| Author | Message | ||
| Neil (64.12.96.235)
Rating: N/A |
I have a 5kw Genwreck propane genset. This unit has been hard to start since new. The worst problem is that it won't start at all when its below 35 deg. Thats when we need it the most to run engine block heater and furnace etc. I have tried everthing I can think of and no luck. Any Ideas? Neil | ||
| Gary Stadler (Boogiethecat) (68.7.217.217)
Rating: N/A |
Other than the obvious of using thinner oil and making sure the spark plug gap is proper (or maybe even a few thousandths closer than spec), Hmmmmmm.... One idea, how was the propane conversion done? If it was "factory" one of the possibilities is simply bad engineering which genewreck is sometimes noted for.... They may not have provided a positive enough method of priming the engine. But before I go into the trillions of possibilities, can you tell me some particulars, like what kind of regulator is used, is there a small vacuum hose going to it from the engine in addition to the propane feed line, how is the propane injected (ie is it introduced before the choke or after it), is there a "prime" button or solenoid on the regulator, etc, etc. Although you say this has been a problem since new, I always ask, have you ever checked the compression? One thing about older engines, assuming that your genset is an older one, is that they were designed for leaded gasoline, and as such the valve seats relied on the lead to keep from sticking when opening. With non-leaded gas or propane, there isn't that soft cushy seat and each time a valve closes, it creates millions of "microwelds" between the valve and the seat. The result is that the valve will fail and begin to leak fairly early in the engine's life, lessening the compression. The cure for manufacturers was to switch over to hardened valve faces and seats. It's possible that you don't have as much compression as you should due to this, and the combination of cold, slower cranking, and lower compression could screw it up on cold days.... If designed properly, one of the benefits of propane is that it should start immediately even in super cold. So there's someting amiss here... just need more details to figure it out.... Last, exactly what have you tried? (other than the obvious of buying an Onan...  ) Cheers Gary | ||
| Neil (64.12.96.235)
Rating: N/A |
Gary Yeah I wish I had bought a Onan! It is a factory Propane Genset not a conversion.There is no means of priming the engine. I think that is the problem.It has a electric soloniod then a vacum operated regulator, then the line goes into the carb. The only thing I have tried is to remove the vacum operated regulater. Then it won't even start, it acts like it is getting to much fuel. If you crank it and turn off the propane it will try start. I punched a hole in the top of the air filter and if it's not to cold I spray some staring fluid in there and it helps. I guess we should just stay in warmer places Huh? This thing probably only has 50 hours on it and already 2 starters and a new head. Moral don't be mislead by the cheap price of a genwreck. Thanks Neil | ||
| Gary Stadler (Boogiethecat) (68.7.217.217)
Rating: N/A |
Both starting (and running) are very picky about mixture. Propane, as explosive as it is, has to have the right amount of oxygen mixed with it to go boom. Here's a thought, the way your regulator probably works if it has both a big and a little hose going to it, is this: The little hose is a vacuum safety cutoff. What happens is when you try to start the engine, intake manifold vacuum has to develop first and go thru that small hose to open the safety valve inside the regulator. Only then can the engine start. You may have poor vacuum during cranking just because of poor generec design. You could try, just for an experiment, to hook that line to a good external vacuum source (or even sucking on it should work!) and see if the motor starts easier. If your choke is operating properly, it should start right up. (The choke is necesary to tell the regulator to give the motor some propane, now that the safety valve has supposedly been turned on by sucking on the small hose) If that's the case, an easy fix would be to get rid of that regulator and replace it with one that you can buy from Otherpower http://www.otherpower.com/otherpower_propane_convert.html This one does not need the small hose and instead will have an electrical 12v prime solenoid that you operate manually for a few seconds, and it will start every time. I've used both types and both will start reliably IF everything else is right. But the electrical version is a lot more forgiving when the engine isn't up to snuff Hope that works for you... Cheers Gary | ||
| Neil (64.12.96.235) Rating: N/A |
Thanks for the input. Yesterday I changed the oil,regapped the plug and as I had it apart I noticed that the gasket behind the carb looked as if it could be leaking, so I put some sealer on that. It starts in about 5 sec. now and this morning at 40 deg it started in about 8. so maybe---- we will see. Neil | ||
| Johnny (63.29.158.10)
Rating: N/A |
From the replies here, I'm guessing I should probably NOT go with a Generac for my conversion? | ||
| Gary Stadler (Boogiethecat) (68.7.217.217)
Rating: N/A |
Not unless you love problems, noise, poor performance, overly expensive parts, hard starting, overheating, etc!! I got one for for free, installed it and used it for about 6 months. It's LONG gone now and an Onan is extreeeemely happily sitting in it's place. The only hard part of that "great deal" is that I had to do my genset installation TWICE to get the message....  All you have to do to get the mesage is read it! Much easier process I'd think.... Cheers Gary |