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Cummins12V98's avatar
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Dec 05, 2020

Generator Quit Running

Spent the night at a BIG Texas Rest Stop. Only load I had was the fan for the furnace. I had turned the 120V refrigerator off for the night. I am sure I didn't need the gen running but didn't want to be stuck without enough power to start the Gen to pull in the slides in the am.

So around 6am after about 8 hours run time it quit. I assumed it had ran out of propane.

Later in the day after getting fuel at Loves I decided to fill the tanks. HMMMMM first tank had around 3 gallons left and back tank was full.

Got to camp and sure enough the cooktop burner lit and so did the Gen.

Why would the gen quit with no load other than replacing the heater fan use ???

It was 13 degrees out.
Seeking Advice
  • ksbowman's avatar
    ksbowman
    Explorer II
    Dec 05, 2020
    Darryl&Rita wrote:
    13 degrees? Froze up the propane tanks. I know they aren't really frozen, but you know what I mean.
    I bet this is your problem. Turn it on the full tank and see if will run now. If it does then extreme cold was probably it.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Dec 05, 2020
    I do not know about propane Generators but on "Main engine Fuel" generators the generator runs out of fuel "Early" (like 1/4 tank) First time My Genny quit on me I knew this but did not know I was at quarter tank till I turned ye old key.

    Most LARGER propane generators suck liquid propane so when the liquid level drops BELOW the outlet pick up.. IT starves and dies.

    I stress however that I am GUESSING.. Not an expert on that type.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Dec 05, 2020
    "Should the window show "Green" when ample Propane is present and "Red" when empty?"


    Mine do, would expect, from pic, that yours are similar.

    Not sure at what temp, but at cold temp extreme, propane does not flow as well in 20-30 lb cylinders, especially if cylinder is less than half full. Some will use a 100 lb bottle type, for this reason.

    Jerry
  • Darryl_Rita's avatar
    Darryl_Rita
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2020
    13 degrees? Froze up the propane tanks. I know they aren't really frozen, but you know what I mean.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Dec 05, 2020
    Pic of transfer/regulator. Should the window show "Green" when ample Propane is present and "Red" when empty?

  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Dec 05, 2020
    MFL wrote:
    Can't say, as to oil issue on a built in, larger gen, but you likely know, the smaller portables need to be very near full, to avoid possible shut off.

    Jerry


    Thanks Jerry!

    Wish I would have checked things out further at the time but at 13 degrees, NO THANKS!!!

    Guess I will change the oil as it has 45 hours and 2-3 years on it.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Dec 05, 2020
    Can't say, as to oil issue on a built in, larger gen, but you likely know, the smaller portables need to be very near full, to avoid possible shut off.

    Jerry
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Dec 05, 2020
    The gen is 5 years old. It's a Cummins/Onan 6500 220V with only 88 hours.

    Is it possible the regulator has something to do with this?

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