Generator dies

[driftpro]

I recently bought a used RV and have been using the generator off and on for a few weeks. The other night, the lights inside the coach began to dim and then the generator stopped running unexpectedly. It would not start again, of course. After some shut eye, I decided to connect a battery jump power pack and the generator started right up. I disconnected the jumper and in 10-15 minutes, the generator died. I re-jumped another time and it died another time.

What's going on, in basic terms?

Clearly, the batteries are drained but why would the cause the generator to quit after 10-15 minutes?

I had expected the generator would just keep on running, even if there was a battery problem. Car engines keep running, for example. So, I am keen to learn why the generator behaves differently.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Fuel pump? Converter not powering 12 system?

 

[B52Bombardier1]

Needs a valve adjustment? Low engine oil precautionary shutoff? Vented fuel cap clogged thus trapping a vacuum in the tank - thus, no fuel drains?

Rick

 

[TheLooks]

Or a bad fuel pump or plugged fuel filter.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Sounds like an annual service kit would address most suggestions

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Or a bad fuel pump or plugged fuel filter.

So the fuel pump is electric on most built in generator. If the charging system has failed, then the generator may not run. Pumping up the battery enough to crank over would power the pump but that charge would only last for a short while. My guess could be tested using a portable charger.

 

[driftpro]

So the fuel pump is electric on most built in generator. If the charging system has failed, then the generator may not run. Pumping up the battery enough to crank over would power the pump but that charge would only last for a short while. My guess could be tested using a portable charger.

Every time I connect the power bank, I can start up the generator no problem. Starts like a champ. But then I disconnect the power bank, and the generator stops after 10-15 minutes. Every time.

 

[TheLooks]

There is also an overheating issue with some generators also. Not sure which models are affected. Have not come across one like that yet. There is some sort of kit to install to prevent it.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Every time I connect the power bank, I can start up the generator no problem. Starts like a champ. But then I disconnect the power bank, and the generator stops after 10-15 minutes. Every time.

Yup! Try the charger like I said!

 

[driftpro]

Yup! Try the charger like I said!

Pardon my ignorance. I think maybe I don't understand the difference.

I thought that the portable power source was the charger. I'm starting to think perhaps it's not the same thing. Do you mean some completely other external device, such as something the connects 110 house plug to spend several hours charging the battery? I just figured those were essentially two versions of the same thing, but if there's a functional difference then it's my ignorance about such a distinction.

Thanks again for any clarification.

 

[driftpro]

Also, assuming you confirm there's an important distinction which makes a charger different from the portable power source, then my next question would be: so, if I charge it for hours and hours to the point where it stores enough energy to run the fuel pump for a long time (thus proving your original theory), then surely my generator batteries will eventually drain once again which means I must repeat this lengthy charging task every so often.... and therefore I wonder what is the best permanent fix? Do I replace the batteries with brand new ones and they'll last for years without ever needing to charge, or is it normal to constantly charge ones batteries every couple weeks? (Or is this relation to your mention of 12V converter perhaps somehow not being connected when it should be? And, if so, then should the ultimate correct process be that the engine alternator runs energy to the converter which then runs it to the generator battery?)

I'd love to understand what's being said now, in the 'test this to see' phase, as well as understand the bigger, longer-term 'this is how things ought to work' setup. Thanks again!

 

[driftpro]

Low engine oil precautionary shutoff?

I did check the oil prior to posting here just so I'd know what the story was. The level was at the low indicator, so I added more oil (recommended SAE 30) to eliminate any possibility of oil-related problem.

Also, I saw in the diagram there was a removable "air cleaner" (a filter), so I removed it to tap it clean (per instructions) and then placed it back.

 

[TheLooks]

I am replacing a carburetor on an onan soon. It will start and run but not stay running. Good fuel pressure and the filter is fine etc. The gas produced these days is certain death on them if not run minimum of every month and better every 2 weeks. If you don't use it the gas ruins the carbs.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Ok!
Yes! Using a battery charger takes the converter and any posable 12v device out of the equation. The charger will supply the fuel pump with enough power to run non stop. (Yes plugs into 110vac)

This is not a final solution, it is a troubleshooting tool. Do the jump start as you have been to get it started. If she keeps going, then find why you don't have a 12vdc supply. Much easier when the genny runs.

 

[driftpro]

Much easier when the genny runs.