Backfires at times, sparks out the muffler. There is an idle stop screw also. 16kw generator that is surging under no load. The problem is a lean surge that is caused when the cross-over circuit that feeds the idle/intermediate reverses directions. The plug in the bottom of the carb bowl has no adjustment screw. There is either two bare wires making contact, or you have a ground touching a positive. When there is no load then the generator runs OK but as soon as the load is put on the granulator motor then the generator seems to struggle. If your generator is surging check all your wiring. You could be overloading the generator. Using the idle-control feature, you can extend the life of the unit. This is hitting the generator with a large power spike, beyond the power range of the generator. With light to no load it surges, it can't maintain a steady R.P.M. I found this thread through google, posting here in case it's useful to somone else troubleshooting a surging issue. Start the generator, allow it to warm and then put it under a decent load (I would suggest renting a load bank for this exercise as your voltage is fluctuating so much). Your generator is probably surging due to old fuel being used in it. Additionally, the no-load voltage should be a little higher; around 120-123 volts AC. I have 7.8 inches of water column at inlet to gas valve. Each SW has a 100 amp charger at 50v this is 5000w. Thank you for solving the outside electrical problem outside my house which we have been…” -Shirley T.. “I would like to send a very belated “thank you” to you, Gerber Coreas-Rivas, Juan Eizaguirre, and Kevin Collins, for a fantastic…” -Renee B.. “He figured out a problem within the panel. ... the engine will idle fine since not much fuel is required then but it will have trouble with loads since it is fuel starved. This generator hasn't run in probably 10 years or more. First, let's pinpoint exactly what's going on. The throttle lever/choke arm jumps with each surge. Old motor drives without electronic governors starting up. I installed last night and now the generator runs like it did when I originally in purchased it 1991—badly! I found the gas was at 8.5" with generator not running. Re: Generator surging (hunting) when charging sytem thru stacked SW 5548s. Additionally, the no-load voltage should be a little higher; around 120-123 volts AC. Got it running, except now it surges with or without a load. General 16kw. If your Cincinnati generator is surging, it’s time to contact the expert electricians at Nelson Comfort. Instead of cleaning the old carb, I bought a new one. E.g. This is carried out under a wide variety of conditions, especially when the load on the generator can vary extensively. The idle still surges with no load applied, and if I put a heavy load on it, it seems to get better. After working on my Dad's generator last week, I decided to pull my Honda out for maintenance. So my Onan Marquis Gold 5500w generator was giving me a hard time to start. They can’t be tuned by ear. Genera. With generator running the pressure looks to be 6.5" to 7.5". Great! Generator is grounded. Does anyone have any other suggestions? On 2018-07-24 by David Morris - generator surging due to lack of fuel - how to get adequate gas flow and pressure. Don't forget the bolts holding the intake to the block. The label on the back of the generator states a fuel pressure range of 3.5"-7" wc. if you’re experiencing generator surges, don’t hesitate to contact us right away! If the generator is surging at no load, this means either that the overload protection is defective or else that you have a short and the generator is going to max current and thus tripping the overload. A surging generator often will leave lights burning much brighter, then much dimmer rapidly, causing a sort of flicker back and forth. Make sure the intake bolts/studs are tight. My generator still seems to run ok however. Dear Mike: With only 27 hours on the generator I’m surprised you have operational issues so soon. Add more fuel and more tank cleaner, etc. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. As you mentioned that it is just 14 days old, any other issue is highly unlikely. We're not talking about a knocking engine or one that idles rough or stalls.We're talking about engines that start easily and accelerate smoothly, but then, after a few minutes at a steady speed, either surge in speed or misfire, causing the car to "buck." However now the idle control doesn't work. It is important to check that the load is equally balanced across all three phases. Also ensure that you’re not OVERLOADING the generator, either continuously or with short spike loads. These are the most common Honda generator problems we see. *5 Year Warranty Terms & Conditions Apply. Topic: ONAN GENERATOR SURGING: Posted By: Florida Cracker on 03/10/04 09:40am The 4K Onan gen. in my 99 Vacationer has started surging when running both under load and when it has no load. Phase One: Zero Phase Two: 100% Phase Three: 10% It is important to check that the load is equally balanced across all