Hard starting 3412 Cat

[AKAMAC]

Our 750kVA generator is giving us fits. Starts but only after 3 or 4 crank periods. Does this when warm or cold starting. New filters and good fuel. Any ideas on possible causes? Mike

 

[Will24]

I'd look for an air leak somewhere in the fuel system before I dug around too much. How many hours are on the unit?





-Will

 

[AKAMAC]

The unit is about 10 years old but only has about 300 hours.

When it finally starts it smokes bad for a minute or so.

 

[CPjMech]

Sounds like it may be loosing it's prime. If it has a hand priming pump, take it off and make sure there is nothing stuck in the 2 check valves and make sure they hold, also make sure the check valves did not come loose, they can flip over in there and cause all sorts of probs. Good luck.

 

[AKAMAC]

Thanks, I'll go out and give that a look-see. I know it has to be a simple fix, they usually are. Mike

 

[AKAMAC]

Well you guys called it.

There was a piece of the plunger rubber missing that had lodged itself in the check valve. All is good and saved a call-out from our Cat dealer.

Craig, if you need anything hauled up from the Bay Area this weekend I'm leaving for Tacoma on monday morning. All I will have in the bed is the dog and some hand tools. Hitch is also clear. Thanks again! The TDR comes through again!

 

[CPjMech]

Glad you got it. Saved yourself $100 or more for a field call. Thanks for the hauling offer, can't think of anything I need brought up though. Why you coming this way? Have a good trip up. By the time you get up here you will have missed the great 70+*F sunny temps we are having

 

[AKAMAC]

Craig, our Cat dealer has a 2 hr minimum and charges 140/hr. We saved a little more than that.

I'm headed to my moms to fix-up her place so she can sell it. You know the typical dry-rot, plumbing, trim and minor exterior stuff.

Mike