Forum Discussion

lamoz's avatar
lamoz
Explorer
Jul 07, 2014

Gen-set fuel issue?

Bought my 85 pace arrow and it came with a non running gen-set. I believe it's on/off switch maybe faulty or not wired correctly. I was able to get it running by jumping the solenoid. I notice when I connect the + wire to the fuel pump it pumps fuel regardless if the gen is running or not. I believe is floods the carb. So I connect the wire and get the gen to run, after a few seconds a bit of black smoke comes out of the exhaust and it starts to surge. I unplug the fuel pump wire and it evens out and runs perfect. Obviously it will die after all the fuel on the line is used up unless I connect the pump again and start the cycle of connecting and disconnect the pump.
The fuel line from the pump to the carburetor was damaged, so a rubber hose has been added.
Do I need to put a fuel pressure regulator? Is it a carburetor problem?
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jul 12, 2014
    That one is easy.. It has sat so long the carb is gummed up, You need to do a D&C on the carb,, (Disassemble and clean) You may have other issues too but this is your primary, pay special attention to the float and needle valve and their adjustments when you re-assemble.

    NOTE if you have any Flakes of stuff in the needle valve,, They will be kind of rubber like... Get a new fuel pump, you will be needing it.
  • gunny357's avatar
    gunny357
    Explorer
    Jul 12, 2014
    First of all, post a model/spec/serial number of your genset.

    Going to make an assumption as most of those came with an Onan genset. Onans use a low pressure fuel pump, 2 psi is fine.

    Thinking it experienced a fuel pump failure, someone replaced it with a regular automotive one with too much pressure.
  • lamoz's avatar
    lamoz
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2014
    rjxj wrote:
    Geez I dont know, I went deeper and deeper into the pic folder and forgot all about what your question was. :)
    Someone will be along to help but I'm going back to the pics.


    * thanks for the non help, glad I helped you kill some time

    to the other members..I really appreciate your help, I'll clean the carb and check the float.
  • DiskDoctr's avatar
    DiskDoctr
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2014
    A few things come to mind.

    1. Can you post a pic or model number of the fuel pump? It's probably not original in a 1985 and may be too much psi.

    2. Cleaning them float and needle valve is a good idea.

    3. Check your oil level and for the smell of gasoline. If flooding past float, this is where the gas often goes.

    4. If convenient access, remove rubber line between pump and carb and inspect. Make sure it is fuel line and look for any rubber pieces or debris.From the old line some debris may be in your carb.

    5. If you have a summer/winter switch, make sure summer.

    6. If any choke, hold it off when running and pump is on, see if it runs better.

    7. Turn off breaker/switch for output of generator and test it for running.
  • Sloop_Smitten's avatar
    Sloop_Smitten
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2014
    I would suspect there is a problem with the carburetor float. You should be able to remove the carburetor bowl and confirm the float is not stuck and the valve it activates releases. Might be worth giving the float and valve a good cleaning with a can of spray carb cleaner.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2014
    Geez I dont know, I went deeper and deeper into the pic folder and forgot all about what your question was. :)
    Someone will be along to help but I'm going back to the pics.

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