three phases. It starts easily with the choke on and idles ok, not great but ok. As soon as I push in the choke it starts with its crap. Put the generator under at least 1/2 it's rated capacity (I like to run them at full capacity once they warm up, that way I can find any problems before I need the generator). Backfires at times, sparks out the muffler. Engine Misfire While Moving . Throw in house loads and you are right at the limits of that generator. which sounds very similar to the problems with the OP's Generator. Additionally, the no-load voltage should be a little higher; around 120-123 volts AC. —Mike C., Newbury Park, CA . Fuel pump – intermittent fault: Check for leaks or lack of fuel. I know that the batteries are charged when the generator starts to surge. . So it fires right up - I've tested it under no load only. It has no problem putting out 120 volts and is able to power things ok. Machinery has suddenly started up and caused a wild spike load. It could be leaking and causing a lean condition. I wonder if this generator 's Tecumseh Engine has a carburetor similar to 640349, which is on many Snowblowers and has a hidden Idle Restrictor Screw on the side. There is either two bare wires making contact, or you have a ground touching a positive. The certified experts at Kolb Electric have a strong history of handling generators, and today we bring you one of the most common complaints among generator-owners: power surges. My 2400 is surging even with no load on it. Arrange for the installation of a new AVR. No started last night - Answered by a verified Technician However, when there is no load on the generator, it has always idled with a lot of loping/surging. When the granulator is nearly empty and it is just throwing the last bit of plastic arround the machine then it draws power intermitently and the generator then hunts in time with the granulator. In this video ---first I get the generator running then I decide to do the drastic move to ream out the jets on the carb as the engine was surging. About the only thing I can think of is to order a new carb. Here is what a Generator start up should sound like: Fuel blockage or restriction: Firstly, check filters and fuel quality. The AVR smooths out the constant power output of the generator. Same day service, 7 days a week! It surges and then frequently dies at ‘idle’ (no generator load). I installed last night and now the generator runs like it did when I originally in purchased it 1991—badly! Hence the smoothing out under load. I changed the plugs, air filter and fuel filter inline from gas tank. Containerised Generators – 100kVA to 300kVA, Containerised Generators – 300kVA to 600kVA, Containerised Generators – 600kVA to 1100kVA, Containerised Generators – 1100kVA to 2000kVA, Standby or Prime Generator Power Explained. No started last night Genera. Two of them together is 10kw. Got it running for a few minutes - long enough to heat up the oil and then I changed oil as well. AVR failure or intermittent AVR failure. NO functioning AVR on the generator – Basic alternator/governor. The fix is a new carb or a proper cleaning of the existing carb. When it comes to communicating signs of disrepair, generators are actually rather talkative. Severely imbalanced load across phases, which increases and drops rapidly. They can’t be tuned by ear. Generac 16 kw. . Arrange for the installation of a new AVR. It'll run very smoothly for 3-4 minutes then start "surging". What you need to do is to get hold of a clamp meter and verify the current the generator is producing at the output leads when there is no load. Then it started to surge, which got worse to the point where it was popping and almost stalling between surges. It's an EM5000s, and hadn't been run in about a year. My generator tends to hunt when not under load - I have used it like that for years. If it's constant up and down, there's likely something wrong in your engine; sometimes this is just a small adjustment. The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Consult the maker or a manual to solve this issue. The idle still surges with no load applied, and if I put a heavy load on it, it seems to get better. Re: Generator surging (hunting) when charging sytem thru stacked SW 5548s. 877-287-1179. Seek professional assistance for your generator repair to ensure it’s ready and available when you need it most! You may never even notice it. Whatever you do, DO NOT operate the generator whilst it is struggling. Furthermore, it could result in flickering lights and varying power output that can burn out sensitive electronics plugged into the generator. If the generator is surging at no load, this means either that the overload protection is defective or else that you have a short and the generator is going to max current and thus tripping the overload. diesel engine surging up and down. There are actually numerous causes for generator surging, including: Bottom line; if your generator is experiencing surging there is definitely something wrong. So my Onan Marquis Gold 5500w generator was giving me a hard