Quick question on diesel gens –

I was ‘unmothballing’ the rig yesterday and everything was running well – I ran the gen for a while (10 minutes) with the A/C units on for load and the generator eventually dropped rpms and died – it will not restart.

The fuel cut solenoid is fine (new last year). The one question that keeps popping up in my mind - is there a point where the generator will not pick up fuel from the main tank? I am under 1/8 tank and maybe the original designers set the diesel fuel pick up for the generator up a bit so you could not drain your main diesel tank all the way with the generator.

Any thoughts?

quote:

Originally posted by chrisW:
...is there a point where the generator will not pick up fuel from the main tank? I am under 1/8 tank...

Yep... that's the point. They make it so you can at least drive your coach to a fuel stop.

You'll need to reprime the fuel system.

quote:

Originally posted by chrisW:
is there a point where the generator will not pick up fuel from the main tank?

Usually.

quote:

I am under 1/8 tank

You are most likely below the above-mentioned point. It is usually around a quarter tank.

quote:

and maybe the original designers set the diesel fuel pick up for the generator up a bit so you could not drain your main diesel tank all the way with the generator.

Bingo!

Thanks guys - that’s what I figured. I will check with the bank on the current mortgage rates before filling the rig...

You really shouldn't store your coach with so little fuel in the tank. I recommend a full tank with stabilizing conditioners before storing it next year.

Yeah, that was ‘one of those things’ that I was supposed to get done before winter, nearest good diesel station is 25 miles away… and then it was thanksgiving…and then it snowed early…and then it was Christmas…

And now it is spring.

I might say that I plan not to repeat that cycle next fall. But I will probably forget that by then!

Vehicles that sit get water in the tanks. Light airplane pilots sump their tanks before every flight. Boat suppliers sell water separators.

My underneath filter is a Fram HPG1 with a bung welded in for a petcock to drain water. I get a little now and then, but less than in the past, as the alcohol they are adding to the fuel mixes with the water.