley): help! (Read 16 times) previous topic - next topic
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Generator problems (in Yosemite Valley): help!
Yahoo Message Number: 149264
Would appreciate any help, as bad weather and campground canopy shade prohibiting useful solar gain.
 Exercised generator (Onan Microquiet KY model--2004 RB) routinely for an hour two weeks ago.  No problems.  Arrived in Yosemite Valley a few days ago, and have not been able to start generator.  Started with one problem; now have 2.
 Initial problem:  generator starter turned over on repeated attempts, but engine would not run.  Gas tank at 1/3 and altitude about 4500 feet.  Manual shows altitude adjuster, but says the picture applies only to two models, neither of which is a KY.  Is there an altitude adjustment on this model?  I could not find it.  At 4500 feet, would that be enough altitude to cause starting problems?
 Second problem:  after repeated attempts to start, shaft froze and starter would not turn over.  I have had this problem before and got great advice from this forum about how to free it.  I used a socket wrench with a pipe over the handle to extend the handle for leverage, and the problem was solved.  Here in Yosemite I do not have a socket wrench set with me and the spanner wrench that fits is too short (not enough leverage to free the shaft).
 So, I assume I must solve problem 2 before I can attach problem 1.  I am also assuming I will need to wait until I return to the bay area on Wednesday to tackle these problems.
 Assuming problem 2 solved with a socket wrench, as before, what could be causing the initial problem--not enough fuel (even though gauge shows 1/3 tank), 4500 feet too high an altitude without carb adjustment?  Other possibilities?

Thanks--Ted
Re: Generator problems (in Yosemite Valley): help!
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149265
The genset should start and run when set for sea level, but the mixture will be incorrect for optimum output. It would be best to set it for the correct altitude, but make sure you reset it when you descend. If you can unlock the starter, then listen for the fuel pump noise when you do the prime. If it rattles on more than a few seconds, or if it rattles when running, then you have air in the fuel line. This would be symptomatic of rotted out rubber fuel line, a common issue. Ours would not start or would stall when the tank was below 3/4 until I replaced the line on top of the fuel tank.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Generator problems (in Yosemite Valley): help!
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149266
BTW, ours is an '04FL with a KY, and the altitude adjuster is behind the access panel, on the float bowl of the carburetor.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Generator problems (in Yosemite Valley): help!
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149267
Ted

Good chance the gas tank's fuel level is at the cutoff point. Most tanks cutoff between 1/4 and 1/3 of a tank.

You do need the right tools to access the bolt head on the generator's cooling fan to spin the engine over.
The stuck starter isn't normal or common. It should be removed for inspection and repair or replacement.

Not sure what the situation is with the altitude adjuster, your year generator should have a small knob on the carb.

Larry

In the Big Apple
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Generator problems (in Yosemite Valley): help!
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149268
How long had it been since you ran the generator before you let it run this last time? Maybe your fuel pump/filter has something in it. I remember when I use to work on my car many moons ago, I'd take the hose off that was attached to the carburetor and try to start it.. if fuel came out that end the fuel pump was good then I'd check the filter. Just a thought. Good luck

RedRaven..
 
Re: Generator problems (in Yosemite Valley): help!
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149282
Hi Ted,

Hopefully you've solved problem #2.

Regarding problem #1, when the starter spins, does it sound like the engine is turning over?  You know the chug chug cough sound???  Or are you just hearing a quiet spinning noise???  I've encountered this problem of what sounds like a starter spin without turning over the engine.  This only happens to me on a low battery.  Hopefully that's what you're hearing because it could mean your house battery is depleted (easy to do in the shade of Yosemite).  To (hopefully) cure that problem, start the Ford engine and let it idle for at least 30-45 minutes. Then try to start the generator with the Ford engine running.  If you get a better response but no generator start, run the Ford longer (60-90 minutes) and see what happens.  If you haven't started it after 90 minutes - see Onan.  I usually  don't need more than 15-20 minutes to rev up my house batteries for a  generator start.

Idling the Ford engine to charge the house batteries is a fall back solution and not a primary, but it's there when you need it.

Hopefully this works, as I've encountered this problem TOO MANY TIMES.  I'm a HEAVY amp user at night and after the 3rd night I will have problems in the shade of Yosemite.  I have 440 amp hour battery capacity and have done a lot of different things to help my problem.  But  . . . no cure yet.  It's a Link 10 problem that bedevils me.

I know the campground you are in (only one open)  and if you move closer to the road, you'll find a lot of spots that have much more sun than back closer to the cliff wall.  It's not as pretty as being in the trees but you'll have sunlight.

Hope I helped a little,
Bob
2000 MB