Posted: 5/25/2011 11:31:52 AM EDT
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Hi guys.
My smalle engine fu is weak. Its not my thing. With this in mind I need SF help. I have a generac 4000xl that has been completely reliable. Its got a Generac 220 N 7.8hp ohvi engine. I ran it for four hours maybe 10 days ago doing some light construction. Ran like a top. Fired it up to do more light construction today and it ran without issue for another 4 or 5 hours. Mid job it sputtered to a stop, sounding exactly like it ran out of fuel: sort of a slight reduction in rmp, a sputter and then nothing. No problem, I figure it is out of gas. WTF? there is 1/3 of a tank of gas in there! I pull the starter, it fires up immediately, runs wonderfully for 15-20 seconds, and sputters to a stop again. I can repeatedly pull the cord,it will immediately catch and run for the same sort of 15-20 seconds before sputtering to a stop. I've drained and replaced the fuel. Drained the carb bowl. Replaced the plug. Air filter is like new (bright white aand very clean); I've run it a bit and hosed it with carb cleaner. Nothing. Still starts wonderfully,runs 20 seconds and quits. It does have a low oil cuut off, but the red warning light is off, and the oil is good. This generator is an essential piece of my survival equipment. It runs my furnace fan and well pump. Input is appreciated. Fro |
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Fro,
It's the low oil shutdown switch that's located next to the oil filter. Unplug the wire going to it to trouble shoot. I spent half the night rebuilding and cleaning the carb on mine last time the power went out, only to figure out the next morning what it was. Drove me crazy...well, crazier. 
David |
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Quoted: Fro, It's the low oil shutdown switch that's located next to the oil filter. Unplug the wire going to it to trouble shoot. I spent half the night rebuilding and cleaning the carb on mine last time the power went out, only to figure out the next morning what it was. Drove me crazy...well, crazier. David Good call David. Those darn sensors are great when you are out of oil, but a nightmare when you are not. Honestly, I'd rather not have the feature as I check the oil frequently. |
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Quoted: Fro, It's the low oil shutdown switch that's located next to the oil filter. Unplug the wire going to it to trouble shoot. I spent half the night rebuilding and cleaning the carb on mine last time the power went out, only to figure out the next morning what it was. Drove me crazy...well, crazier. David I was going to suggest this. When the oil gets thin(not changed frequently enough), it can sometimes trip the sensor. |
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This model has an oil pressure switch, rather than an oil level switch.
If temporarily unplugging the switch doesn't fix the problem, try loosening the fuel cap while the engine is running - If the cap isn't venting properly, it will create a vacuum inside the tank that will starve the engine for fuel. |
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Or if the unit has a primer bulb, check that too. I've replaced two this year on older lawnmower units - briggs stratton and techumseh engine. If it even has a tiny crack in it, it will run for a few seconds then cut out as if it's out of gas. Could check it if it does have a crack or hole, push it in or pump it when it's just starting to cut out.
Just my worthless .02 cents |
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I've got the same model genset, as do many here. Did the switch fix it? The only other thing I can think is a fuel filter or fuel line clog.
On a side note, everyone here with one of these, where in the heck do you get a new fuel gauge? Mine cracked and fell apart from being stored in the Connex (it gets way too hot in there). I don't really care about not having the gauge, but now I have a nice big vent hole into my fuel tank that can't be good for it. Quoted:
Or if the unit has a primer bulb, check that too. I've replaced two this year on older lawnmower units - briggs stratton and techumseh engine. If it even has a tiny crack in it, it will run for a few seconds then cut out as if it's out of gas. Could check it if it does have a crack or hole, push it in or pump it when it's just starting to cut out. Just my worthless .02 cents No primer bulb on it. |
Don't ask me how it got there, I never take it outside of the garage except to run it. Maybe some kind of bug, IDK.