Gen Set Problem

[JWhitcomb]

Got a starting problem with my gen set. Only happens at low temps and high altitude (temps in the teens and around 6,000 ft). It cranks but won't fire (propane fuel). First time it happened I poured hot water over the regulator and it started. Next weekend same thing, same hot water trick, no start. It would start later in the day after temp outside came up. I can hear the solenode click and smell propane. Twenty hours on current plugs.



Any ideas???

 

[TowPro]

I had a propane powered car that did the same problem. I used to have to start it on gas (I could choose propane or gas) when it was in the 20's. After the car warmed up it would switch over to propane fine.



I have a feeling that below a certain temp its hard to get the liquid propane to turn into a gas with enough volume to run the engine.

Originally posted by JWhitcomb

Got a starting problem with my gen set. Only happens at low temps and high altitude (temps in the teens and around 6,000 ft). It cranks but won't fire (propane fuel). First time it happened I poured hot water over the regulator and it started. Next weekend same thing, same hot water trick, no start. It would start later in the day after temp outside came up. I can hear the solenode click and smell propane. Twenty hours on current plugs.



Any ideas???

 

[klenger]

I understand this is common with a propane generator. (I just installed one a few weeks ago, but haven't used it in cold weather). I understand it helps to have a full propane tank. I think the reason is that there is more pressure. I have twin 40# tanks, so I think I will try to keep one topped off when operating in cold weather and switch to the more empty one when it warms up.

 

[JWhitcomb]

The close to empty tank makes sense to me. The tank I was using both times has about 25% left. Won't need to use it under those conditions any more this year but will remember it next year. Thanks

 

[Mtngoat]

Gen. Problem

I guess I can ask this question on here. I have a Onan 4. 0 gas generator in my RV. There is a hose from the engine to the air breather. It started running rough so upon looking into it, found the air breather and filter, full of oil. Replaced and cleaned it out. Ran the hose away from the air breather and when starting it cold, it will puke out about a half cup of oil into a can, then it is fine. Anybody have any ideas??



Robin

 

[JWhitcomb]

Could it be too much oil in the crankcase?

 

[Mtngoat]

Nope, been careful on the oil level. Now that I think about it, before I bought it, it had a top end done on the thing. I was using detergent oil in it. It was using some oil and figuring the rings hadn't set yet, I changed it to non detergent to help set the rings. It was after switching to non det that is started spitting out the oil. I'm wondering if the non det cleaned out some crud anfd it has stuck some relief valve open. Maybe I should go back to detergent oil to see if it cleans it out and stops the spitting? Whadya think!!



Robin

 

[klenger]

Onan has a forum on their website at http://www.funroads.com/onanstore/home.jhtml



It is monitored by Onan employees. Sometime they even provide usefull information. Usually it's just "take it to the dealer".

 

[Shooter]

Originally posted by Mtngoat

I was using detergent oil in it. It was using some oil and figuring the rings hadn't set yet, I changed it to non detergent to help set the rings.



Robin

I guess my question is :



What difference does detergent or non detergent oil have to do with seating rings ????

 

[Mtngoat]

Beats me... . Just what some mechanics told me... .

 

[JohnE]

cold weather starts

Got similar problems with our CNG rigs. The problem we have is that the regulator & controllers give excess gas. WE have to close down the fuel deliver ball valve and slow the flow. Add in the effect of 15W oil and it can be a lost cause.



The old mechanics myth is that non detergent oil allowed the carbon to build up in the ring area.



Do the manuals for your gen sets specify using a "gas" grade oil?

 

[Mtngoat]

It says to use a detergent type oil. .



Robin