Low fuel = Generator cut off, Any way to by-pass?

[2racer]

There have been several times that we needed the generator to run just a bit longer, but it cuts off at 1/4 of a tank of diesel. More often, the frustration is that even if I'm not running the generator while traveling and run the coach under 1/4 tank, the generator still won't crank up after I re-fuel. There is a lot of time getting it primed. I get it when it runs low on fuel while I'm running it, but if the generator is not on, it shouldn't affect it. I'm not running on empty, just getting below 1/4 tank occasionally and it has become a huge pain with the generator. Is there any way to by-pass this automatic cut-off? Thanks!

[RVDude]

The bypass is going to interesting. The reason is the genset fuel intake is actually mounted on the tank up the side about 1/4 the way up from the bottom. You would have to tee off the main engine fuel line which is placed at the bottom.

[wa8yxm]

The moral is fill the tank more often.. The plan to "T" into the main fuel line is a poor one too. Here is why

Many main engines these days use a tank mounted pump Thus the main fuel line is under pressure. Now on an older rig with an engine mounted pump it might work.. The generator (Most of 'em I suspect) still use an engine mounted pump and may well complain about the pressure in the engine line. page 2

I just figured out the old 'The generator will only run if the main engine is running" complaint. Has nothing to do with fuel.

When the tank drops below the generator outlet fuel can drain from the generator line to the tank. leaving you with a line full of air.

I have found that the prime function on the Onan line may not be all it's primed up to be. Try this.

Hold the prime button as instructed.. Then "Tap" the start switch, just one revolution of the engine should be enough, sit back, count to 10 or so, press again, see if it starts now. I've done this many times

Even with a full tank it cranks and cranks and cranks doing it normally

Do the tap, pause, press bit and it takes perhaps 5 seconds to start

[TXiceman]

As noted above, the fuel pick up is located about 1/4 of the way up on the tank, so that you will not accidentally run the rig dry by using the generator. I would not change the factory set up personally.

I always start looking fro fuel at 1/2 tank and fill up by 1/4 tank when possible. On a rare occasion I will let it run under 1/4 full when it is a long haul between fuel stops.

Ken

[takepride]

2:

Have you tried the priming technique (mentioned above) after refilling your tank? Just hold the generator switch on "stop" for 5-10 seconds, then "start". It also works when you haven't run it for a while.

[2racer]

I understand why the function is there. But my issue with running below a 1/4 tank is that I travel the same area and like to fuel up at the same places I know have the best prices. It irritates me to pay .20 more per gallon when I know I can drive another 50/100 miles and fill up for less.

The priming function of the start switch for me takes a lot longer than 5-10 seconds after I run below 1/4 tank. The last two times, it has taken me 30 min. to get the generator to prime, holding the switch down sometimes for over a minute. (This is a new generator 8,000 Onan) Could there be something else wrong causing the "hard to prime" issue? Didn't seem to struggle this much with the original Onan. Any ideas?