Generator Surging

slickcher · 06-02-2008, 09:52 AM

I noticed today while running the generator, that after a while it started surging. I suspect I may have had too much draw on it. Both A/C units were running along with the fridge in ac mode. I shut off the A/C and the surging stopped. I have a 8KV CAT diesel with 80 hrs on it. I suspect the surging is not good for what is running. I am not an electrical guy, so could use some help.

Thanks

slickcher · 06-02-2008, 09:52 AM

I noticed today while running the generator, that after a while it started surging. I suspect I may have had too much draw on it. Both A/C units were running along with the fridge in ac mode. I shut off the A/C and the surging stopped. I have a 8KV CAT diesel with 80 hrs on it. I suspect the surging is not good for what is running. I am not an electrical guy, so could use some help.

Thanks

Lug_Nut · 06-02-2008, 10:16 AM

Surging under load may be a sign of the fuel filter being somewhat clogged.

Peter

RVDude · 06-02-2008, 10:57 AM

Surging under load often indicates starving for fuel (as lug_nut indicates) or air. The cheap DIY start is to head to NAPA and pick up both the fuel and air filter and you might as well do the oil since you have 80hrs (and 2yrs) on it - don't know if you did the initial oil change or not. Also check that the oil is not overfilled which can result in a low oil pressure indication (caused by crankshaft oil foaming) which might be feathering the engine.

If that don't nail it (again check under full loading like you did) then there could be a kink in the fuel line - trace it back until it becomes a steel line or maybe even a governor issue.

I also noticed you have a 2006 model w/80hrs on the genset. Sounds a little like myself with such low gen hours. Have you reasonably regularly done the monthly "exercise" thing (run it under full load for 15+mins or so? This could possibly indicated magnetism loss.

slickcher · 06-02-2008, 11:48 AM

Thanks for all your help. I did change the oil and filter at 50 hrs. I have been exercising the genset since I learned about the importance of doing so earlier this year. It sounds like I did not have it over-burdened though. I will change the air and fuel filter as was suggested. I should be able to get those at NAPA, or last resort the dealer.
Thanks again--We are headed for the Finger Lakes area of New York State, beautiful in the summer.

RVDude · 06-02-2008, 02:16 PM

Sounds like you are spot on track...

Owasco Lake, yep, some mighty fine country up yonder...

Let us know if the filters get you going... NAPA will have them, maybe take the original filter numbers in with you and they can cross. It'll be far less expensive than dealer. You can also try https://www.rvchassisparts.com/Rally.asp

Enjoy and safe travels!