Generator shutting down at 1/4 fuel tank. Is that ok?

GTHill · 01-29-2009, 08:19 AM

I had my generator shut down on my while driving and I remember reading that it will shut down at 1/4 tank to protect against the generator from running the coach out of fuel.

On my trip to Atlanta I ran the coach to less than 1/4 fuel level and the generator shut down. I like the feature, but I don't like that it starves the generator of fuel. When I went to restart the generator, it was really difficult. Is there a fix or best practices? Thanks!

GT

Dave Fernandez · 01-29-2009, 08:37 AM

Hello GT:

If you should starve the Generator again you can prime it by hold down on the STOP side on button for about 30 seconds or more and it will prime the fuel system on the generator.

GTHill · 01-29-2009, 08:43 AM

Is it bad to starve the generator? Thanks a lot for the tip!

GT

UFO Pilot · 01-29-2009, 08:49 AM

I try and fill up when I get to 1/2 tank or so. It also makes me get out of the Coach and walk around which I think is important.

jerry davis · 01-29-2009, 08:57 AM

It shouldn't be hard on the generator to run it out of fuel. Diesel engines are shut down by cutting off the fuel supply when you turn them off. As noted above, priming the generator prior to restarting helps get a quicker start.

EngineerMike · 01-29-2009, 01:11 PM

The troublesome part of starving a diesel isn't with the engine. The Injection Pump which is a fairly tight tolerance gizmo to produce very high injection pressures, gets its internal lubrication from the diesel it pumps. If you starve for fuel, you get premature wear in the IP cuz there's no lubrication. Won't kill you, but according to the old saying it will make you stronger, when you have to get the IP rebuilt. Better to keep the prime at all times.
The engine shut off is by killing diesel feed, but that keeps fuel in the IP.

Dblyolks · 06-28-2009, 08:46 AM

2000- Alpine. Fuel tank gauge just less than 1/2. Generator cuts out multiple times while driving, stays on while parked w/o cummins running. Fill fuel tank, both work while operating at same time.... Is there an adjustment to recalibrate the gen so it does not cut out so early as a safety fuel measure?

Thanks- Stan

dgerstel · 06-28-2009, 08:54 AM

Stan,

The 1/4 tank cut off is due to the pickup in the tank, not any setting on the gen. My guess it that your fuel gauge is off and not really at 1/2 tank. Fuel slosh is probably why it cuts off while driving and not while parked.

Wicked Whippets · 06-28-2009, 01:39 PM

The genset shutting off on low fuel in the tank is a design feature to keep you from running out of fuel and being stuck in the middle of nowhere. It is normal and much better than trying to start your engine on an empty tank.