Diesel generator.

Mine was doing the same thing when first started and put under load. Changed the fuel filter and it's been good so far. Make sure you give a cold gen at least a minute or so to warm up before heavy loads are turned on. Also before shutting down you should turn off heavy loads and let gen run at idle for a minute or so for cool down. You should be able to retrieve a fault code when it stalls by using the blinking light on the start switch (see owner manual).

Sticky

Kayteg1 wrote:
90 percent of problems with diesel starting is air in the fuel lines.
Since most of diesel fuel lines operate on vacuum - a leak will not show fuel outside, but air inside. Most of diesels do have glass, or clear plastic lines so you can observe.
Diesels do have cold running mechanism, what is equivalent of choke on carburated engine, on computer program on gasoline injection. In different years/models it is different technology, but cold diesel need to increase rpm to run.

I guess that is why diesels have glow plugs and high pressure fuel pumps, so they can have vacuum fuel lines.

90 percent of problems with diesel starting is air in the fuel lines.
Since most of diesel fuel lines operate on vacuum - a leak will not show fuel outside, but air inside. Most of diesels do have glass, or clear plastic lines so you can observe.
Diesels do have cold running mechanism, what is equivalent of choke on carburated engine, on computer program on gasoline injection. In different years/models it is different technology, but cold diesel need to increase rpm to run.

A good first step is to change the fuel filter.

I had an oil pressure indicator switch go bad while sitting over the winter. Same symptoms. Tested by unplugging the oil pressure switch and it ran. Replaced it, an all was good.

big jim 2 wrote:
Try running the prime button for about 15 seconds and see if that doesn't cure the problem. The prime functions when you hold the off switch down. Jim

That will also heat the glow plug better. great idea.

Try running the prime button for about 15 seconds and see if that doesn't cure the problem. The prime functions when you hold the off switch down. Jim

Sounds like air is getting into the fuel system when it sits. I would start with a new fuel filter if it's been awhile or make sure it's tight if recent.

As stated in the title, this is a diesel generator, not gasoline, not propane.

Would help to know what make and model.

Be VERY careful (read don't do it) with water/detergent around electrical components.

I don't remember the exact details but when our 2004 Tropical Generator needed a new fuel filter, I received a "blink code" or something. Simple easy replacement solved the problem.