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optimistic
Member
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# Posted: 19 Jul 2020 02:00pm
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Hey all,
I built a generator extended run. I used this tank: https://www.zoro.com/scepter-marine-portable-fuel-tank-red-6-gal-plastic-08592/i/G509 2040/
The tank is placed below the generator and I have a fuel hose with bulb that will pump the gas to start the siphoning. I set the vent on the scepter tank to open and let it run then pump a few times...
The generator sits in a silence box. It has been shutting down on me a few times. Last time he shut down I opened the generator and saw that it had a decent amount of gas in it. I am trying to figure out what is wrong. These are the options I think an I am hoping people here can chime in on what is the likeliest issue?
1. gas tank sits below generator?
2. air lock? (honestly I am not sure how this works since the air is let into the scepter via a vent so how is it sucking how the fuel?)
3. electrical issue in cabin?
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hamish
Member
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# Posted: 19 Jul 2020 03:42pm
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What Honda generator are you using? Does it have a fuel pump?
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paulz
Member
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# Posted: 19 Jul 2020 07:18pm
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Most generators have an oil level sensor that shuts it off if the oil level gets low.
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FishHog
Member
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# Posted: 19 Jul 2020 07:57pm
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Put the tank higher than the generator and I bet your problems are solved. Factory tanks are above on most and they rely on gravity feed.
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paulz
Member
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# Posted: 19 Jul 2020 08:54pm
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All of mine are gravity fed except one. One of those Chinese knockoff suitcase jobbies, Homelite I think. The tank is about even with the carb full, below after. There is a little pump that works off crankcase pressure.
If your original tank is below the carb, you have a pump,but it may not be strong enough to lift it far.
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 19 Jul 2020 10:18pm - Edited by: ICC
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I am assuming this is a Honda EU1000, 2000 or 3000 generator.
I also assume that the original Honda fuel cap has been replaced with one of the non-vented replacement caps that have a connector for the remote tank hose. The original Honda caps all have vents and the slightest air leak will prevent operation of the remote tank system.
Those generators have a fuel pump much like the pump used on outboard motors. The squeeze bulb in the fuel tank hose is used to eliminate air bubbles by hand pumping fuel from remote tank to the generator fill cap. With no vent in the cap when the engine runs and fuel is used the slight vacuum created in the generator fuel tank causes fuel to flow from the remote tank to the generator tank.
So, I suspect there is either an air leak in the system from remote tank to generator OR the tank is too low and the suction is insufficient to lift the fuel that far. Perhaps it is on the edge and will lift fuel when the remote tank is full but then begins to fail as the level in the remote tank falls. If it was very close to the edge. even a day when the barometer has fallen may be enough to cause trouble. (It's not only the vacuum that makes the fuel move but also the atmospheric pressure that puches the fuel towards the location of lower pressure.)
The next time this occurs I would lift the tank to be at least on the same level as the generator and try again.
Good luck.
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optimistic
Member
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# Posted: 20 Jul 2020 10:41am
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ICC - you are spot on. Honda 2000 and non vented replacement cap. I used make a gasket aviation for my connections: https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-80019-Aviation-Gasket-Sealant/dp/B000HBM3QQ
The bottom of the generator is about 16-20" above the bottom of the exterior tank.... I will raise the tank next time I go to see if that fixes it. If it doesn't - I will redo all my connections
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paulz
Member
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# Posted: 20 Jul 2020 11:27am
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If it's running out of fuel it shouldn't be hard to diagnose..it won't restart without a prime or choke. Did you check that?
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optimistic
Member
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# Posted: 27 Jul 2020 04:29pm
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I put the gas tank on top of the generator silence box...
Seems to solve the issue. I think now the gas is coming in much stronger since there is a bit of gas near the cap... I need to tighten that cap better next time.
I will let it run next time from early in the morning until 4pm to make sure..
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