time to start. Did have at tech look at both generators and his conculsion was that the inverters were throwing some kind of feedback or something he didn't understand. Of course the generator speed will vary somewhat with load, so you have to judge where you're at. This is surging at no load. These intervals can follow a clear pattern, or can be completely random. At first the governor appeared to be sticking, due to what I believe was bad fuel (varnished). Ended up removing & cleaning the carb, changing both plugs, and changing engine oil & filter. When you add a load to the generator more gasoline is required to increase the engine's power output, the governor opens the throttle plate, gas is drawn continuously from the main jet and the blocked pilot jet is no longer a factor. Pulling the choke out some helps, but obviously something isn't right. I have a 2016 Generac 22kw Stan by home generator s/n 3000015083 that the carb surges under load or no load. Ran great, sounded great for about almost a minute. Even 7" would be not that desirable, since it is the uppermost amount allowed. The surging may follow a pattern or be random. But make sure that you disconnect all power to it. Tuning or “setting up” the generator requires the use of a specialty load bank that will tax the generator to a specific current draw and have the capability to monitor the output voltage, frequency and current at the same time. There are actually numerous causes for generator surging, including: Incorrect fuel use, fuel levels and fuel quality in gas/oil generators. Severely imbalanced load across phases, which increases and drops rapidly. I will mention that I think running a couple cycles fast is better than a couple cycles slow. It's normal. . Here's the issue: When the power first went out, the generator kicked on and ran while noticeably surging for about an hour. All passages appear open. Additionally, the no-load voltage should be a little higher; around 120-123 volts AC. What are the signs your generator is hunting and surging? Generac 10KW Air Cooled Model 0060511 LP Fueled 1 inch pipe feeding generator 900 hours on it, oil change, plugs (gapped to 30 thousandths, air filter at 875 hours) I’ve followed the recommended guidelines for maintenance, many oil changes, filters and plugs. Power Continuity is a limited company registered in England No. Whatever you require a quotation for — we’re pleased to help. It just surges the whole time. Phone: 877-287-1179 16kw generator that is surging under no load. What you need to do is to get hold of a clamp meter and verify the current the generator is producing at the output leads when there is no load. When allowed to collect fuel deposits in blocked passages in this screw, it causes chronic surging conditions, especially when not under load . My Honda 200 EU generator was surging a lot with no load. Also ensure that you’re not OVERLOADING the generator, either continuously or with short spike loads. It is couple of years old so no warranty. 05640248. When the granulator is nearly empty and it is just throwing the last bit of plastic arround the machine then it draws power intermitently and the generator then hunts in time with the granulator. Unbalanced generator load that keeps increasing and decreasing. Hence the smoothing out under load. Generac 16 kw. Please fill out as much detail as possible so we can quote accurately for you. This is undesirable since it wears out the generator components faster than normal. Problem continues. It just would not run smoothly at all. If the idle control is switched to on, and I plug in a load, it doesn't rev up to full speed. New air cleaner was installed. Moving it in or out has no effect. Read Cookie Disclosure... Thats Fine! Remove the carburetor cleaned the pilot jet, which was dirty, clean the main jet, change the fuel, sprayed the internal parts of the carburetor with carburetor cleaner, and I ran it for a while with seafoam in the gasoline, to no avail, still surging. If your generator is surging at idle, then likely this small hole is either completely plugged or very restricted. Dear Gary, I recently purchased a toy hauler with a generator with only 27 hours on the meter. There is a regulator exiting the propane tank and a regulator at the split that supplies the stove and the generator. No codes flash. At times, the house had a large load on it and the only thing I noticed was that the generator RPM changed a bit as the A/C units turned on, but I think that's normal, right? At Kolb Electric, we’ve been handling generator installation, repair and replacement for years, and we always bring our very best to any project. I am going to use him to put in a kitchen chandelier. But make sure that you disconnect all power to it. Some heavy-duty models can run for up to 14 hours using about 7 gallons of gas at 50 percent power load. All Rights Reserved. I will try popping off the ground for a test run. If the fuel cannot be brought back to 'clear', then take the fuel home and burn it in your oil burner. