Testing a Genset output?

[92landyacht]

Agreed that the best way to store a gas genset is with no gas in the carb. A fuel cutoff switch is a good option. Bad gas fouling of the carb is the primary reason for a no start the next season. It's one reason that propane gensets seem to take long term storeage better then gas units. The only thing you need to check for after a long sitting with no gas is a stuck float. Usually a small rap on the float bowl will fix that.

Like I said earlier... Run your genset at least once a month to keep it in good shape. If not you risk a much higher probability of engine running and voltage issues later on. Keep a good dose of fuel stabilizer in at all times. By doing so you will keep stale gas varnish buildup down throughout the fuel system. Once you done your monthly run, then cut the fuel and let it run dry with no load.

If I try to start a genset that has sat for some time I'll drain gas out of the fuel line until I get good no stale gas flowing. I'll drain the float bowl and inspect it. If all checks out I'll then connect the fuel line and attemp a startup.

[Keyair]

I took my Killawatt over to the M/H...
But it refused to start.
Looks like the Facet fuel pump is the issue...
Pulled it out for some bench testing...

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by 92landyacht

Like I said earlier... Run your genset at least once a month to keep it in good shape. If not you risk a much higher probability of engine running and voltage issues later on. Keep a good dose of fuel stabilizer in at all times. By doing so you will keep stale gas varnish buildup down throughout the fuel system.

If you use fuel containing ethanol, varnish is the least of your worries. Ethanol is hydrophilic, and will bind to even the least amount of moisture in your tank. With small amounts of water, this is good. With larger amounts, especially coupled with changes in ambient temperature, the ethanol+water will separate out from the rest of the fuel, undergo a phase change, and turn into a sludge that is all but impossible to remove without disassembling the fuel system for cleaning.

[Keyair]

Just a quick update...
Cant get the onboard Kohler running.

I did however use an external 3500w genset, which I plugged the MH into via the power reel, and using the Killa-watt, adjusted that genset's output from 112v up to about 118v via the throttle linkage.

I was puzzled/worried when i tested the outlets using the yellow LED tester, that it was saying I have an "Open Nuetral" on all outlets...

How worrisome is this and where should I look?

[HiHoAgRV]

A redneck tester is a Kill-a-watt and a bunch of cube heaters. I fire up the genset and adjust the govn'r to acheive 60Hz on the KillerWhat. I then plug in enough of those small cube heaters (800-1000 watts each) to put 1/2 of the rated load on the genset. Then check to make sure the frequency is holding at 60Hz. The unit shouldn't even twitch at 1/2 load.

BTW, I don't plug all of thoses heaters into the Kill-a-Watt...that tends to let out the smoke in the Kill-a-watt

I have used a full load of heaters to simulate a maxed out genset, just assure you don't exceed the duty cycle (usually 80% of rated is a max load).

Your milage may vary, works best in the winter (ahhh, warmpth)

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, it is very common on these generators to carbon up. This is mainly because of two things; Lack of use and a constant low RPM operation. You need to remove the heads and scrape off the carbon. Unlike a car engine, You can't rev the crap out of them or do a full throttle "freeway banzai run" to blow the carbon out. Removing the heads isn't a hard job except for removing the generator to gain access. My Onan owner's manual listed this as normal maintenance.

[wmarsha]

remove the onan, buy a honda, mount the honda in the hole, set it and forget it. keep the onan in case you ever sell the whole enchilada and someone wants to restore it. an inverter gen is way better than the old onan.

[Keyair]

Originally Posted by wmarsha

remove the onan, buy a honda, mount the honda in the hole, set it and forget it. keep the onan in case you ever sell the whole enchilada and someone wants to restore it. an inverter gen is way better than the old onan.

At the risk of sounding rude...
I have a Kohler.
Send me the money for the Honda and I will put it in, otherwise please be sensible and keep reminding yourself that not everyone has a budget for that.

Now, back on track.
Maybe I am carboned up, and a decoke is a good idea for the medium future, as I will be pulling the genset out to redo the soundproofing.

Any thoughts on the Open neutral issue?

[Skater]

Originally Posted by Keyair

At the risk of sounding rude...
I have a Kohler.
Send me the money for the Honda and I will put it in, otherwise please be sensible and keep reminding yourself that not everyone has a budget for that.

Not only that but it probably won't fit.

Any thoughts on the Open neutral issue?

I'm no expert but I sort of thought that was normal for a generator. Doesn't have to do with the grounds not being an earth ground?

[garry]

Open neutral is a bad thing and very dangerous.

In my SOB with a 7KW Kohler I found the neutral wire in the distribution box in the generator compartment was burnt open.

Was OK on shore power.

Reread your post I would suspect the cord reel

[bkahler]

Steve,

The Kohler generator has a voltage regulator module that can go bad. Check out this thread: Kohler voltage regulator

I also use a Kill A Watt to monitor voltage in the motorhome. Very handy device.

Brad

[Keyair]

Thanks for that Gary!
I was concerned with good reason then!

I did test the portable genset at its outlet and it showed good.

Last year I pulled out the cable reel and did a refurb on it and the water and electric reel box.... the cable looked and felt good, but I did not think to test it...
Looks like that is on the suspect list, but I will have to check I did not miss something when I reinstalled it, as I disconnected it from the MH and the juction box under the bed.
Before..



After..


Completed compartment..



Also monted the Kohler on drawer slides for easier service..