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Generac shutting down

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Boden

Jan 1, 1970
0
My Generac 4000XL (Model 190 gasoline engine) started this morning on
the second pull. It then ran under about 50% load for at least 30
minutes but shut down spontaneously.

I've restarted it about six times and on each cycle it started on the
first pull, runs smoothly for 1/2 to one minute and then stops.

Fuel tank is full, oil level is correct, low oil pressure light doesn't
come on, ambient temperature is 31 F, total time on the 4000XL is 262
hours.

The last time it ran, about a month ago, the generator ran for 6 to 8
hours under load without event.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Boden
 
R

RW Salnick

Jan 1, 1970
0
Boden brought forth on stone tablets:
My Generac 4000XL (Model 190 gasoline engine) started this morning on
the second pull. It then ran under about 50% load for at least 30
minutes but shut down spontaneously.

I've restarted it about six times and on each cycle it started on the
first pull, runs smoothly for 1/2 to one minute and then stops.

Fuel tank is full, oil level is correct, low oil pressure light doesn't
come on, ambient temperature is 31 F, total time on the 4000XL is 262
hours.

The last time it ran, about a month ago, the generator ran for 6 to 8
hours under load without event.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Boden

Look at the fuel filter...

bob
 
B

Boden

Jan 1, 1970
0
RW said:
Boden brought forth on stone tablets:



Look at the fuel filter...

bob
Yes. But Generac didn't see fit to install a fuel filter. Should I
disassemble and clean the carburetor and then install an after market
fuel filter?

Boden
 
B

Boden

Jan 1, 1970
0
z said:
@gnus01.u.washington.edu:




also make sure the fuel tank is vented -- dono if the vent is on the cap
or where on that gen, but if the vent is off or plugged you might get the
same symptoms
Same problem running with the fuel cap off.

Boden
 
B

Boden

Jan 1, 1970
0
daestrom said:
Don't have any experience with that model, but I agree with the others.

One thing, when it dies, does it just cut off immediately, or does it
chug/run/surge. Usually running out of fuel does the latter, while
immediate shut down with no surging is a sign of ignition system. FWIW

daestrom
When it stops it doesn't labor...it just dies, immediately.

Boden
 
S

surfnturf

Jan 1, 1970
0
Not familiar with that unit, but could be shutting off on low oil. Time
delay will make it behave like that.

surfnturf
 
B

Boden

Jan 1, 1970
0
Thanks all for the suggestions. I'm back on the air.

Since we're expecting a foot of white stuff tonight I decided, that cold
as it is, finding the problem was indicated. The gremlin was the oil
pressure switch which had failed shorted. Fortunately I had a spare
(when I bought the generator about 15 years ago I went through the parts
book and ordered all the parts that I thought might go belly up.)

As an aside, I've been having trouble for several years getting this
generator going in cold weather (0 to -20F) so I was planning this
summer to convert it from gasoline to propane. I have even bought the
kit to do the conversion. However, in late fall I came across a a place
on the internet in Canada that makes flexible heaters. I ordered a
small, 50 or 60 watt heater (about 1.5 x 3 in) and glued it to the
engine as close to the sump as possible. Every time I've tried to start
the engine this winter it has spun up on the first or second pull. This
morning, at -5F it started with the first pull too, only to stop 15 sec
later...not the fault of the heater though. With a new oil pressure
switch in if I need it tomorrow I'll be a happy camper.

Boden
 
V

Vaughn Simon

Jan 1, 1970
0
Boden said:
The gremlin was the oil pressure switch which had failed shorted.

Thanks for the follow-up. It is always nice to know how things turn out for
you. More importantly, your follow-up increases our collective knowledge base
just that little bit.

Vaughn
 
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