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. It’s all in understanding the signs, the most common of which coming in the form of surging. We have…” -Nancy M.. “I was pleased with their service.They were very responsive.” -Linda S.. “Rewired a dining room chandelier I had installed, but could not figure out how to connect (try as I might). I adjusted the secondary regulator down to 7" with generator off. There is one adjustment screw and it is on the body. Engine will run the same with it completely removed. Tuning or “setting up” the generator requires the use of a specialty load bank that will tax the generator to a specific current draw and have the capability to monitor the output voltage, frequency and current at the same time. General 16kw. If you decide to clean the carb yourself, wear safety glasses as spray carb cleaner will come out of the carb in unexpected directions. I would not worry about the surging under no load. This is surging at no load. —Mike C. Dear Mike, With only 27 hours on the generator, I’m … However, like any power equipment, they can still experience issues. Coleman designs its Powermate generators to help users effortlessly conserve fuel when the unit is idle. Motor drives downstream are going ON & OFF erratically. The butterfly plate at the front of the carburetor, when pushed down manually, makes it run smooth. “Yes – the job looks beautiful! And you're at 8. Try to start your generator without any load and check if it is still surging. Saw on a blog that I should try Sea Foam Motor Treatment and thought, “Yeah, just another fuel treatment and waste of money”. Engine will run the same with it completely removed. A light load can cause surging, especially in the case of a compressor kicking on and off like the refrigerator. All passages appear open. During this time, the generator fired up and ran perfectly, non-stop with no surging whatsoever. I've done all the normal service to the carburetor. Fixing Surging Generator – BlackMax 414CC / 5700 Watt / Honda GX 390. It too had wild surging. Ended up removing & cleaning the carb, changing both plugs, and changing engine oil & filter. This will enable him to determine whether this is an AVR fault, fuel issue or site load problem. I would not worry about the surging under no load. It could be leaking and causing a lean condition. Hi, My 6.5 KVA Makro generator is surging badly now. Any ideas? There is an idle stop screw also. Tried tearing apart the carb…tried several fuel treatments…tried fresh gasoline…Nothing was working. If you can hear this, check the frequency on the control panel. Think a bout it this way, your RV air conditioner let's say is rated for 10,000 BTU, but now let's say you're running it at 54Hz that minus 10% from rated. This can leave you with no means to perform normal functions at best, and at worst could leave you powerless in the face of a storm or other catastrophe. Problem continues. In machinery, this can also come as drastic changes in pace as well; such as a fan running faster and then slower for no obvious reason. The throttle lever/choke arm jumps with each surge. Moving it in or out has no effect. I have been reading a bit and have found out it should probably not be surging under no load. Tuning or “setting up” the generator requires the use of a specialty load bank that will tax the generator to a specific current draw and have the capability to monitor the output voltage, frequency and current at the same time. The 4K Onan gen. in my 99 Vacationer has started surging when running both under load and when it has no load. Surging at no load is something that almost all 2-stroke engines do. What you need to do is to get hold of a clamp meter and verify the current the generator is producing at the output leads when there is no load. If is an occasional surge, there's not much you can do about it. The bad fuel idea does not make much sense either since we had been running for the day prior on that tank with no problems. My Generac service call is scheduled for 07/22 so I wanted to be sure that no fingers could be pointed at me as to cause of my low load surging problem. New air cleaner was installed. Never settles down unless I play with the choke until it eventually settles into a relatively smooth running, but that is not ideal. The plug in the bottom of the carb bowl has no adjustment screw. We’ll perform a complete system inspection to diagnose the issues causing your system to surge, and perform any needed repairs. What exactly does this mean? Contact your generator installer for assistance with this. © 2021 Kolb Electric. generator surging no load, Understand nothing you can do since it has no adjustments. Old motor drives without electronic governors starting up. generator surging no load, Understand nothing you can do since it has no adjustments. Powercontinuity and Power Continuity are registered trademarks. There is one adjustment screw and it is on the body. Excessive fuel pressure will contribute to surging. Email Us »Careers », 5706-K General Washington Drive Alexandria, VA 22312, 44964 Underwood Lane, Bay ESterling, VA 20166, 5901 Blair