Community Forums

idaguy · 07-05-2016, 10:32 PM

Hello, New to the forum. I recently purchased an 87 lance 11.3 and have been testing all the components out. I have gotten everything to work except for the generator and dometic fridge. Unfortunately the outlook for the fridge is looking bleak. As for the Genset (kohler 2.5 KW propane) everything seems fine with it, it turns over fine when hitting the start button and it has a spark. I cannot figure out why it is not getting any fuel. I made sure that propane was actually getting to the solenoid and that checked out fine. I then took the plunger out of the solenoid temporarily to let the gas pass through freely. Still no fuel is getting to the actual carb. Any Ideas what I should try next? Thanks

Skip426 · 07-07-2016, 10:29 AM

Welcome to iRV2.

Can you find any manufacturers names on any of the components ?
Impco ? Vialie ?
Any chance you could post a picture of what your working on .

Info on posting photos is in the " FAQ" drop box , in the dark blue bar across the top of the page , under the Google search box.

idaguy · 07-08-2016, 09:44 AM

Thanks skip. The only brand i see was garretson sd on the regulator. I believe the engine is tecumseh tvm140. will try to get some pictures although the gen is in a cramped space. I lowered the gen and saw that the fuel line was cracked so I replaced it. I checked the diaphragm in the regulator and it looked good. Went to start it and still nothing. Noticed the diaphragm had a primer on it so I tried that and it started right up. Problem is that is will only start if it is primed and it is impossible to hit the primer if the gen is fully up and secured. I'm wondering if I should just replace the regulator all together. Another problem I found was after I let it run for a bit and warm up I would turn it off and when I started it back up it ran like it was misfiring and now it constantly does that. Any ideas?

Skip426 · 07-08-2016, 10:15 AM

I'm assuming that , the motor hasn't been run for a long time ; if that's the case there may be issues with sticky valves . Valve train problems are possible with propane fueled motors, though not as common as gas engines. Hope that's not the case though. Have you checked the plug (s) priming may have dislodged some debris into the combustion chamber.
I've only worked on the two propane systems that I listed , I'll take the name you posted and search for info tonight.
I'll also check the engine model for online info.

Skip426 · 07-09-2016, 10:40 AM

Good morning , I haven't found info on your propane system ; but I did have a thought . Propane flow from the regulator to start the engine and keep it running is probably controlled by a vacuum signal from the engine intake manifold to the regulator. With the engine able to run after priming there are a few possible problems . Low vacuum at the motor ; possible due to slow cranking RPM, or an internal engine issue; compression low, due to ring or valve issues; or the diaphragm in the regulator has stiffened to the point where the vacuum signal during cranking is not enough to move the diaphragm to allow propane flow, but vacuum when running is enough to keep it open after priming.
Is the engine still miss-firing , after cooling off completely?

idaguy · 07-10-2016, 01:42 AM

Thanks for all the help skip. Turns out I just needed to adjust the bias on the regulator along with the mixture screw on the carb. As far as the state of the engine itself the only clue I have is the oil which looks very clean so hopefully that bodes well.

quadnkev · 08-13-2016, 02:01 PM

I have a 1995 Lance 945 and it had a problem in the propane system that may be something similar to you as the refrigerator was mentioned.
The hose from the back of the regulator was the original and had deteriorated inside and causing some LP items to malfunction but not all, but notably the refrigerator and the oven, the burners were OK. I had replaced the regulator and hoses to the tank, but not that hose. That perked up some of the system but after the hose got replaced and the regulator adjusted it is fine. So my suggestion is replace all the hoses and regulator and make sure it is adjusted along with the rest of the units.