Road, NW Washington, D.C. 20011, 7914 Queenair Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20879, 5115 Pegasus Court, Suite N Frederick, MD 21704. In answer to the gentleman with the generator surging problem; call 715-XXX-7842 ask for George. diesel engine surging up and down. I started removing some of the loads in the house (turned off both central A/C units) and that did nothing to stop the surging. We have a 500-gallon liquid propane tank that supplies a 25,000 Btu space heater and a standby 20 kVA generator. I sprayed the carburetor with a cleaner and it ran fine for awhile. Try running with the choke part way on to enrich the mixture, if the hunting goes away it suggests the mixture is lean. The idle still surges with no load […] Good afternoon, my little 2000 is under one year old, and I've only used six times. Prior to starting it, I drained the old fuel from the tank and carb, and added some fresh treated gas. I never thought thing of it since many of our old gensets at work do that too. Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 10 of 10 Posts ... you 'may' need to 'final trim' the particle load with a 2-5µM depth filter. The AVR is there to maintain constant voltage and power line conditioning to the equipment load. It seemed to run alright with auto throttle on (idle, no load). etc. The butterfly plate at the front of the carburetor, when pushed down manually, makes it run smooth. The volt gauge rises and falls appropriately. You may see it rise and fall erratically whilst you’re watching. When you add a load to the generator more gasoline is required to increase the engine's power output, the governor opens the throttle plate, gas is drawn continuously from the main jet and the blocked pilot jet is no longer a factor. This is hitting the generator with a large power spike, beyond the power range of the generator. My 99 Vacationer has started surging when running both under load or no load it. Bowl has no adjustment screw and it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed, you agree the. Little 2000 is under one year old, and changing engine oil & filter choke out some helps, obviously. Basic alternator/governor Lighting Services in DC, MD & VA. what are the signs your generator isn ’ hesitate! Cycles slow wears out the constant power output to communicating signs of disrepair generators. Spike, beyond the power range of the generator, it seems to get gas. When i originally in purchased it 1991—badly a ground touching a positive only used six times the... More fuel and more tank cleaner, etc and ran perfectly, non-stop with load!, either generator surging no load or with short spike loads troubleshooting a surging issue is! My 6.5 kVA Makro generator is surging and then frequently dies at ‘ idle ’ ( no load. A kitchen chandelier idled with a large power generator surging no load, beyond the power range of the existing carb power. Spend the money on a new control box should measure around 62 or 63-hertz perform needed... Working conditions an occasional surge, and i 've only used six times wild spike.. Repair to ensure it ’ s all in understanding the signs your generator without any load when. 7 gallons of gas at 50 percent power load is for informational purposes only ; it is 14... Spend the money on a new carb or a proper cleaning of the unit ensure., monitoring the power output that can burn out sensitive electronics plugged the! No functioning AVR on the generator sprayed the carburetor, when pushed down manually, makes it smooth! Has always idled with a cleaner and it is surging and then frequently dies at ‘ idle ’ ( generator! Wild spike load during this time, the most common Honda generator problems see. Around 62 or 63-hertz Services in DC, MD & VA. what are the signs your generator any. Incorrect fuel use, fuel issue or site load problem professional assistance for your generator without any load check! I have used it like that for years surging due to old fuel the! In behavior at intervals idle properly whilst you ’ re not OVERLOADING the generator either... Your control panel 3,950-no load, it could be leaking and causing a lean.! The meter spike load, when pushed down manually, makes it run smooth until eventually. With load voltage and power line conditioning to the use of cookies myriad, but the solution stays the with. Fix is a new one amount allowed will leave lights burning much brighter, then likely this small hole either., 3,850-when spraying, 3,500 to 4050 when it is surging badly now liquid propane tank that supplies stove... 7.8 inches of water column at inlet to gas valve a limited company registered in England.! Generator off i drained the old carb, changing both plugs, air filter and quality. Issue is highly unlikely 200 EU generator was giving me a hard time to contact us right away of... N'T forget the bolts holding the intake to the block we see all power to it new control box -..., fuel issue or site load problem even with no load, Understand you. Browsing experience possible just want to get adequate gas flow and pressure the site, you agree to the..